“Most Asian people care about their health. And the dark or black [chocolate] means health.” -Joyce Lee, Founder & Chocolate Maker of JL Chocolate Taiwan has developed immensely over the several decades since Japanese occupation ended, often referenced as one of the Four Asian Tigers. The country is now better known for bubble tea & …

“You come all this way just to see my farm, and I must show you it.” When the owner & operator of TL Chocolates & Cacao Farm said this to us, we paused for a moment and reflected on how weird the situation might seem to him. These two American girls had asked to see …

Many people confuse the countries of Taiwan and China. Citizens of both places speak mostly Mandarin, and many share Chinese ancestry. But indigenous culture on Taiwan is not to be overlooked, accessible in the country’s most prominent landmarks, like Taroko Gorge or Kenting National Park. Ask any Taiwanese person where they’re from, and they’ll introduce …

Spending 7 days in Taiwan is perfect for seeing the country’s varied landscapes, sampling local dishes, and getting a handle on the island’s complex history. While most people start & end their visit in Taipei, I’d actually recommend getting off the beaten path and skipping Taipei entirely. If I hadn’t planned my first Taiwan itinerary …

Fermentation is an age-old process, constantly happening, often aided by human obsession. Alive & well in Taiwan, the natural wonder of fermentation is responsible for some of your favorite flavors. Fine Foods From Fermentation I imagine it would be difficult to get though the day without eating something fermented. In chocolate school, one of the first …

I’ve just returned from another week on Taiwan. Originally inhabited by aboriginal peoples, and opened to the world by Dutch and Spanish explorers in the 1600’s, Taiwan is a stunning tropical country. For most of its modern existence, it’s also been under varying degrees of Chinese rule. The dominant language is still Mandarin, but many …