Taipei street food vendor | Canon 5D, 24mm, 1/100, f8, ISO 400
There are a number of events this weekend celebrating the 100th anniversary of Taiwan (or the Republic of China, depending on what side of the fence you fall on). The Taiwanese American Cultural Festival takes place from 10am to 6pm tomorrow in San Francisco’s Union Square and it claims that visitors can “enjoy a sampling of the culinary culture of Taiwan and taste Taiwanese dishes such as bah-tzang (Taiwanese tamale), Taiwanese sausage and stir fried noodles. Food will be served ‘tapas’ style to parallel the common ‘nightmarket’ experience in Taiwan where people try different food items from street food carts. Arrive early and order quickly before the food runs out!” The festival layout diagram shows that only a small corner is earmarked for the food section, but it might be worth checking out. If I’m disappointed (which is highly possible), I may have to turn to 168 Restaurant in Pacific East Mall. It’s not the same, but close. Just stay away from their stinky tofu!
Even more intriguing is the Taiwanese Night Market Event at University of Washington in Seattle, also happening tomorrow. If the Bay Area can have food truck rallies (in fact, there’s one tonight at Fort Mason), is a Taiwanese night market event too far afield? Or how about a Taiwanese food truck? Anyone?
Oh, and San Diego is hosting a Taiwanese Food Fair tomorrow, too. Happy eating! By the way, if you’re interested or missed it the first time around, you can read my first post on Taiwan street food here.
Taipei street food vendor | Canon 5D, 24mm, 1/40, f4, ISO 200
Taipei street market vendor | Canon 5D, 24mm, 1/50, f6.3, ISO 100
Taipei braised food vendor | Canon 5D, 24mm, 1/60, f8, ISO 200
Taiwanese takeaway | Canon 5D, 24mm, 1/125, f8, ISO 200
MESSIN AROUND 
Ooh, good lookin’ out for us hungry Taiwanese kids. But I’m scared that I’ll be disappointed, as you say.
And there’s nothing wrong with the stinky tofu at 168!!!
Just don’t get it to go. You might asphyxiate in your car, even with the windows rolled down.
we had a bad batch several years ago. it soured us (ha!) on trying any in taiwan. next time we’re in taiwan, we’ll definitely give ST another chance.