Seeing the World from the Dining Table: Foreign Student Food Adventures in Taiwan

Article by Office of International Cooperation

Food, clothing, shelter, transportation, education, and happiness – these are the six essentials of life. Among them, "food" stands at the top, highlighting its crucial role in our existence.

However, "eating" is more than just filling our stomachs; it's a window into a culture's soul, revealed through its culinary traditions, table manners, and even utensils.

Sharing Delights: 
From Individual Plates to Collective Feasts

Austin, an American M.A. student at National Chengchi University who has been in Taiwan for three years, said he and his friends order tons of food and share it, making it a much more communal experience. When asked about dining differences with friends back home, his immediate response was "sharing." 

In the U.S., he explained that meals are usually solo affairs and each person has just their plate of food. Childhood memories of potlucks with friends remind him of the shared plates he now relishes in Taiwan. "Eating here reminds me of those happy childhood days."

Park Shu-yan, a South Korean radio and television student, said that shared meals are not a novelty for him as Korean dinners often revolve around "big pots of food." However, the concept of "sharing chopsticks and spoons" did surprise him. "Why isn’t there an extra pair?" he initially wondered. Unlike Taiwan, Korean dining etiquette dictates that utensil-sharing only occurs in close circles. "We usually check if it is okay to use shared chopsticks before digging in," said Park.

Table Manners: 
Embracing Differences, One Bite at a Time

Cultural nuances extend to table etiquette as well. Anna, a French exchange student, shared how French meals begin with a "bon appétit." In Taiwan, she adapted the phrase to, "Enjoy your meal. For some words and phrases, I might say, ‘Please take your time’ and explain the cultural meaning," said Anna.

Food as a Conversational Bridge

When asked about their pet peeves at Taiwanese dinner tables, all three students mentioned "eating noises" – burping, slurping, or chewing sounds.

Anna found them slightly off-putting, but tolerable. Park explained that Koreans generally suppress burps during meals, while Austin admitted to burping occasionally after three years in Taiwan. "My roommate gets mad at me though," said Austin.

Despite these minor hiccups, all three agreed that food bridges cultural gaps and fosters connections. In the same way that Taiwanese people ask, "Are you full?" Park shared that Koreans often ask, "Have you eaten yet?" Food, for him, has become an interactive experience that strengthens bonds.

Anna appreciated the large round tables in Taiwan. They are a stark contrast to the smaller, individual tables in France and make conversation much easier. "It is my favorite way to connect with friends.”