Ruth, we too were lucky to have traveled in China just months after it opened up. Had four teenage girls with us and the experience was fascinating. Sights, sounds, tastes, and smells will always stay with me. Candyce Cain Fisher, wife of LA Times long time reporter Dan Fisher
I grew up in China in the 80s and 90s, and like you, ate my way through every place I could. I'm pretty sure that's what made me the food writer I am today. P.S. There is a saying in China 不干不净，吃了没病, (bu gan bu jing chi le mei bing) which basically means a little dirt won't do you harm or even if it's dirty you won't get sick, and you use it to talk about restaurants or places that look like they might be dirty but where you eat well. I think your mom would approve.
I went to China in 1981 with my youth orchestra and while we didn't have a chance to explore anything other than what they wanted us to see, we did eat whatever they put in front of us with great enthusiasm (hungry teenagers) and with chopsticks!
Ruth, we too were lucky to have traveled in China just months after it opened up. Had four teenage girls with us and the experience was fascinating. Sights, sounds, tastes, and smells will always stay with me. Candyce Cain Fisher, wife of LA Times long time reporter Dan Fisher
I grew up in China in the 80s and 90s, and like you, ate my way through every place I could. I'm pretty sure that's what made me the food writer I am today. P.S. There is a saying in China 不干不净，吃了没病, (bu gan bu jing chi le mei bing) which basically means a little dirt won't do you harm or even if it's dirty you won't get sick, and you use it to talk about restaurants or places that look like they might be dirty but where you eat well. I think your mom would approve.
Yilan province is in Taiwan, you might add, and not mainland China.
About 5 years ago I was doing a kosher party and found that Red Boat is the only one producing kosher fish sauce. Still have some, it was awesome!
I went to China in 1981 with my youth orchestra and while we didn't have a chance to explore anything other than what they wanted us to see, we did eat whatever they put in front of us with great enthusiasm (hungry teenagers) and with chopsticks!
We had a film crew travel with us and they made a documentary about the trip if anyone is interested - https://youtu.be/Vyz1So3-Odl
Oops...Mouth watering
OMG. Mother watering dishes.Thank you.