Mexican vs. Taiwanese Food Culture

Before European influence, most of the foods that the Mexicans consumed was based on one main staple: corn. It could be made into many different, but similar types of food such as tortillas or tamales. Of course, they wouldn't just eat these on its own but supplement it with varieties of vegetables and meat, sweet potato, beans, squash and different spices, especially chilies. You many find that Mexican food also relies heavily on its range of mushrooms and other crops that grow in their nation (some of which has been mentioned earlier): beans, chocolate, corn, squash, tomatoes, avocado, vanilla, spices, peppers. These are still very popular in modern Mexico, but dishes vary in different regions of the nation, most likely because of foreign influence and the geography that allows certain crops to grow in that area. When Spain took over Mexico, she brought in new goods and livestock, like cows, pigs, sheep, garlic, foreign herbs, dairy products, many other spices to complement the overall appearance, aroma, and taste of the food. 

Taiwan's food culture, like the Mexicans', had a slight influence from the time of their Japanese occupation. Example of Japanese influenced foods are tempura (deep fried seafood or vegetables), mochi, and the occasional green tea ice cream or other products. Because of its proximity to China, Taiwan food is similar to that of  Guangdong, Shanghai, Sichuan, and Beijing's (Mid to Southern provinces in China). A typical Taiwanese meal has rice as the staple, a marinated meat dish (most likely pork), and a vegetable dish. Their food mainly relies on sauces made from soy, sesame, or chilli because they have those resources growing in their country. Mexico will have less products made from soy or sesame because the crop isn't native to their country, and they haven't been introduced to it. 

I notice that a lot of Taiwanese foods are deep fried to make it tastier (but is also more unhealthy), but Mexican food is baked most of the time (healthier). 

Both seem to have a variety of colours in the food to give it a more aesthetic appeal, as anyone would do to make it look more appetising.

At formal meals in Mexico, you're not to sit until told where to sit, or start until the host/hostess starts, as it pretty much is in Taiwan as well. You have to keep your hands visible on the table while eating, which is one rule most Mexicans don't follow anymore. One rule that was different from the Taiwanese etiquette is that it is polite to leave some food on the plate when you are done. In Taiwan, it would an insult to the host who has provided the food and he/she would think that you do not like the food they have prepared. 

Personally, I would prefer Mexican cuisine to the Taiwanese one because I think it does not all have a similar taste to everything. But that's just me, and I'm sure at least 90% of the other students would prefer the Taiwanese cuisine. 

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