In Chinese culture, no major occasion such as a wedding, funeral or temple fair would be complete without a banquet. Many people host such feasts at restaurants, while others prefer to arrange traditional bando events.
Bando literally means “to set tables” in Holo, commonly called Taiwanese and the language of Taiwan’s largest ethnic group, and refers to a Taiwanese-style catered feast that is customarily held outdoors. In the countryside, bando banquets, also known as roadside banquets, are often staged in the courtyards of temples or on school playgrounds. In the nation’s cities, where space is limited, the hosts often just temporarily block off part of a street, erect a large tent and set up dining tables for their guests.
The size of bando banquets varies widely from a few to more than 100 tables, each seating eight to 12 people. All of the dishes are prepared by a team of efficient chefs in a temporary kitchen next to the area where the guests sit. Though bando is considered a traditional Taiwanese-style banquet, nowadays the feasts include dishes from Hakka, Japanese and mainland Chinese cuisine. The quantity of food served at these banquets is considerable since hosts often use the money they saved by not renting out a restaurant to offer larger dishes. At the end of the feasts, plastic bags are provided so guests can take home leftovers.
Given their locations, bando banquets may not be as comfortable as those held at restaurants. However, many people prefer the unique atmospheres and bountiful dishes at traditional bando feasts.
Write to Jim Hwang at cyhuang03@mofa.gov.tw
In cities, traditional bando banquets, also known as roadside banquets, are often staged on side streets. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)
The dishes served at the feasts are typically quite large. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)
Bando literally means “to set tables” in Holo. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)
The dishes for a bando banquet are prepared in a temporary kitchen next to the seating area. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)
The absence of formally dressed waiters and fancy tableware helps create the unique atmospheres at bando banquets. (Photos by Chang Su-ching)
The size of bando banquets can vary from a few to more than 100 tables. (Photo by Chang Su-ching)