My name is Serina, but you can call me by my nickname ‘Taiwanxifu’ (pronounced ‘shee foo’), which means ‘Taiwan daughter-in-law’ in Mandarin Chinese. I am Australian, but have married a Taiwanese guy so most Taiwanese treat me as having ‘married into’ the culture – thus the ‘Taiwanxifu’ nickname.
I met and married my husband, Sam, in Australia but we have returned to Taiwan for a few years. I originally started this blog as a vehicle to keep in touch with family and friends back home, and give them ideas for things to do when they visit. But my real interest is being a bridge to understand Taiwanese culture, especially its unique cuisine, and so my blog has morphed into restaurant reviews, travel and the odd cultural insight and recipe or two. Oh, and I don’t mind sampling Taiwanese ‘specialties’ such as stinky tofu, pigs blood cake and even offally bits, but I promise that these are not the only things on the menu in Taiwan! I am always keen to learn about new places to go in Taiwan, and would love to hear from you with suggestions. I aim to post blogs twice a week, usually on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Serina,
Hello! how are you ? i am jenny . i found your blog and it is a good way to let me know the taiwanese culture as well. i love the food and culture of taiwan too ~
Austin is a lovely boy ~
i am happy to keep contact with you ~
Dear Jenny,
Good to hear from you, and yes the food here is amazing!
Serina
Hi Serina
This is an awesome blog! Will come in handy the next time I go for a visit. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Pace
Dear Ayoung,
I have filled out your survey. Good luck with your thesis.
Taiwanxifu
Hi Serina,
We met on the BCCT meetup and your blog’s business card called my attention
I will be checking your tips out! Hope to meet you again in the next meetup.
Cheers,
Patricia
Dear Patricia, I hope you enjoyed the BCCT networking event. I know I certainly did! Many thanks for visiting my blog. I am always on the look out for new food (and cultural) experiences, so let me know if you stumble across anywhere interesting.
Hello .. can we exchange links, hhee: D. Links you have my post, please check on my blog – the bottom. Link have been installed bro .. Link back awaited. Thanks
Dear aang,
Love the photos on your blog. Yes, let’s exchange links.
Hiya! I’m enjoying your site right now, and would like to 1) exchange links with you; and 2) collaborate on writing something about what it means to be a Taiwan Xifu, with some of our experiences and observations, since we’re such a novelty.
Hi Serina,
I’ve been enjoying reading your blog and wondered if you might be able to help me with something I’m working on about homes in Taiwan. It would be great if you could email me your email address and I can explain a bit more!
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Bethan
Hi,
I stumbled across your site when looking for Taiwan blogs. I will soon be an expat in Taiwan and run my own blog about my travels and food. I am hoping you can check it out and let me know what you think. And if you are interested I’d love to share links.
Brandon
Dear Brandon, good to get your message. So, you’re thinking about teaching in Taiwan? I used to teach at HESS in Tainan years ago while I was studying at University. I am sure you will have a fantastic time in Taiwan. Happy to share links.
Taiwanxifu
I was stationed in Taipei many, many years ago and loved it. I am looking for the flat or pocket bread that all of the Mongolian BBQs served, along with the peanuts. We used to cut the bread (like pita bread) in two and stuff it with the BBQ.
If you can tell me the name of the bread, or have a recipe for it, I would really appreciate it.
I lived in Tienmou and worked at Taipei Air Station. We were good friends with the manager of the Hotel Linkou and I drove my red station wagon to pick up his bride for their wedding. His wife worked as a cashier in the Ambassador Hotel.
I don’t know the answer, but maybe someone else out there does?
Tienmu is quite different these days, as is most of Taipei. There aren’t so many US military here anymore, but I have met a few people who liked it here so much they decided to stay.
Dear Serina,
It’s my privilege to meet you and Sam this afternoon.
It’s great to know that you love the life and food here.
Your stories and experiences are the best for Taiwan to show itself to the world.
Wish you have a happy holidays ahead and all the very best.
Cheers,
Karen
Dear Karen, likewise it was great to meet you and I look forward to investment ‘tips’ from your blog!
Taiwanxifu
Hi Serina,
I”m so glad I came upon your Blog. I’m from Taiwan but came to Canada when I was 6. I have been back 3-4 times . Mostly recent trip was in 2007 when I went with my husband(born and raised in Canada). He has never met my side of the family and has never been to Taiwan either. He too loves Taiwanese food, even authentic Taiwanese dishes that my mom makes.
Looking forward to reading your blog! I miss eating the street vendors in Taiwan !!!