Vegging Out!

—On the Front Lines of Plant-Based Foods

We have long been accustomed to thinking of vegetables as mild-flavored side dishes to go with fish and meat rather than taking a leading role on their own. But is this really the case? In response to the global trend of plant-based eating, the culinary and baking industries are proactively en......

The Climb to Wuling

June is the season for cycle racing to Wuling. Competitors approaching from the west start at the geographic center of Taiwan in Puli, at 555 meters above sea level, and head uphill to Wuling—the highest point on Taiwan’s public road network—at 3,275 meters. Riders enjoy the beautiful scenery ......

The Taiwanese Aesthetic

“Taiwanese sensibility” has been a hot topic online in recent years, but what does it mean? Perhaps it refers to Taiwan’s blend of old and new, perhaps its laid-back atmosphere filled with human kindness. However, in concrete terms it is inextricably connected to memory-filled old buildings, r......

The Mekong Cultural Hub:

Building an Arts Network for Taiwan and Southeast Asia

In April of 2025, the first Chakto Program for contemporary dance was held in Cambodia. Among those invited by one of the sponsors, the Mekong Cultural Hub (MCH), to be a jury member was theater worker Wu Weiwei, director of Taiwan’s We Art Together Foundation and chairperson of the Performing......

Redefining Authenticity:

Taiwanese Scones

When it comes to classic scones, we think of Elizabeth II’s afternoon tea. Halve the scone horizontally, and slather each half with clotted cream and jam. Enjoy it with black tea poured from a bone china teapot. This is a quintessentially British ritual. Since their introduction into Taiwan, s......

Infinite Variety:

Taiwanese Croissants

When visiting Taiwan, as well as enjoying pearl milk tea and xiaolongbao steamed dumplings, why not pamper your tastebuds with local croissants? Visionary bakers and entrepreneurs here have been experimenting with the shapes and flavors of this timeless French pastry. In Taiwan, you can find b......

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In Search of Taiwanese Sensibility

“Taiwanese sensibility” has been a hot topic online in recent years, but what does it mean? Perhaps it refers to Taiwan’s blend of old and new, perhaps its laid-back atmosphere filled with human kindness. However, in concrete terms it is inextricably connected to memory-filled old buildings, r......

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The Power of Soy

More than just a dessert, douhua (tofu pudding) in Taiwan is a cultural symbol redolent with memories. Since the early days when sellers peddled it from carts, douhua has entered boutique restaurants and even been served at state banquets, encapsulating the Taiwanese people’s meticulous attent......

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Watery Taiwan

In Taiwan, surrounded by ocean and blessed with many rivers, water is not just a natural resource, but a vehicle of cultural memories. Across the island, water-related spaces shape local landscapes, embody our reliance upon the earth, and inspire deep-rooted folk culture. When visiting rivers,......

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Historic Small Towns

Taiwan’s historical evolution has given rise to many towns with unique cultural attributes. They include Lukang in Changhua County, Checheng in Nantou County, Xincheng in Hualien County, and Zhudong in Hsinchu County. These towns, with their tangible and intangible cultural heritage, reveal th......

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Exploring Temple Culture

In Taiwan’s religious culture, divination by drawing fortune sticks is widely practiced among the faithful. One can get guidance from the gods on anything from marriage and medications to personal and national luck. In this month’s Cover Story, we explore several aspects of religion in Taiwane......

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Renaissance of Things Past

Among Taiwan’s resurgent industries, salt, shell ginger, camellia seeds, and bamboo have unique ecological and economic value. Traditional salt-making techniques are combined with modern technology to develop high-quality sea salt, meeting market demand and promoting local economic development......