My Life in Taiwan: Food, Family, and the Warmth of People

My Life in Taiwan: Food, Family, and the Warmth of People

I was born and raised in Taiwan, and this is the place I call home. To me, Taiwan is more than just an island. It is where I spend my everyday life, meet my friends, enjoy delicious food, and make memories with my family. Life here is not always easy or perfect, but there are many little things that make me love this place.

One of my favorite things about living in Taiwan is the food. Food is a very important part of our daily lives. When I walk along the streets, I often see small breakfast shops, drink shops, and food stalls. There are so many choices! Taiwanese people love food, and I am definitely one of them. Some of my favorite foods are bubble tea, soup dumplings, beef noodle soup, and Taiwanese fried chicken. I could never get tired of them!

Breakfast is also an interesting part of Taiwanese life. Before going to school, many students buy breakfast from local shops. Some popular choices are egg pancakes, radish cakes, steamed buns, and soy milk. There are even different kinds of sandwiches and other warm foods. Sometimes, choosing what to eat is harder than I expect because everything looks so good!

However, there is something I have to complain about: school lunches! To be honest, Taiwanese school lunches are not always delicious. Sometimes I look at my lunch and wish I could eat something else. 😂 But there is one good thing about them. A meal usually costs around NT$40, which is quite cheap. So even if the food is not always my favorite, at least it does not cost too much!

Family is another important part of my life in Taiwan. I think many Taiwanese grandparents show their love through food. They always want their grandchildren to eat more and grow up healthy. Sometimes they prepare so much food that it feels impossible to finish everything!

There is even a funny expression in Taiwan: 「阿嬤養的」. We sometimes use it to describe someone who loves eating a lot or has been spoiled with delicious food by their grandmother. It is usually said as a joke, but it also shows how much grandparents care about their grandchildren. In many families, grandparents want their grandchildren to be well-fed, happy, and healthy. I think this is a very sweet part of Taiwanese family life. 😸

I also have a special childhood memory about making a traditional Taiwanese dessert called aiyu jelly. When I was little, my grandma bought aiyu seeds, and my older sister and I made the jelly together. We rubbed the seeds in water until they released a natural gel, which later became jelly. It was such a simple activity, but I still remember it fondly. Even now, I still love eating aiyu jelly, especially on hot days. Whenever I think about it, I remember those childhood moments with my grandma and sister. 🥹

Speaking of hot days, Taiwan can be extremely hot and humid, especially in summer. Sometimes the weather makes me feel tired even when I am not doing anything! I live in the southern part of Taiwan, where summers can be especially hot. On those days, I really enjoy cold drinks and refreshing desserts. Bubble tea and aiyu jelly are two things that make hot days a little better.

As a student, my daily life is usually quite busy. I wake up at around six in the morning because school starts at eight. I spend most of my day at school, and classes usually finish around five in the afternoon. There are lessons, homework, tests, and many things to prepare. Sometimes I feel exhausted, especially when I have several tests close together. But I also enjoy spending time with my classmates. We talk, laugh, share food, and make memories together. Even ordinary school days can become special because of the people around me.

There is one more thing I really want people from other countries to know about Taiwan: our 人情味, which means the warmth and kindness between people.

Imagine visiting a country where you cannot speak the local language very well. It might feel difficult to ask for help, and you might worry that people will not understand you. But I believe Taiwan is a place where many people are willing to help foreigners. If someone asks for directions on the street, people often try their best to explain the way patiently. Sometimes, they might even walk with the person and show them where to go!

Even if a visitor cannot speak Chinese, many Taiwanese people who know some English will try to communicate and help. Of course, not everyone is the same, and not everyone speaks English. But I think the important thing is that people are often willing to try. They do not need to speak the same language to show kindness.

For me, this is what 人情味 really means. It is not just about being polite. It is about caring for others, being patient, and helping someone even when they are a stranger.

I also think Taiwan is a place where people can experience many different things. You can enjoy traditional food, visit busy streets, discover beautiful places, and learn about different ways of life. But I do not think you need to visit famous places to understand Taiwan. Sometimes, the best way to experience a country is to spend time with the people who live there.

I know Taiwan has its problems. Life can be stressful, the weather can be uncomfortable, and school can sometimes feel endless. But when I think about the food I love, the memories I have with my family, the laughter I share with my friends, and the kindness that people can show to strangers, I feel grateful to call Taiwan my home.

If you ever visit Taiwan, I hope you will not only try our food or take pictures of beautiful places. I hope you will also experience the warmth of everyday life here. Because to me, the most special thing about Taiwan is not just what you can see or eat. It is the people, the memories, and the little moments that make this place feel like home. 🇹🇼💗