An authentic taste of Taiwan on the Chinese mainland

By Fu Yu: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail CRI, June 16, 2014

Chen Mingyi, a vendor from Taiwan, cooks lamb chops at the Cross-strait Fair held in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian province on Friday, June 13, 2014. The fair runs from June 13 to 17. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Fu Yu]

A fair featuring food and culture from Taiwan is held during the 6th Cross-strait Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian province, where visitors are offered "a bite of Taiwan" on the Chinese mainland.

This year's event has been re-named the Cross-strait Fair to convey the "Same Chinese Dream" message as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kuomintang Honorary Chairman Lien Chan vow to boost cross-strait ties.

Seven night markets from five cities in Taiwan made their debut at the Xiamen fair, showcasing their snacks to the mainlanders. A stall owner only identified with her surname Chen, who runs a lamb chop stall at the fair, hopes to give visitors an authentic taste of Taiwan's local delicacies.

"There are many ways to cook lamb chops in Taiwan. Our lamb chops are first roasted and then stir fried, so they have a unique aroma. We run this same business at home. The place where I come from is known for its lamb. People here seem to enjoy it."

Visitors are delighted with more than lamb chops at the fair, as they swarm the stalls. Few leave empty-handed. Liu Jie, a Xiamen local, has just tried out some "double sausages", one of the most famous Taiwan snacks. A double sausage has a small sausage rolled inside a bigger one.

"I've never eaten this "double sausage" before. It tastes really good. I believe this is the authentic Taiwan taste because it is made by real Taiwan people. I've always wanted to go to Taiwan but never had the chance. This is as close as I can get in terms of food."

The event organizers have high hopes for the fair. Authencitity is their priority, though quality and food security can't be compromised either.

Kony Liang is chairman of the board at the Cross-strait Business Development Committee.

"We have very strict standards for food in Taiwan. We don't like copycats. They copy from each other and distort the essence of Taiwan food. We import food directly from Taiwan and set the bar really high for vendors at the fair to change that. We only want the real thing."

Liang says the fair is a great place and a good beginning for people from both sides of the strait to learn about each other's food culture.

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