On October 8th, the vibrant 113th National Day celebration of the Republic of China took place in Foster City, California, offering a feast of Taiwanese food and drinks. This event, organized by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, featured a variety of booths showcasing unique Taiwanese businesses, much to the delight of attendees.
Among the exhibitors was Combo Market, which showcased a range of Taiwanese agricultural and aquatic specialties, including the authentic Beef Noodle Soup from Tainan. Guests were also treated to samples from Mei Er Mei, a popular breakfast spot, immersing them in the rich flavors of Taiwan.
One of the highlights was Fromosa Chocolates, founded by Kimberly Yang, a licensed psychiatrist who creatively incorporates Taiwanese ingredients into her high-end chocolates. “It’s exciting to connect with guests who share a love for Taiwanese cuisine,” she shared, particularly highlighting the popularity of her Tieguanyin chocolate.
Ting-Cheng Chang, the founder of J&C Ginka, expressed his passion for Tainan’s famous hot pot noodle soup, which he has made more accessible in the U.S. with a convenient meal kit. Many attendees were pleasantly surprised to find Tainan-style hot pot noodles available right in the Bay Area.
Lisa Hung from Itaiwan Food showcased an assortment of Taiwanese snacks, noting the excitement among guests who discovered they could purchase these local favorites. “For many attendees, especially those who haven’t been back to Taiwan in years, seeing these familiar foods brought back so many memories,” she remarked.
Additionally, the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation introduced their fruit-flavored beers, which were met with enthusiasm from guests. The Tainan Distillery’s Yu Shan whiskey also garnered attention, with general manager Hsu Hsuan-Yu explaining how Taiwan’s unique humid climate significantly accelerates the aging process, resulting in a distinctly delicious whiskey.
