Native Foods Of Taiwan Sold In The Streets Of Taipei City: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Street foods play an important socioeconomic role in meeting food and nutritional requirements of consumers at affordable prices to the lower and middle income groups and are appreciated for their unique flavors and convenience. Street foods also assure food security for low income population and livelihood for a significant proportion of the population in many developing countries and that includes Taiwan. Taiwanese street foods are found everywhere around the country, but Taiwan’s night market in particular are the places where these street foods can be found in abundance, with each night market having its own traditions and characteristics. This study aimed to find out the different native foods of Taiwan sold in the streets of Taipei City, the general and unique characteristics of these native foods, how are they prepared and the unique ingredients used. Descriptive qualitative method of research was used in this study. Observation, interviews and photographs were administered. The result of the research indicate that selling street foods in the night markets of Taipei is a great source of livelihood, with less capital but poured-out with expertise in preparation and cooking of delicious and palatable native/traditional foods which uses unique ingredients such as the “secret” medicinal herbs and different seasonings to flavor their products. It’s really a “must-visit” and experience it when one is here in Taiwan