Discovering Taishan China's Delicious Dishes

The day we were supposed to move into our apartment, we decided to take a trip to Taishan (台山). Taishan, in Guangdong province, is known as a major source of Chinese emigration, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During the California Gold Rush and the construction of the transcontinental railroads, many Taishanese left for the U.S. and Canada in search of better opportunities. They faced harsh conditions and discrimination but were crucial in building key infrastructure.

Taishanese immigrants were also instrumental in establishing Chinatowns around the world, from San Francisco to Havana. Despite challenges like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, they maintained strong cultural and familial networks, leaving a lasting impact on the global Chinese diaspora. At one point, more than half of the Chinese immigrants in the U.S. hailed from Taishan, shaping the identity of overseas Chinese communities for generations.

During our trip here, we got to try Taishan's famous Yellow Eel claypot rice! Taishan is close to rivers and coastal areas, providing access to fresh, high-quality yellow eel, a key ingredient that gives the dish its unique taste. The eel is typically marinated with flavorful ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, which infuse the meat with savory notes.

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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Taishan History
0:58 - Figuring Things Out
1:22 - He Style Hotel
2:48 - Yellow Eel Claypot Rice
4:45 - Milk Tea
5:22 - Walking Street and More History
6:47 - McDonalds
8:00 - Eating Zhong