On October 8th, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco hosted a vibrant reception in Foster City, Bay Area, to celebrate the 113th National Day of the Republic of China. The event brought together local attendees, who were delighted to explore a variety of booths featuring Taiwanese specialty stores and to indulge in authentic Taiwanese food and beverages.

A standout at the celebration was Combo Market, which showcased a selection of unique agricultural and seafood products from Taiwan. Guests had the opportunity to try traditional beef noodle soup and sample items from the popular 美而美 breakfast shop, allowing them to truly experience the rich flavors of Taiwan.

One of the highlights was Fromosa Chocolates, a premium brand known for its chocolates infused with Taiwanese ingredients. Founder Kimberly Yang, a licensed psychiatrist, expressed her excitement about connecting with guests who share a love for Taiwanese cuisine. Attendees particularly praised the Taiwanese Tieguanyin chocolate, which caught their attention for its unique flavor profile.

Another entrepreneur, Zhang Ting-cheng of J&C Ginka, shared his journey of creating convenient packaging for Tainan-style hot pot noodles. He remarked on the pleasant surprise many attendees experienced upon discovering they could find Taiwanese hot pot noodles in the Bay Area, furthering his goal of bringing the tastes of his hometown to a wider audience.

Lisa Hung, a marketing representative from Itaiwan Food, showcased a variety of Taiwanese snacks and noticed just how thrilled guests were to find these familiar products locally. She mentioned that many attendees were delighted to see the snacks after being away for so long, making it convenient for those returning from Taiwan.

The Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation also made its mark at the event, presenting a selection of fruit-flavored beers that were well-received. Meanwhile, the Tainan Distillery highlighted its Yu Shan whisky, capturing the interest of international visitors. Eric Shih, the general manager of the import company, explained that Taiwan’s unique humid and warm climate allows for a shorter aging process, resulting in exceptionally flavorful whisky that stands out in the market.