Food Studio Leads Community Walks, Tasting Local Flavors to Share Zengwen River Basin Stories

In Tainan, Taiwan, the "Shan Food Studio" is fostering a deeper connection between people and their environment through immersive community experiences. Recently, the studio hosted a "walking and tasting" event in the Qingshui Village of Madou District, inviting participants to explore the Zengwen River basin's rich cultural and natural heritage.

Led by Cai Zhen-yu, founder of Shan Food Studio and manager of the Daofeng Guest Village, the event guided attendees through the community. They learned about the local sugarcane industry, historical anecdotes, and the origins of the Zengwen River's nickname, "Blind Snake," due to its past floods and course changes. The group also visited a 70-year-old house undergoing renovation, gaining insight into the area's architectural history.

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The experience extended to a "terroir bento" lunch, featuring ingredients primarily sourced from the Zengwen River basin, including rice from Xiaying. The meal's presentation incorporated local crafts, with containers and wrapping cloths showcasing bamboo weaving and plant dyeing artistry from Xiaying. Participants also engaged in a hands-on activity, making rice balls together.

Cai Zhen-yu emphasized the event's goal: to introduce more people to Madou and highlight the possibilities of revitalizing old houses. With another 70-year-old house nearing completion of its renovation, the studio hopes these activities will encourage more homeowners and young people to engage in preserving and repurposing local heritage structures.

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