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Notes on the Global Spread of Bubble Milk Tea from Taiwan
A drink that left in suitcases Bubble milk tea, known in Taiwan as zhenzhu naicha, was not designed as a global product.It did not begin with export policy or brand strategy.It traveled first in the luggage of migrants. Carried in Migran... -
Notes on Bubble Milk Tea and Its Quiet Revolutions in Taiwan
A shaken tea and a cup of starch This drink is known in English as bubble milk tea, and in Taiwan it is often called zhenzhu naicha. At first glance, the word bubble seems to point to the black pearls at the bottom.But it did not begin t... -
Notes on Sugarcane Straws in Taiwan
Sugarcane straws A sugarcane straw, known locally as ganzhe xiguan, appears when I order a drink in a Taiwanese café. It is not plastic.It does not look like paper. The surface is slightly rough.It is light, but it does not feel weak. I ... -
Notes on Sealed Lids in Taiwan
A sound at the corner At a Taipei intersection, the noise of waiting traffic has a steady rhythm. Click.Whirr.Pshh. It is the sound of clear film being pulled tight over a cup.Heat passes.The lid is closed. On these streets, the sound is... -
Notes on Hot Soy Milk in Taiwan
Morning heat Hot soy milk, known locally as re doujiang, is a white and almost soup-like form of soybean drink. Kaohsiung in the morning.It is only a little past eight, but the air on the street is already heavy.The concrete still holds ... -
Notes on the Origins of Taiwanese Oyster Omelet
A dish born under pressure The Taiwanese oyster omelet, known locally as o-a-chian, appears at the start as a simple plate of oysters, egg, greens, and a soft starch batter. On a night market griddle it looks ordinary.Oil crackles. Hands... -
Notes on Why Taiwanese Oyster Omelets Do Not Dream of Mayonnaise
Why the pink glaze is enough Oyster omelet, known locally as o-a-chian, is the first thing I notice on the iron plate at a night market. Plump oysters.A translucent batter.A surface brushed with a pink glaze. There is no brown sauce.Ther... -
Do Taiwanese Oyster Omelets Dream of Yaowarat?
a record of a fork in their evolution Prologue: a viscosity called doubt Oyster omelet, or o-a-chien, sits on a griddle in a Taiwanese night market.It moves a little, as if breathing. It is not crisp.It is not liquid.Everything is held i... -
Notes on Taiwanese Oyster Omelet as Field Rations
On a griddle at the night market The Taiwanese oyster omelet, known locally as o-a-chian, sits on a small plate beside the griddle.A sweet sauce rises with the steam.The night market continues around it. Before I eat, a thought appears.T... -
Notes on Oyster Omelets in Taiwan
A Dish Shaped by the Night Market Oyster omelet, known locally as o-a-chian, is the first thing I notice when I stand in front of a night market griddle.Oil snaps without pause.Small oysters, thin batter, greens, and eggs are added in qu...
