545: Aliza and Shirley's Taiwan and Thailand Food Adventures
Feb 19, 2025
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In this adventure-filled discussion, Aliza Abarbanel, a culinary aficionado, is joined by her talented girlfriend Shirley Chan, a cinematographer. They share their unforgettable culinary journey through Taiwan and Thailand, highlighting delightful dishes from Tainan’s beef soup to Bangkok’s brothy noodles. Listeners can enjoy their shrimp fishing escapades filled with laughter and camaraderie. They even visit Minimal, the world's first Michelin-starred ice cream shop, showcasing a unique fusion of food and culture in both countries!
Aliza and Shirley's culinary journey through Taiwan showcased the profound impact of local ingredients on traditional dishes, especially in Tainan.
Their experiences emphasized the importance of engaging with local communities, enhancing their food adventures through interactions and informed dining choices.
Taipei's vibrant food scene highlighted a blend of cultural influences, particularly the integration of Japanese cuisine into Taiwanese culinary traditions.
Deep dives
Southern California Food Road Trip
A recent exploration of Southern California's culinary scene involved visiting a variety of restaurants, breweries, ice cream shops, and farms spanning from San Diego to the San Gabriel Valley. The journey emphasized the importance of supporting local eateries and producers, particularly given recent challenges in the food industry. The hosts noted the satisfaction derived from indulging in unique culinary experiences, elevating the concept of food exploration beyond mere consumption. This road trip aligns well with seasonal dining, providing an ideal opportunity for food lovers to discover hidden gems in the region.
Culinary Adventures in Taiwan
The hosts describe their recent month-long journey through Asia, specifically highlighting their experiences in Taiwan, where they relished various local dishes. Noodles, particularly beef soup in Tainan, stood out for their freshness and intense flavor, showcasing how local ingredients elevate culinary traditions. They also explored shrimp fishing establishments, where patrons fish for shrimp and grill their catch, creating a memorable interactive dining experience. These unique food encounters not only nourished their bodies but also enriched their travels, allowing them to connect with local cultures.
Unique Dining Experiences in Thailand
In Chiang Mai, the duo discovered vibrant dining experiences, including a connection with local fishing cooperatives at Made Slow Fish, where chefs emphasize seasonal, sustainable seafood. Their dining choices reflected a willingness to engage with the local community, as they observed diners and inquired about specific dishes, allowing them to make informed choices. Another memorable experience occurred at a Hong Kong-style barbecue noodle shop, where the rich flavors created an authentic local experience despite the foreign setting. These culinary adventures in Thailand illustrated the importance of connection, recommendation, and engaging with the surrounding culture to enhance their travel experience.
Gastronomic Delights in Taipei
Taipei offered a remarkable food scene, with highlights including Moon Moon, known for its wellness soups and acclaimed truffle noodles that captured the attention of the hosts. These truffle noodles surprised them with their harmonious flavors, illustrating the restaurant's ability to elevate humble ingredients into a unique dish. The experience was marked not just by the exceptional food but also by the lively ambiance, revealing how dining can reflect the energy of the city. Additionally, visits to local izakayas highlighted the influence of Japanese cuisine in Taiwanese food culture, showcasing a blend of cooking styles and flavors.
Tainan's Culinary Heritage
Tainan emerged as a culinary treasure, offering traditional dishes not easily found elsewhere, such as fried oysters and longevity noodles, which reflected the city's rich culinary heritage. The hosts emphasized how Tainan's older traditions preserved unique flavors, allowing visitors to experience authentic Taiwanese cuisine. A notable moment involved visiting aquaculture farms where freshly harvested oysters were transformed into delightful street food. The combination of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques showcased Tainan's status as a gastronomic destination, not just for tourists but as a cultural experience rooted in the local community.
Today on the show, we’re doing something a little different: a special travel episode, featuring Aliza and her girlfriend, Shirley Chan. Shirley's a talented cinematographer and also a favorite travel partner. They just came back from a month in Asia visiting Thailand and Shirley's family in Taiwan. In this episode, they dive deep into recs for Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan, with a stopover in Chiang Mai and Bangkok too. It’s a must listen if you’re planning a trip to either country, and even if you’re not, it’s still a lot of fun.
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MORE FROM ALIZA AND SHIRLEY’S AVENTURE:
Here’s a Google Map for all the places mentioned on the episode.
