【Kaohsiung】The unique collaboration between Hi-Lai Foods and Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) on the 'Good Books and Good Foods' charity project since 2021 has been a beacon of knowledge and gourmet fusion. This year, as KPL celebrates its 10^th anniversary, the event 'A Decade of Beautiful Kaohsiung' is a testament to the success of this collaboration. The Jiasian Branch Library and the Yancheng Branch Library are also part of this celebration, hosting events such as 'Jiasian Plums and Local Gourmet' and 'Elegance of Yancheng,' where readers can savor local delicacies while immersing in the local food culture through books.

The “Good Books, Good Foods” project focused on local delicacies such as the water snowflakes and flat noodles in Meinon and the milkfish in Mituo, allowing participants to sample delicious food while learning about the culture and history behind these dishes. Participants attended activities such as picking water snowflakes in a “frog suit,” catching milkfish and making flat noodles. Many of them mentioned the events were exciting, fun, and educational. This year, we turned our attention to the Jiasian District and Yancheng District by exploring local delicacies in these areas and some movie locations. The two events have also been filmed into a documentary for the public. Jiasian is Taiwan's top plum-producing region regarding volume, and March-May is the harvest season. Participants learned how to make their own plum vinegar, while Hi-Lai chefs used local plums and created dishes full of local flavor. Participants could sample food and learn about the plum culture at the same time. 

Another activity took place in Yancheng District. Being the cultural hub of Kaohsiung City, Yancheng has a unique cultural landscape. Through this activity, participants could sample delicacies unique to the local area and experience the historical sights and sounds while visiting the filming locations of classic movies such as “the Boys from Fengkuei.”  

According to Ms. Wu Ruo-ning, Vice Manager of the Marketing and Planning Division of Hi-Lai Foods, these historical and cultural tours and local delicacies play a massive role in the local culture heritage and development. Hi-Lai Foods takes pride in co-benefit, sharing, and environmental friendliness. Sustainability and localization are the recent trends in food culture. Exploring local ingredients and the history and culture of the community is something that many citizens and patrons appreciate.  

According to KPL Acting Director Lin Yicheng, combining reading and local tours can integrate our sense of sound, sight, and touch. The Jiasian Branch Library and the Yancheng Branch Library collaborate with local historical and cultural organizations and communities to organize these gourmet trips. In addition to reading, participants can also walk and explore the area to enhance their understanding of nature and the environment, thereby improving their perspective and experience. The book exhibits on food culture are also a significant part of the event, which allows readers to read and sample local delicacies while enriching their appetite and knowledge.

This project is also supported by Century Asia Cinema, which will show a food-related film to guests of Hi-Lai Foods and KPL. Citizens can enjoy reading, eating, and watching movies together, bringing their gourmet journey to a perfect ending.