A Swiss cultural commentator, Martin Ebel, has praised Taiwan as an underrated travel destination, highlighting its vibrant food culture and democratic society. That’s according to CNA on Tuesday, July 14. Writing in the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger on Sunday, Ebel described Taiwan as a “world’s culinary island,” humorously noting that people seem to be eating almost around the clock. 

Ebel recounted his culinary journey across Taiwan, from tasting oyster omelets in busy Anping to enjoying seafood and beer at Chiayi night market to grilled duck and rare mushrooms in Taipei’s Ximen District. He noted that such diverse and affordable cuisine, blending Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and local influences, is rarely found in Switzerland. 

Besides food, Ebel emphasized Taiwan’s democratic achievements, describing it as a distinctive and well-functioning system. He referenced Taiwan’s high ranking in global democracy indexes and reflected on its complex history, including the Japanese colonial rule and White Terror eras, noting the ongoing efforts to confront its past. 

He also praised Taiwan’s cleanliness, lively temples, and efficient society, contrasting them with quieter European settings. Despite geopolitical pressures, he observed that visitors mainly experience Taiwan’s friendliness, concluding that tourism appeal remains largely undiscovered by Western travelers.