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TAIPEI: Taiwan's street food has long ranked among the top attractions for locals and tourists alike.
Riding on its fame and popularity, the authorities now plan to promote this "New Taiwanese Cuisine" all over the world.
And firing the first salvo is the Taiwan International Culinary Exhibition.
Ask any Taiwanese, and the beef noodle will emerge among their top three favourite street food items.
Although the Taiwanese are already spoilt for choice, many are still checking out the beef noodles at the recent Taiwan International Culinary Exhibition.
"I've never tasted such amazing beef noodle," one said.
Apart from local food, 12 of Taiwan's top hotels and restaurants also showed off their innovative and popular dishes, featuring a fusion of Chinese and indigenous cuisines.
Looking at Taiwan's rich food cultures, organisers said the island has great potential in developing culinary tourism.
"Not many people know Taiwanese cuisine, which combines western, Japanese and eight major Chinese cuisine.
"This is a big selling point, a fusion. We should promote it properly," Taiwan Culinary Exhibition organiser Lin Mon Chieh said.
The Taiwanese government recently passed a plan to spend about $34 million over the next four years to promote Taiwan's gourmet food to the world. Their priority focus will be on the Mainland Chinese market.
With mainland visitors emerging as a major source of tourists, organisers said the island should target the huge market, even though the cuisine share the same roots.
"Chinese tourists are attracted to Taiwanese food. There are still many mainlanders who have not tried our food, and they are keen to do so. We should tap (on) that," Mr Lin said.
And one of the best avenues to promote that, is Taiwan's famous night markets.
The island is also expecting another major boost next year when it opens up to free and easy travel for mainland visitors.
-CNA/wk
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