TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's deeply ingrained tradition of gathering around the dinner table has earned the island nation international recognition as a global leader in communal dining culture, according to the newly released 2025 World Happiness Report (WHR). The comprehensive study placed Taiwan eighth among 142 countries surveyed for the frequency with which its citizens share meals together, a practice strongly correlated with increased happiness levels. This impressive cultural distinction has helped elevate Taiwan to 27th place in overall global happiness rankings, securing its position as the happiest nation in Asia.
The groundbreaking report emphasizes how the seemingly simple act of breaking bread together yields profound psychological benefits for participants. Researchers documented that regular communal dining experiences significantly strengthen social bonds while simultaneously reducing feelings of isolation and lowering depression rates among participants. These observations are backed by neurological evidence showing that sharing meals stimulates the brain to release critical "happiness hormones," including dopamine and oxytocin — neurochemicals that scientists have identified as fundamental building blocks for maintaining robust mental health and emotional resilience.
The data reveals that Taiwan's residents share an impressive average of 10.1 out of their 14 weekly meals with family members, friends, or colleagues—a statistic that reflects the deep cultural importance placed on communal eating experiences across the island. While several nations, including Senegal, Gambia, Malaysia, Paraguay, and Iceland, reported even higher frequencies, exceeding 11 shared meals weekly, Taiwan's strong performance highlights a growing recognition that communal dining represents a powerful yet accessible tool for enhancing collective happiness. Public health experts now point to Taiwan's centuries-old dining traditions as a model that other societies might emulate to improve mental health outcomes through culturally appropriate, low-cost interventions. ◼