Taiwan’s ‘exquisite’ food fest

Taiwan is soon to experience ‘the most exquisite, luxurious and appealing’ food event of its history, say organizers of the 22nd four day Taiwan Culinary Exhibition (TCE).

The show ‘will combine all the traits and advantages developed over the past two decades,’ said C.C. Tsai, CEO of the organizing committee.

The event has been held yearly since 1990, to celebrate the various cuisines of Taiwan, the Chinese mainland, and ethic Chinese communities overseas.

The 2011 TCE will hold displays of traditional and modern Taiwanese food as well as a showcase of stone replicas of real food products that ‘look good enough to eat’.

Visitors will also be able to take home discount coupons for popular restaurants and hotels in Taiwan.

The theme for this year’s TCE will be centred on the popular farm-raised grouper fish and the high quality of Taiwanese rice. Previous year’s themes include 2008’s ‘Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability’ and last year’s focus on tea-related cuisine.

Tsai advised that visitors to this year’s show do a little research before attending, since the scale of the 2011 event is a significant increase to previous years, with more than ever to see, buy and eat.

‘Although this is not a travel exhibition, it can definitely boost local tourism’, said Tsai.

Organizers are hoping that the TCE will generate around NT$30 million (US$1.04 million).

For the first time, visitors will be able to combine a culinary tour of the festival with scenic travel itineraries, thanks to the collaboration between the organizers and 13 of Taiwan’s scenic area management administrations.

The TCE is set to take place on 18-21 August, coinciding with the centennial celebration of the Republic of China. It will be held at the Taipei World Trade Ceter Exhibition hall 1.