Text / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network
Taipei’s new mayor, Ko Wen-je, has introduced numerous new policies shortly after taking office, allowing residents to witness the action-oriented drive of this political novice with a medical background. However, his highly efficient governance has also sparked considerable controversy. According to the Taipei City Department of Economic Development, the 10th Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival may be cancelled this year.
Ko Wen-je posted a photo of himself eating beef noodles, captured by the media, on his official fan page. (Image source / Ko Wen-je)
The Taipei Beef Noodle Festival was first launched in2005by then-Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, the then-President, and has been held around10each year. It successfully promoted beef noodles internationally, turning them into one of Taiwan’s global culinary symbols. Up to last year, approximately300teams from across the country had participated in the competition, also helping to make famous beef noodle shops such as Lao Dong Beef Noodles and Spicy Paradise widely known. However, in recent years, the number of participating teams has sharply
The Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, which is about to enter its tenth year, has been called off and will no longer be held. (Photo provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je also posted on FacebookPOstating that the Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival has become an important culinary representation of Taipei, helping to popularize beef noodles among the public and promote them internationally. However, he noted that the festival’s initial objectives have been accomplished, and it's now time to consider how Taipei, as a food capital, can propose more sustainable plans, offer greater diversity, and even suggested the idea of “finding your own delicious food.”
Ko Wen-je shared his views on the beef noodle festival on his official fan page. (Image source / Ko Wen-je)
The annual New Year goods fair will continue to be held. (Image source / Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Additionally, besides the cancellation of this year’s Taipei International Beef Noodle Festival, the city will also not hold the Coffee Festival, which used to take place in9July or10August. As for the “Come to Taipei for a Great New Year” Lunar New Year goods street event scheduled before the Lunar New Year, Lin Chong-chieh, Director of Taipei City’s Department of Economic Development, stated that the New Year goods street carries cultural significance and is different from the beef noodle festival, so it will continue to be held.
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