Taiwan’s culinary landscape opened my eyes to flavors and textures I’d never experienced before. Even something as simple as orange juice told a different story here – sweeter and smoother than its American counterpart, with less pulp and a more delicate flavor profile that reflected a different approach to this everyday drink.
What struck me most wasn’t just the unfamiliarity of these dishes, but how this unfamiliarity became an adventure rather than a barrier. The experience went beyond just trying new foods – it was about embracing a completely different approach to eating and flavors. Despite being so far from my usual dining comfort zone, I found myself not just accepting but genuinely enjoying these new tastes, proving that good food truly has the power to bridge cultural gaps.