Join us in Taipei, Taiwan on January 4, 2025 for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience:
A traditional Taiwanese roadside banquet (辦桌) hosted by Master Chef A-Càn (阿燦師), a revered figure in Taiwanese culinary circles and a beloved mentor to Chef Tony.
Have You Ever Experienced a Roadside Banquet?
Imagine celebrating a milestone surrounded by friends and family, where a temporary kitchen is set up on the street, dishes are freshly prepared, and everyone gathers to share an unforgettable meal together. Roadside banquets are more than just food—they represent the warmth, hospitality, and community spirit that define Taiwan.
For Chef Tony, this tradition holds a special place in her heart. It’s one of her most vivid childhood memories, and she’s made it her mission to bring the philosophy, craftsmanship, and hospitality of roadside banquets to her restaurant, Good To Eat Taiwanese Cuisine, in Emeryville, California.
At Good To Eat, we celebrate authentic Taiwanese flavors through a modern lens. Our daily menu reflects the artistry and flavor sensibility of Taiwanese cuisine, and on Sundays, we offer a tasting menu honored the format of pān-toh (辦桌), the traditional Taiwanese roadside banquet. Guests who have experienced it rave about the delicate flavors and how each dish takes them on an extraordinary culinary journey.
But this cherished tradition is fading in Taiwan. The old-school dishes and the vibrant way of dining are being overshadowed by modern, fast-paced lifestyles, making it more important than ever to preserve and honor this unique cultural legacy.
What Makes Roadside Banquets So Special?
Roadside banquets (pān-toh / 辦桌) are a unique cultural tradition deeply rooted in Taiwan’s history. These banquets were once the pinnacle of fine dining, hosted outdoors with temporary kitchens to mark life’s most significant celebrations. Master chefs would craft elaborate multi-course meals, pairing abundant dishes with thoughtful menus to showcase Taiwanese hospitality at its finest.
During a visit to Taiwan last year, Chef Tony had the opportunity to work with Master A-Càn, one of the most celebrated banquet chefs in Taiwan. She learned from Master A-can and assisted his team in preparing a banquet for over 400 guests. This experience brought back vivid childhood memories of helping at similar events, but now as a professional chef, she gained a deeper appreciation for the techniques, teamwork, and philosophy behind the dishes.
Chef Tony also realized that this tradition is at risk of disappearing. Many of the skilled chefs she worked with are nearing retirement, and the knowledge they hold is at risk of being lost. Determined to preserve this cultural treasure, she is returning to Taiwan to collaborate with Master A-Càn. Together, they will host a traditional roadside banquet in front of a historic temple—just like it was done in the old days.
Our Journey from California to Taiwan
This banquet is a collaboration between Chef Tony Tung, owner of Good To Eat Taiwanese Cuisine in Emeryville, California, and Taiwan’s renowned banquet master, Chef A-Càn. Chef Tony is known for her dedication to Taiwanese flavors, using seasonal ingredients and house-fermented bases to honor her heritage. Her restaurant is one of the few in the U.S. committed to preserving authentic Taiwanese cuisine.
The banquet will be hosted in front of Xianse Temple, a 270-year-old Grade 3 cultural heritage site in Taipei, Taiwan. Guests will enjoy an authentic pān-toh experience, featuring dishes prepared by Master A-Càn’s team and Chef Tony. The event will also be documented through film, capturing the techniques, flavors, and spirit of this iconic tradition for future generations.
Chef Tony hopes this event will help answer a question she has long pondered: What makes the flavors of Taiwanese roadside banquets so special and unforgettable?
Event Details
Location:
Xianse Temple, Taipei, Taiwan (Map here)
The temple is near a Taipei Metro station and only a 10-minute walk away. We recommend taking Uber or the Taipei Metro for convenient transportation.
Schedule:
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11:30 AM: Arrive, settle into your seats, and mingle. Watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen.
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12:00 PM: Lunch begins with a special ritual of “Serving the First Dish,” led by Master Chef A-Càn.
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2:00–2:30 PM: Event concludes.
Dining Experience:
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Guests will be seated at tables of 10, with dishes served family-style on a large lazy Susan.
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The 12-course meal includes dessert, along with water, traditional guava and orange juices, and Taiwan Beer.
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If you can gather a group of 10, we highly recommend booking a full table for your party.
Tickets
Tickets are now available on the TOCK platform. If you have questions, feel free to reach out via email at hello@goodtoeatdumplings.com or through Instagram DMs.
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Taiwan’s culinary heritage. We look forward to sharing this meaningful and delicious journey with you!
Photo Gallery
Good To Eat Taiwanese Cuisine, located in Emeryville, California. In addition to our daily menu, we also host a tasting menu inspired by Taiwanese roadside banquet dishes. These dishes are deeply rooted in Taiwanese tradition, requiring intricate culinary techniques, a careful balance of flavors, and an emphasis on presentation.
Chef Tony and her team in their Emeryville kitchen, preparing a roadside banquet-inspired dinner for their guests.
Chef Tony visiting Master A-Can in 2023. Beyond learning answers to culinary questions she had explored independently, they shared profound discussions about Taiwanese cooking philosophy and the importance of preserving traditions in a modern world. Chef Tony also had the opportunity to assist Master Chef A-Can’s team in their kitchen. She was deeply moved not only by their culinary philosophy but also by the team’s commitment to hospitality.
November 2024 update: Chef Tony returned to Taiwan to prepare for the 1/4/2025 lunch banquet. She visited the XianSe Temple, the historic site of the upcoming event.
November 2024: Chef Tony met with Master A-Can at his countryside home to discuss the menu and event details for the upcoming banquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Traditional Taiwanese roadside banquets are outdoor events, so we recommend comfortable, semi-formal attire suitable for the weather in Taipei during January.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Unfortunately, due to the dining format, we are unable to accommodate specific dietary restrictions. However, if you have any concerns about certain ingredients, please feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to provide you with information on which dishes contain them.
What is the best way to get to the venue?
There is a MRT subway station about 10 minutes walking distance from the temple. Uber is also available and convenient in Taipei.