Themed Games × Gourmet Wines & Spirits – Five-Star Hotels Present World-Class Culinary Offerings

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Mexico is the birthplace of several ancient civilizations in Central America, boasting mysterious Mayan (Maya) cultural relics, stunning Caribbean scenery, and magnificent Spanish-style architecture. Its cuisine primarily features corn as a staple, with each province developing unique, vividly colored dishes. In the eyes of world-renowned food authorities today, Mexican cuisine stands alongside China, France, India, and Italy as one of the world’s top five culinary traditions. In terms of flavor profile, the use of natural ingredients such as olive oil, lime juice, tomatoes, and chili peppers reflects a laid-back and leisurely lifestyle. This year, the buffet restaurants of five hotels under The Lalu Hotel Group—Taipei, Hsinchu, Tainan, Chihpen, and Jiaoxi—are launching the “VIVA Mexico Mexican Gourmet Week.” The group has specially invited Mr. Arturo Cristiane, the Mexican Executive Chef from The Lalu Saigon, to make a guest appearance in Taiwan. The Mexican Food Festival will take place from April 15 to April 30.

To allow Taiwanese diners to experience the most authentic Mexican flavors, The Lalu Group specially dispatched culinary teams from its various hotels to study cooking techniques with Chef Arturo at The Lalu Saigon in Vietnam. Some unique ingredients and spices were also specially imported from abroad to Taiwan, all prepared to offer an authentic taste during the “VIVA Mexico Mexican Gourmet Week.” This Mexican Food Festival has received support and guidance from the Mexican Cultural Office in Taiwan. In addition to authentic dishes, the ambiance of the dining environment and performance events will provide a comprehensive experience of Mexican food culture.

The theme of this year’s “VIVA Mexico Mexican Gourmet Week” by The Lalu Hotel Group carries dual meaning: the word “VIVA,” originally meaning “cheer” or “celebration” in Mexico, also represents the Mexican people’s reverence for a beautiful life. The five Lalu hotels have each designed different themed games reflecting the passion of the Mexican people, featuring delicious food and famous Mexican alcoholic beverages, warmly inviting the public to join this Mexican gourmet carnival.

Characteristics of Mexican Cuisine

Mexican cuisine blends the essence of Spanish, Indigenous, and Western food cultures. Its most distinctive features are vibrant colors and tangy-spicy flavors, combining chili peppers, spices, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. The guest chef invited this time, Arturo, currently serves as the Deputy F&B Director and Executive Chef at The Lalu Saigon. He has worked at five-star hotels in countries such as Mexico, Turkey, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, France, South Korea, and Vietnam, bringing extensive international culinary experience. Having grown up in Mexico, Chef Arturo developed a unique insight into Mexican cooking, emphasizing that Mexican cuisine focuses on being “simple and natural,” using diverse cooking techniques to skillfully work with fresh ingredients and spices. Mexican food has a spicy foundation, with corn and beans as the main ingredients, and an astonishing variety and quantity of spices added to dishes. This results in even simple dishes offering rich and complex flavors.

Chef Arturo has brought over fifty traditional Mexican dishes this time, among which the most iconic “Mexican Quesadilla” was personally taught by him to the chefs at the five Lalu hotels. He even brought the wooden press used for making tortillas back home, allowing guests to truly experience the atmosphere and deliciousness of freshly made tortillas. The crispy tortilla is filled with grilled chicken, cilantro, tomato salsa, guacamole, yogurt, and spicy sauce—layered with rich textures that blend perfectly without overwhelming the palate. With each big bite, it's as if you're strolling through the streets of Mexico, freely enjoying authentic street snacks.