by Xin Yage

The competition was open to 32 teams; almost all made up of foreign-born wives of Taiwanese men, except for Richard, the Filipino husband of a Taiwanese woman. "Cooking together strengthens friendship and helps us share the Gospel," Catholic priest says.

Taipei (AsiaNews) - A competition was held in the square across from Banqiao Railway Station (板橋). Its intended goal was "to open up" Taiwanese society to foreigners and allow locals and outsiders to meet and know each other. Competitors included immigrants from Asian nations living in Taiwan.

Some 32 teams took part in the event, almost all made up of immigrant women married to Taiwanese men who showed off their skills in preparing delicious dishes from Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and various provinces on the Chinese mainland. Only one man took part in the event, Richard, the Filipino husband of a Taiwanese woman, who is from one of central Taipei's most vibrant Catholic parishes.

Interior Minister Lee Hong-yuan (李鸿源), National Immigration Director General Hsieh Li-kung (谢 立功) and several Filipino and Taiwanese trade officials took part in the opening ceremony. The latter were especially happy to see how immigrants and Taiwanese were integrating well.

"Cases of good and sound integration between locals and immigrants are now the rule," said Michael, director of an Indonesian association that helps immigrants, "compared to rare cases of exploitation, which we report to the authorities whenever they are uncovered."

Fr Mark, a Catholic priest and Richard's friend, came to the event with a large group of his parishioners. As he praised the initiative, he said he was "very happy that cooking together can strengthen friendship" and give people "a chance to discover tasty dishes from their various countries of origin."

"For us," he added, "there is also the possibility of showing our work of evangelisation in the parish because it is there, as well as in the family, that Richard has developed in recent years his skills."

After a brief address in which he said, "Such occasions provide an opportunity for stronger exchanges between people from different backgrounds, enriching Taiwan's cultural identity," Minister Lee (李鸿源) thanked competitors for their participation and cordially encouraged them to show their stuff behind the stoves. 

In addition to the food, the competition was livened up by songs and dances.

• taiwan
• food
• competition
• immigrant
• groups
• integration
• evangelisation