“Kodomo-chan’s” mountain-and-sea cuisine? This bowl of “Gongliao Abalone Braised Pork Rice” makes it happen!

The 84-year-old Japanese national treasure entertainer Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, who has hosted the long-running TV show “Tetsuko’s Room” for decades and holds a Guinness World Record for it, is not only an accomplished host, singer, and actress—but her book “Kodomo-chan’s So-Called Childhood,” written many years ago, also set a Japanese publishing sales record. Since 2017, Japan’s TV Asahi has even adapted her upbringing into a daytime drama series, recreating the happy childhood memories of “Kodomo-chan” at “Tomoe Gakuen”!

In the book, it’s recorded that the principal of “Tomoe Gakuen,” Sosaku Kobayashi, not only came up with the concept of “mountain flavors” and “sea flavors” in school lunches, but also advised parents to let their children wear their oldest clothes to school. These ideas influenced “Kodomo-chan” for life, and the educational philosophy conveyed in this work has deeply impacted all of Asia and even the world. Food culture can influence children—and even change the future. Taiwan’s food brands “Gongliao Abalone” and “Wanli Crab” are great examples!

Delicious Gongliao abalone pizza, full of color, aroma, and flavor. (Provided by New Taipei City Fisheries Department)

Come enjoy “Gongliao Abalone” in the cold winter months. Don’t assume it can only be steamed, boiled, grilled, or fried—get creative and passionate, and Gongliao abalone can become even more delicious. Where can you try creative Gongliao abalone dishes? This year, the Farglory BelleVue Hotel right by Fulong Beach has specially added local specialties—Gongliao abalone—to its menu. In addition to flame-grilled Gongliao abalone, Q-grilled Gongliao abalone, or adding it as an extra to hot pot, there are also creative dishes like Gongliao abalone braised pork rice and Gongliao abalone yam rolls. There’s even a chef-led DIY Gongliao abalone pizza class. Interested friends can head to Farglory BelleVue Hotel for a taste, or visit local seafood restaurants to enjoy delicious Gongliao abalone dishes!

Gongliao abalone pizza is simply irresistible. (Provided by New Taipei City Fisheries Department)

This year, the New Taipei City Government partnered with Farglory BelleVue Hotel to source fresh Gongliao abalone directly from local farmers, offering more choices for savoring the dish. In addition to flame-grilled and Q-grilled Gongliao abalone, Farglory BelleVue Hotel also offers creative dishes such as Gongliao abalone braised pork rice and Gongliao abalone yam rolls.

Chef Chen Zhiyong mentioned that the locally sourced Gongliao abalone has a fresh, Q-textured bite. Whether flame-grilled, Q-grilled, or added to soups, it delivers a burst of umami. When blanched and diced, then added atop braised pork rice with sauce poured over steamed rice, it enhances both the Q-texture and the savory taste. The hotel also offers a DIY Gongliao abalone pizza course for groups of 10 or more, priced at NT$600 per person. Everyone is welcome to visit Farglory BelleVue Hotel to enjoy delicious Gongliao abalone!

Farglory BelleVue Hotel’s pizza DIY course. (Provided by New Taipei City Fisheries Department)

The New Taipei City Government’s “Return to Farming Academy – Fishermen’s Homecoming” project team has collaborated with Farglory BelleVue Hotel to launch a Gongliao abalone-themed tour that departs from the hotel. The itinerary includes visiting the breeding ponds of top young farmer Mr. Li Shengxing to experience the process of raising Gongliao abalone, along with hotel hot spring soaking, bicycle tours, and guided tours of Ma’ao Community. Visit the “Hey, Experts!” website for more information.

Director of Agriculture Li Wen stated that “Gongliao Abalone” is a brand established by the New Taipei City Government to promote high-quality local abalones—such as those raised on seaweed and blacklip abalones—that grow in Gongliao. The government also guides businesses in self-management to obtain the “New Taipei City Agricultural and Fishery Products Safety Label” certification. With Gongliao abalone now in season, everyone is welcome to visit local seafood restaurants in Gongliao to enjoy delicious Gongliao abalone dishes or order fresh, safe, and locally sourced Gongliao abalone through the fishermen’s association website.