Chopsticks

Chopsticks are a Chinese heritage dating way back to the times of the ancient Chinese dynasties.

Mastering the use of the chopsticks is not a very difficult task. Chinese have been using two rather slim sticks to pick up a single grain of rice. Chefs often prepare food in bite-sized pieces (sliced and diced) so that diners can easily pick food using their pair of chopsticks. Those who are not swift enough with their chopsticks tend to miss out on the choicest morsel whenever new dishes are brought to the table.

When serving guests or friends using your chopsticks, it is polite to turn the sticks around to the clean blunt ends. Hygiene is a main concern and therefore sucking or biting on your chopsticks may not look mannerly.

'When in Rome, do what the Romans do'. Hence when in Taiwan, or any Chinese region for that matter, learn to use chopsticks as it will make you feel a little less foreign and this always improves the satisfaction of traveling in Taiwan.

Eating out

Restaurants are plentiful in Taiwan. At every nook and cranny there is an eatery. A few suggestions for restaurants are recommended.

The best place to go for authentic Chinese cuisine would be at hotel restaurants. Hotel restaurants cater mainly to foreigners. The food and service are therefore almost perfect.

Lunch is normally light. If you wish to spend less, visit the many eateries on the underground floors of main departmental stores. There are many choices of food available, from Chinese to Western.

Go to any ordinary restaurant if you would prefer to have a proper Chinese meal but are not willing to pay too much. Getting to the restaurant could be difficult though, unless you already have the name of the restaurant in mind and are able to direct the taxi driver. It is easier for both parties if the name and address of the restaurant is written in Chinese.