Journeys in photographs and words.

Cook the local flavors once more

Hsinchu, Taiwan

Hsinchu rice vermicelli (instant)

From: An apartment in Hsinchu and the steam of the night market

Rice vermicelli topped with coriander
Rice vermicelli topped with coriander

Hsinchu rice vermicelli has a history of more than 150 years. Under Taiwan's rules, only noodles made of 100% rice may be called "mifen"; those with more than 50% rice are labeled "blended rice vermicelli." I boiled a packet of the blended noodles and topped them with coriander.

Ingredients

  • Packaged Hsinchu blended rice vermicelli (minced-pork flavor)
  • Coriander

How I made it

  1. Boil the rice vermicelli in hot water
  2. Transfer to a bowl
  3. Top with coriander to taste

Sources: mirrormedia.mg

This moment in the journey

Night in the apartment

I had heard that even instant Hsinchu rice vermicelli is good. I boiled a packet of the blended rice noodles, put them in a bowl, and added coriander to taste.

A toast with Gold Medal, Taiwan Beer's brand, in its alcohol-free version tonight. At a table beside a tiled wall and a vase of flowers, I looked back on the day. Close, delicious, and comfortable: Taiwan.

Watch this scene on YouTube6:08

Read this scene in the full journey

A packet of Hsinchu blended rice vermicelli
A packet of Hsinchu blended rice vermicelli
The apartment entrance at night
The apartment entrance at night
Putting rice vermicelli into a pot
Putting rice vermicelli into a pot
Rice vermicelli in a bowl
Rice vermicelli in a bowl
Pouring from the can into a glass
Pouring from the can into a glass
A can of alcohol-free Gold Medal and a glass
A can of alcohol-free Gold Medal and a glass
A table beside a tiled wall, with flowers
A table beside a tiled wall, with flowers
The apartment lit up at night
The apartment lit up at night