Taiwan Today

Taipei City Government announced July 28 a budget of nearly NT$30 million (US$920,000) has been granted to international catering consultation firm Event Planning Group (EPG) to define, plan and deliver all catering services for the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade. The Taipei Summer Universiade, slated to take place in August 2017, is being organized by Taipei City Government and will be the largest international sports event in Taiwan history. Officials said 7,729 athletes from 150 countries will participate. In addition to the competitors, members of the athletes’ delegations could amount to nearly 12,000, requiring approximately 35,000-40,000 meals per day, which makes catering a formidable challenge, said Chu Da-cheng, director of the Universiade’s Catering and Sports Injury Prevention Division. The selection of dishes that will be available at the Universiade dining area highlights Taiwan’s acceptance of different cultures and their dietary preferences and requirements. Meals will be served 20 hours each day, and will include Mediterranean, Asian, vegetarian and Halal-certified, in addition to Taiwanese dishes. Su Li-Chiung, CEO of the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade Organizing Committee, said “Out of heartfelt respect and care for our distinguished guests from different cultures and religions, we have brought EPG on board to deliver catering services to accommodate different needs. We also hope the introduction of delicious local cuisines … can help promote Taiwan’s fruit and produce.” To showcase local characteristics and introduce foreign athletes and spectators to the cultures of Taiwan, numerous Taiwanese signature dishes, desserts and fruits, such as beef noodle soup, minced pork rice, stir-fried rice noodles, pineapple cakes, watermelons and mangos, will be included on the menu, according to the organizing committee. “The majority of local produce will be pesticide residue-free, meeting Certified Agriculture Standards (CAS), and the Muslim cuisine will be Halal-certified,” Chu said. EPG is composed of a group of specialists with rich experience in organizing international events, including the Olympic Games in Sydney, Beijing, Vancouver, London and Sochi, as well as the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Simon Arnold, a project manager with EPG, said “It’s a great honor for us to take part in this international event and to be entrusted with the catering services at the games. A major focus of the services is to feature Taiwanese cuisine, thereby promoting Taiwan’s unique food culture.” (SCK-JG) Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw