What are typical Taiwanese habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Taiwan?

What are the customs in Taiwan regarding food?

• Leave some food on your plate. It shows appreciation for the amount of food served and is considered polite.
• Characteristic are the many choices of dishes that you eat together with rice. Rice is the staple food. 

What are the best recipes in Taiwan?

• Stinky tofu, chou doufu: Don't let the name fool you! Stinky tofu is a popular Taiwanese street food made from fermented tofu that has a strong odor but a surprisingly mild and creamy flavor. It's usually served deep-fried and topped with a variety of sauces and pickles.
• Taiwan is famous for the amount of streetfood available. The Taiwanese kitchen is a blend of Chinese and indigenous food. The focus is on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and variety.

What are the best drinks in Taiwan?

• Taiwan is famous for it's tea. There are tea plantations found in Taiwan, from Oolong to Jasmine tea.
• Bubble tea is a Taiwanese invention called the king of Taiwanese drinks, bubble tea is a global phenomenon. This sweet and creamy concoction features a tea base (usually black or green tea) with chewy tapioca pearls and other toppings like jellies, fruits in all kinds, and whipped cream.
• Wheat Grass Tea is an unique and healthy drink, wheatgrass tea is made from the young shoots of the wheat plant. It has a grassy flavor and is believed to have various health benefits.

What are notable activities, holidays and festivals in Taiwan?

• KTV – Karaoke is a popular waste of time or night.
• Founding Day of the Republic of China (ROC) is on January 1. This is a three-day bank holiday that celebrates the founding of the ROC in 1912.
• Chinese New Year (depending on the moon, in general late January or February): This is a 15-day holiday that is the most important holiday in Taiwan. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the beginning of the new year.
• Tomb Sweeping Day is on April 5. This day is a time for families to visit the graves of their ancestors and clean them.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September). This festival is also known as the Moon Festival. It is a time to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for the bounty of the earth. Mooncakes are a popular food during this festival.
• All festivals have their specific traditions and customs.

What are the notable habits in Taiwan?

• Politeness - Taiwanese people are very polite and respectful. It is customary to bow when greeting someone and to say “thank you” and “please.”
• Respectfulness - Taking off shoes when entering a house: In Taiwan, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering someone's house. This is done as a sign of respect and to keep the house clean.
• Respect for elders is considered vital, as is loyalty toward the family
• Cleanliness - Using toilet paper with the right hand: In Taiwan, toilet paper is used with the right hand, while the left hand is considered unclean.
• Convenience stores – Open 24/7, with a variety of food, drinks and everyday items available.
• Gift giving is an art and gifts have a meaning. Knives and scissors are not appreciated and will be seen as severing a relationship. Clocks and handkerchiefs are best avoided, that will be connected to death and funerals.
• Check the label of the gift you would like to give: made in Taiwan is not an interesting gift and the recipient from Taiwan already has (all) things made in Taiwan.