To raise the global profile of Hakka settlements on Taiwan Romantic
Route 3, the Hakka Affairs Council (HAC) is organizing a selection contest of
Hakka specialty products. Annie Ivanova, who is an
international curator from Australia, as well as Taiwan’s travel agents,
cultural entrepreneurs, and scholars, have also been invited by HAC to serve as
judges for the contest.
Out of 293 Hakka specialties, 35 products were nominated by the judges
for the second round, which is open to foreign tourists to vote for the most
representative Hakka items through Nov. 20 at polling stations in Taiwan
Taoyuan International Airport and the Port of Keelung.
To better understand the cultural interests and food preferences of international
travelers, HAC invited Ivanova to act as one of the judges especially because
she authored a book called “Taiwan by Design” during her two-year stay in
Taiwan. In her book, she presented 88 creative products by brilliant Taiwanese
designers from a non-Taiwanese angle.
Particularly interested in Hakka cuisine, Ivanova took a bite of Hakka
fermented tofu (豆腐乳), and its distinctive flavor amazed her. She said
that it is really touching to see so many entries submitted for the contest,
noting that such enthusiasm reflects the Hakka people’s diversity and
creativity.
Based on the principle of cultural uniqueness, 20 Hakka dishes and 15 items
were selected by 7 professional experts during the first phase of the selection
process. These items include dried persimmon, Oriental Beauty tea, Hakka
traditional drink Lei Cha (擂茶), natural plant-dyed products, and pottery, all coming
from key development areas of Hakka culture in Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County,
Miaoli County, and Taichung City.
At Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the Port of Keelung, voting
is open to travelers from all over the world who wish to choose their favorite
Hakka souvenirs. It is expected that their participation will lead them to learn
more about the stories behind each item, bring different perspectives to Hakka
communities, and help increase the global visibility of Taiwan’s Hakka culture.
