So what if you share “tourist tastes”? Netizens: Tainan people should be proud, not arrogant

Whenever someone shares food reviews or snack lists from Tainan, locals often chime in to criticize, saying things like “These are just for tourists” or “I don’t eat any of these,” leaving enthusiastic sharers feeling drained and reluctant to post again. Recently, a female netizen’s “Tainan Snack List” sparked another debate, with some locals stepping in to defend the city, saying, “It’s great that people come to Tainan for its food. Be proud, not arrogant in your criticism.”

The female netizen posted her Tainan snack list on Dcard, highlighting several recommended eateries. She then traveled to Tainan for a big food adventure, visiting spots such as Ye Family Small Squid Rice Noodles, Feed the Young Master Cake, Fu Chuan Sesame Oil Chicken, Ya Jia Beef Offal Soup, A Xun Oyster Vermicelli, and Shi Xun Oyster Omelet.

As expected, whenever Tainan food is shared, comments like “I’m from Tainan, I don’t eat any of these” inevitably appear. “Tainan people don’t eat this stuff. We just grab some braised pork rice or cheap fish skin soup from the alley,” said one. Another wrote, “Passing through as a Tainan local—You’ai used to be really good... but as I grew up, the portions got smaller and it didn’t taste as amazing as I remembered.” Yet another commented, “Honestly, the taste of Ye Family Small Squid Rice Noodles reminds me of chicken feed. I really can’t stand it.” And one more: “Just look at the fruit platter and you’ll know this isn’t how Tainan people eat—where’s the tomato platter?”

However, some Tainan netizens argued that it’s great people come to the city for its food, and locals should be proud, not arrogantly critical. “As a Tainan native, I love the beef soup from the article, and I’ve eaten at touristy spots too—I don’t think there’s anything wrong with them. Food preferences are subjective,” said one. Another added, “Sharing food is a joyful thing. We shouldn’t let local arrogance dampen the happiness that good food brings. There’s no need to be tainted by others’ negativity.”