The long-awaited and highly anticipated 2024 “Taiwanese Cuisine International Tour” organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council of ROC (Taiwan) saw chefs A-Ju and Hsu Chien-Yu arriving on the beautiful Pacific island of Palau, August 17. They were warmly welcomed by Minister Franklin Chen of the Embassy, President Sam Lee of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, Palau. The two chefs stay at the Palau Royal Resort, a prestigious hotel, invested by Taiwanese businesses. The Tour includes the Gourmet Cuisine Banquet at PRR, and a two-day Culinary demonstration and food tasting at Amayong Culture Center, Koror
The grand banquet of Gourmet Cuisine began at 6 PM, August 18, with Ambassador Jessica Lee, Minister and Mrs. Franklin Chen, and embassy colleagues warmly welcoming the guests, including Palauan dignitaries, Taiwanese business representatives attending the trade sjow, members of the Palau Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, and representatives of the Palau Chamber of Commerce. The atmosphere was warm and lively. Palauan guests included Vice President Uduch Sengebau Senior, Speaker of the House of Delegates Sabino Anastacio, Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Tourism Ngirai Tmetuchl, Bilung, senators, state speakers association chairman, attorney general, and director of PVA, among others.
In her speech, Ambassador Lee noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Taiwan-Palau diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence. The embassy, in collaboration with the Palau Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, planned a joint exhibition of “Gourmet Cuisine” and “Cultural and Trade ” to celebrate this important milestone. She also expressed gratitude to the Chamber of Commerce and the Palau Royal Resort for their support, from ingredient procurement to banquet preparation and presentation, which was impressive. As a food lover and cooking enthusiast, Ambassador Lee introduced Taiwan’s national dish, “Beef Noodle Soup,” detailing its history, flavor, and broth, making the guests eager to indulge.
The Vice President and Minister of State expressed their gratitude for this year’s gourmet feast, which added splendor to the 25th anniversary of Taiwan-Palau friendship and the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence, witnessing the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries, likened to the fame and deliciousness of the cuisine.
The highlight of the evening was the introduction of chefs A-Ju and Hsu by Ambassador Lee, who interacted with the guests and took photos with them, receiving cheers and admiration. The chefs’ superb culinary skills and charming personalities won the hearts of all the guests.
The banquet concluded with lively group photos, leaving all the guests with lingering flavors and fond memories. Thanks to the two chefs and all the participants, the event allowed everyone to support their country through a culinary exhibition in a Palau, Home Away From Home for all Taiwanese people.
Incorporating into the Trade show, the culinary demonstrations and food tasting on the following days at Amayong Culture Center is a great success. Hundreds of visitors participated the trade show and the food tasting. The crowd witness that the Gourmet food not only connect Palau and Taiwanese people together, but also part of the great history of the diversity and resilience of Taiwan-Palau relations.