TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Thousands of food enthusiasts converged on Taipei Main Station (台北車站), Taiwan's busiest transportation hub, as organizers launched the milestone 10th "Formosa Railroad Bento Festival" (鐵路便當節) on Friday (June 6). The beloved culinary event, celebrating Taiwan's distinctive railway meal box tradition, showcased an impressive array of innovative bento creations that blend traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. (THSRC, 台灣高鐵公司), the island's bullet train operator, captivated attendees by unveiling three new premium bento options at the four-day gastronomic celebration.
The high-speed rail operator announced plans for a nationwide rollout of its gourmet offerings beginning July 1, when passengers will be able to purchase the specialty bentos at all high-speed rail stations and aboard trains throughout the system. The new lineup features regionally-inspired creations including Chiayi-style chicken rice complemented by sakura shrimp pumpkin noodles, classic Taiwanese braised pork ribs rice, and vegetarian-friendly three-cup king oyster mushrooms served with oatmeal rice. THSRC officials disclosed that the bentos, produced by the renowned Kaohsiung Airport Catering Service, will retail for NT$120 (approximately US$4) each and feature collectible Monopoly-themed lid designs.
Not to be outdone, the state-owned Taiwan Railway Corporation (台鐵公司), the island's traditional rail service, emphasized the festival's milestone "Ten-Year Celebration" theme through an expansive exhibition showcasing culinary contributions from more than 50 domestic and international food brands. The Taiwan Railway Bento Shop, a festival centerpiece, unveiled a series of environmentally conscious creations featuring sustainable seafood certified by the "Ocean Heart Ecolabel, HEART" (海洋之心生態標章), Taiwan's sustainable fishing certification program. These eco-friendly offerings come paired with traditional Matsu-style Jiguang buns (繼光餅), a beloved pastry from the outlying Matsu islands, alongside premium cuts of A5 Wagyu beef.
Beyond the culinary offerings that have made the festival a staple of Taiwan's food calendar, this year's edition features an expanded selection of collaborative merchandise and limited-edition cultural products that celebrate the intersection of Taiwan's railway heritage and food culture. Organizers have transformed sections of Taipei Main Station into vibrant exhibition spaces where visitors can purchase commemorative items while sampling the diverse bento selections. The festival's evolution from a simple food fair to a major cultural event reflects the deep connection between Taiwan's railway system and its culinary traditions, with attendance figures suggesting this tenth anniversary celebration may be the most successful iteration to date. ◼