Even the plates are shaped like Taiwan’s outline! Visit the food expo and listen to celebrity chefs “tell their dishes.”

Reported by Chen Tzu-yin / Taipei

The 2014 Taiwan International Gourmet Exhibition kicked off today (15th) at Hall 1 of the Taipei World Trade Center. One of the most popular sections, the Celebrity Chefs & Signature Dishes area, showcases the exquisite culinary creations of various chefs and offers on-site tastings. For instance, Liu Heng-hung, head chef of Jin Du Restaurant, presented dishes that highlight traditional Taiwanese cuisine using only the basic elements of “firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea.” He sourced all ingredients from local small-scale farmers in Nantou, demonstrating the chef’s intention to blend culture with cuisine.


▲ The Celebrity Chefs & Signature Dishes section features amazing dishes from top chefs across Taiwan. The photo shows Chef Liu Heng-hung’s creation, the “Seven-Colored Rainbow Plate.” (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)

Having participated in the exhibition for over a decade, Liu Heng-hung said that although Taiwan is small, its regional food cultures vary greatly. Believing in the concept of sourcing ingredients locally from small farms and bringing them directly to the dining table, he thinks that modern, diverse, and exciting dishes should still return to health and emphasize cultural roots. Through his participation in the exhibition, he also aims to share his culinary philosophy with the public. Liu Heng-hung also explained that every dish has a story behind it, and visitors are welcome to listen to the chefs “tell their dishes” during the event.

 
 
▲ Every dish carries a unique story belonging to the celebrity chef who created it. (Photo / Reporter Chen Tzu-yin)