Annual Lukang banquet to feature crispy pork after slaughter ban lifted

Annual Lukang banquet to feature crispy pork after slaughter ban lifted

2025-11-14

Every year, Lukang in Changhua County promotes its local cuisine with the Lukang Luxi Banquet. This year it’s to be held at the end of this month, serving 200 tables over two days. Nineteen dishes will be served, including pok-bah, or crispy fried pork, for the very first time. Last year’s popular vegetables wrapped in tofu skin and thick pork soup are also back on the menu. The organizers said it’s fortunate the ban on slaughtering pigs has been lifted, so pork can shine as the star of the show.

Slivers of pork, fried until golden, look so enticing that just the sight of it makes your mouth water. There’s also this oyster omelet, topped with a giant pile of oysters. The table is packed with sumptuous delicacies of all kinds, all to be served at this year’s Lukang Luxi Banquet

Hsu Chih-hung
Lukang Township Mayor
The menu is full of specialties from Lukang. Some have over a century of history, and some are snacks that have been passed down through the generations. We’ve elevated them to serve at the Luxi Banquet.

The 19-course menu for the first time includes pok-bah, or crispy fried pork. Last year’s popular vegetables wrapped in tofu skin and thick pork soup are also back. And of course the meal wouldn’t be complete without thick slices of mullet roe and Lukang’s own vermicelli soup. The price hasn’t gone up, either, set at NT$4,500 for a table. The organizer said it’s fortunate the ban on pig slaughter has been lifted just in time for the feast.

Hsu Chih-hung
Lukang Township Mayor
Reservations are snapped up quickly every year. The Luxi Banquet has five appetizers, 10 main dishes, and four desserts.

Reservations for this year’s banquet are to open on Nov. 18, and are expected to attract hundreds of foodies to Lukang for this annual feast.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Lukang #Changhua #feast #banquet #localdelicacies #friedpork #crispypork #food #osyteromelet

豬肉回歸! 鹿港"鹿溪宴"菜色曝光香酥卜肉首入菜

2025-11-14

彰化鹿港鎮推廣在地美食，每年舉辦的「鹿港鹿溪宴」，將在11月底登場，2天共辦200桌。今年19道美食，有首次入菜的香酥卜肉，還有二度上榜的豆包菜捲以及赤肉羹湯，業者說幸好豬肉禁宰令解除，豬肉"及時回歸"，才能澎湃上菜。

香酥卜肉，炸到表面金黃，光看就讓人食指大動，還有這盤蚵仔煎，蚵仔顆顆碩大飽滿，一整桌美食佳餚，超澎湃，通通都是彰化鹿港鹿溪宴，今年的菜色。

[[鹿港鎮長許志宏]]
“尤其這些菜具有我們鹿港很多的一些特色，有的經過百年的傳承，有的是好幾代傳承的在地的小吃，我們把它提升為我們的鹿溪宴。”

19道美食，包含今年首次入菜的香酥卜肉，去年獲得好評的豆包菜捲以及赤肉羹湯，也二度進榜，還有厚切烏魚子，當然也少不了，鹿港必吃的麵線糊。今年價格凍漲，維持原價，每桌4500元，業者說，幸好豬肉禁宰令解除，豬肉"及時回歸"，今年才能如期上菜。

[[鹿港鎮長許志宏]]
“尤其每年都收到秒殺的情形，我們鹿溪宴前菜有五道、十道主菜、四道甜食。”

今年鹿溪宴，將在18日開放訂購，預計又將吸引許多饕客來享受一年一度的好滋味。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

NT$10,000 cash handouts to be available at ATMs starting Nov. 17

2025-11-14

Unusual surrogacy stories go viral during reproductive rights debate

Two unusual stories regarding surrogacy have recently gone viral in Taiwan, as reproductive rights become a hot topic in Taiwan. An amendment is in the works to expand the eligibility of assisted reproduction. Current laws restrict IVF to heterosexual married couples, leaving out unmarried couples, single-parent families and same-sex couples. It remains unknown whether the new legislation will also allow for surrogacy.

- We have quadruplets! After failing in Ukraine and Colombia, we finally found surrogates in Mexico.

A gay couple made a video about their success finding two surrogate mothers in Mexico, who each gave birth to a set of twins.

- My mind went blank for 3 seconds.
The only thing I could say was. Huh?

The video was meant as heartwarming story. But not everyone saw it that way. Some accused the couple of neglecting the surrogates and others claimed that they were “buying kids for views.”

Shih Chung-liang
Minister of Health and Welfare
We respect everyone’s personal views, while respecting opinions in society and respecting everyone’s individual decisions. At this point, the matter requires more discussion to build a consensus.

Surrogacy is illegal in Taiwan. In a separate incident, an orthopedist who conceived a child through surrogacy is being slammed after filming the birth and posting it online.

The doctor says he obtained consent from the surrogate before shooting the video. He says that he doesn’t think his genes are particularly remarkable, stressing that he’s just a regular person who likes children. Though some doctors suggested running tests on the baby, he refused, saying that the prenatal checkups were normal. His critics are accusing him of making and publishing the video out of arrogance and self-importance, saying he handled the video as that of an animal giving birth.

Shen Ching-fen
Health Promotion Administration
We must respect the surrogate mother’s privacy. Even if consented to that arrangement, her human rights and autonomy are extremely important.

The incidents have captured headlines in Taiwan, as discussions on reproductive rights are resurfacing regarding assisted reproduction.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#surrogacy #reproduction #reproductiverights

2025-11-14

Safety course for elderly drivers teaches emergency braking, refreshes skills

Discussion about seniors on the road has reached a fever pitch recently. The Taipei City Government in response is offering a first-ever driving safety course for elderly motorists. Anyone 65 or over can sign up to get a refresher on basic driving knowledge, as well as test their sensitivity for crucial skills like emergency braking.

A five-second emergency stop over 100 meters tests not only sensitivity, but also bravery. But veteran drivers with over 40 years behind the wheel aren’t fazed—they just step on the gas, their moves as sharp as ever. They can also practice on an uneven surface to test their control over the pedal.

Mr. Wang
Course participant
You usually don’t need to brake suddenly when driving. I used to just hand my car over to the mechanic and never paid attention to its condition. How do you change the oil, anyway? How can you tell if the tires need replacing?

When 77-year-old Wang was 75, he renewed his driver’s license. He’ll soon need to renew it again. In the past three years, his knowledge of traffic laws, driving skills, and sensitivity have all declined, so he’s attending the class so he can drive until he’s 90. This 72-year-old Mr. Hu is also taking the course.

Mr. Hu
Course participant
Before, as long as I could drive, I would. Just knowing how to press the gaspedal was enough. But just now we tried out emergency braking, which made me realize the importance of maintaining proper following distance.

The two students found the acceleration and emergency braking practice to be most useful. It also aligns with one of the course’s primary objectives. Senior driving has been a hot topic of discussion this year. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s senior driving programs, the Taipei City Government partnered with the Driving Education Association to create a specialized driving safety course. Seniors aged 65 and above who complete the class are eligible for subsidies.

Mr. Tseng
Driving instructor
Just getting people to leave home and come to a driving school for lessons is an extremely difficult task. Especially older folks, their bodies aren’t as resilient. The more intensive exercises in the course could cause them discomfort.

When it comes to driving, older folks have been on the road for so long that most know their way around a wheel. But as we age, we inevitably lose some of the skills we had in our youth. Taking these classes not only reinforces safe driving practices, but also gives a chance to correct outdated driving habits.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#driving #elderlydriver #trafficsafety #drivingcourse #Taipei #emergencybraking #driverslicense #aging

2025-11-14

CAT-8888 license plate auctioned in Keelung for NT$576,000

2025-11-14

Fish, clam, and watch birds in Chiayi’s wetlands

Every year from October to April, thousands of birds stop in Chiayi during their migrations, gathering in the flat, intertidal zones of Dongshi and Budai townships. This year, Chiayi’s Culture and Tourism Bureau is hosting bird-watching activities, inviting people to get to know these migratory birds in their natural habitat through fun activities.

Children hold bamboo fishing rods, patiently waiting for fish to bite. Many families visit this fishing village in Chiayi’s Dongshi Township to try catching fish.

Visitors enjoy paddling down the river on boats made from recycled materials. There are also ponds nearby, where people can dig for clams and enjoy freshly grilled oysters.

A professional from Budai Township’s fishing village explains how to dig for clams. They bring visitors to the beach as the tide goes out, revealing ideal clam flats.

Tseng Chin-cheng
Budai fishing experience director
The best time is when the tide is going out. You definitely don’t want to come during high tide, because you won’t be able to find clams at all, and they might be swept away by the current.

Close by, flocks of migratory birds perch on trees and take to the skies. Thousands of these birds visit the wetlands in Dongshi and Budai during their migrations from October to April every year. The flat intertidal zones here have a rich ecosystem that is well suited for wading birds.

Bird watcher
The black-faced spoonbills seem to be doing pretty well this year. It’s a joy to be able to see them every year. Watching them interact and preen each other really moves me.

Bird watcher
I saw lots of people watching them from the street here in Budai. I was happy to see the black-faced spoonbills.

Chiayi’s Culture and Tourism Bureau is even hosting bird-watching activities in partnership with local industries, inviting families to learn about nature through hands-on experiences.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Chiayi #Dongshi #Budai #wetlands #fishing #oysters #birds

2025-11-14

Alishan’s Saviki Village tours include dining and cultural activities

Many people enjoy visiting Alishan on their time off. Located in southern Alishan, the indigenous Saviki Village offers a one-day tour where visitors can make millet wine and bamboo cups, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances. They can also savor local cuisine at a restaurant that uses only ingredients from its farm. With such fresh ingredients, only a little seasoning is needed to bring out their natural flavors.

A farmer harvests fresh okra and sponge gourd out in the fields before returning to the farmhouse where pigs, fish, and chickens are raised. This farm is part of an indigenous restaurant in Alishan’s Saviki Village. They specialize in Tsou-style barbeque, and all the ingredients come directly from their farm.

The restaurant prepares traditional indigenous dishes, including celery omelets and black fungus salad, which can be savored while enjoying a view of the Fumei Suspension Bridge.

Wen Ya-lan
Restaurant owner
We don’t add any special seasonings or anything. The ingredients grow from mountain soil and clean water, and are presented in the freshest way possible, leaving a lasting impression on everyone.

Once visitors have eaten their fill, they can experience local Tsou culture.

Using a giant pestle, a visitor pounds millet in a mortar. This is part of the process to make millet wine, which takes the combined efforts of many.

"My arms are sore from using it. It’s very interesting."

Others make bamboo cups, carefully cutting the bamboo and grinding it down into the right shape. After these workshops, locals put on a performance of music and dance, sharing their culture with visitors.

Chen Hou-min
Workshop manager
Our workshops have lots of package deals, including a special one called the “floating restaurant.” It’s one of our special dining experiences that also includes guided tours and cultural activities. We take guests to the Tanayiku Valley for a meal.

Chiayi’s Alishan Township is home to the Tsou people, who live in nine different villages in the area. With its rich history and natural ecosystem, visitors can learn about its indigenous culture and enjoy delicious food.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Alishan #Chiayi #Tsou #indigenous #culture #tradition #cuisine #culture #dance #performance #travel #tourism

2025-11-14

High water bill raises alarm on woman who died 2 months ago

A tragic discovery in Taichung, where the body of an 82-year-old woman living alone was found in her home, months after dying. The alert as to her death was not actually raised by her family or neighbors, but by the water utility company. The household had registered a spike in usage of 6,000 tons of water in two months, as the woman had apparently left the sinks running in the bathroom and kitchen.

Morticians have arrived at the residence where the dried-out body of 82-year-old Ms. Tseng was found. It is estimated that she died two months ago.

The alert was raised by the water company, which noticed that consumption had soared to a whopping 6,000 tons of water over the past two months. Police forced opene the door to find Ms. Tseng’s lifeless body. The taps in the bathroom and kitchen were still running.

Lin Chia-feng
Chenping Borough Warden
Her body was all dried up. They think she died two or three months ago. They also found an animal carcass inside.

Ms. Tseng lived in Taichung’s Beitun District. Her borough warden says she would often be seen collecting discarded items and joining events at the local temple. But nobody had seen her for some time, and she didn’t show up to collect her Double Ninth Festival cash handout for seniors. Neighbors say she barely spoke with her family.

Neighbor
Taichung resident
She lived alone. Her daughter would barely visit, and her husband passed away long ago.

Tu Chia-yu
Police officer
There were no signs of external force. The case has been submitted to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office.

Police say there were no signs of struggle, and nothing was stolen. As such, an external actor has been ruled out. Ms. Tseng’s family has raised no objections, but it remains unknown whether she died from disease or old age. One forensic expert says there was likely no odor due to her being relatively thin, which would have made decomposition faster.

Kao Ta-cheng
Forensic expert
Only leaving the taps running all day long for so long would result in so much usage. Perhaps she was going to wash her hands or take a shower but then she suffered a heart attack or died of old age, natural causes.

Ms. Tseng had little interaction with her neighbors, and in the end it was the enormous consumption of 6,000 tons of water over two months that raised the alarm.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taichung #news #oldage #sad #loneliness

2025-11-14

Restaurants offer promotions to entice cash handout spenders

As the NT$10,000 cash handout is starting to hit people’s accounts, many restaurants are looking to capitalize on the opportunity. One is offering a chance to win a NT$10,000 discount for every NT$2,000 spent, while a buffet at a five-star hotel is accepting a second diner for only NT$111 — basically half off the total. Another has vouchers for NT$3,000 off. However you slice it, they’re all looking for a piece of handout mania.

Garlic, chili, and spices release their aromatics in hot oil before stir-frying succulent crab in Southeast Asian curry.

In this dish, Blue Diamond shrimp is stir-fried in dry barbeque sauce, as fermented wine enhances the aroma. Seared nigiri and steak are also on the menu. This all-you-can-eat buffet is looking to capitalize on the government’s NT$10,000 handout by offering a chance to win the same amount for every NT$2,000 spent.

I believe I’m lucky enough to get it.

I really didn’t know about it.
Do you think it’s a good promotion?
It’s good. Stimulates the economy.
My money was already deposited.
As soon as I got it, I came here to eat.

Chung Yun-yen
Hi-Lai Foods assistant manager
We hope to capitalize on this opportunity through the promotional campaign and the lucky draw. Aside from traveling abroad, people can also spend here at the restaurant.

Garden Kitchen at the Taipei Marriott is also holding a handout promotion. Two people who dine together can eat to their hearts’ content for basically half off.

Sun Yi-tien
Taipei Marriott marketing & PR manager
This promotion has already sparked a rush of reservations, with bookings for the promotional period nearly full already. We expect it to drive a 20% to 30% increase in sales.

Here, you can enjoy torched slices of crispy dusk skin wrapped in thin pancakes. The Renaissance Hotel is offering 10 vouchers for NT$10,000, which can be redeemed with cash for a value of NT$13,000 when dining at the restaurant.

Yu Chih-shan
Renaissance Hotel assistant marketing manager
It’s equivalent to 23% off. We hope it will drive this business opportunity. We anticipate it to boost sales by about 10% to 20%.

Stay on the lookout for deals, as businesses are looking to keep the NT$10,000 handout in Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#handout #cashhandout #$10,000 #freemoney #restaurants #buffet #allyoucaneat #discount #promotion #finedining #deal #mealvoucher

2025-11-14

Police helps man knocked over by freak wind gust

2025-11-14