Initial Position
Since global mobility boosts intercultural influence and exchange, the danger of consolidation and monotony exists. Are we heading towards a boring cultural mishmash society? Big foodchains, especially American ones, become more and more popular - not only in Taiwan. Therefore global chains increasingly dictate what to eat and how to eat. Probably we loose varieties and differences.
Taiwan, a country influenced by a lot of cultures, managed to use foreign customs for its own good. The specific mixture of cultures makes up a very unique and diverse identity. Intercultural exchange did not lead to homogeneity but to a colorful cuisine that can be experienced at the numberless small personal restaurants and street stalls. Besides the problematic effect impersonal food-changes have on society, they offer orientation and stability. A mobile society is probably not able to do without this way of simplification.