Learn English with Fun | A Virtual Tour of a Taiwanese Supermarket

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1️⃣ Welcome to a Taiwanese Supermarket! 🏪

Have you ever wondered what shopping is like in Taiwan? From fresh local produce to unique snacks and special grocery store finds, shopping in Taiwan is a fun experience! In this episode, we take you on a virtual tour of a Taiwanese supermarket, explaining must-try foods and useful English terms along the way. Get ready to shop like a local! 🛍️

2️⃣ Grocery Shopping Culture in Taiwan 🛒

🕘 Supermarket Hours
Most supermarkets in Taiwan open early (8 AM or 9 AM) and close around 10 PM to midnight.
Some Carrefour hypermarkets operate 24 hours!

🧾 Self-Checkout & Payment Methods
Most stores accept cash, credit cards, and mobile payments (LINE Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay).
Self-checkout machines are becoming more common in larger supermarkets.

🏷️ Discounts & Membership Cards
Many supermarkets offer loyalty cards for discounts and special deals.
PX Mart has a membership card that gives exclusive promotions.

3️⃣ Supermarket Chains in Taiwan 🏢

Taiwan has a mix of local supermarkets and international chains. Some of the most popular include:

PX Mart (全聯) – The largest supermarket chain in Taiwan, offering affordable groceries.
Carrefour (家樂福) – A French hypermarket with a variety of local and imported goods.
RT-Mart (大潤發) – A warehouse-style supermarket with bulk items and fresh produce.
Simple Mart (美廉社) – A convenience-style supermarket for quick shopping.
CitySuper – A high-end supermarket with many imported products, often found in malls.

4️⃣ Must-Try Foods in a Taiwanese Supermarket 🍜🥭

🍍 Fresh Fruits & Unique Produce (Availability depends on the season!)

Wax Apple (蓮霧) – A sweet, juicy fruit with a crunchy texture.
Custard Apple (釋迦) – Soft, creamy, and naturally sweet.
Dragon Fruit (火龍果) – A vibrant pink fruit with white or red flesh.
Mango (芒果) – A tangy version of the tropical favorite.

💡 Tip for Foreigners: If you're unsure how to pick ripe and sweet fruits, don't hesitate to ask the supermarket clerks! They are usually happy to help you choose the best quality ones.

🍜 Instant Noodles & Quick Meals

Braised Beef Noodles (紅燒牛肉麵) – A Taiwanese staple in an easy-to-cook form.
Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯) – Canned or pre-packaged for convenience.
Sesame Oil Chicken Noodles (麻油雞麵) – A comforting, warming soup.

💡 Tip for Foreigners: Taiwan has a huge variety of instant noodles, from spicy to soupy to dry stir-fried styles. If you don’t know which one to pick, check out the bestseller labels on the shelves, or ask a store clerk for recommendations!

🧋 Drinks & Beverages

Bottled Tea (瓶裝茶) – Taiwan offers many bottled teas with different flavors, from sweetened to unsweetened, including oolong, green tea, and black tea, with dozens to choose from!
Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶) – A rather sweet herbal tea commonly enjoyed as a refreshing drink.
Yakult (養樂多) – A probiotic yogurt drink popular in Asia.

💡 Tip for Foreigners: Many supermarkets have ready-to-drink versions of Taiwan’s most famous beverages. If you’re unsure what to try, look for small sample stations where you can taste before you buy!

🍪 Snacks & Treats

Pineapple Cakes (鳳梨酥) – A must-try souvenir snack.
Iron Eggs (鐵蛋) – Chewy, soy-marinated eggs, a unique local treat.
Seaweed Chips (海苔脆片) – A crispy, umami-rich snack.
Nougat Crackers (牛軋餅) – Sweet and savory, a favorite with tea.
Local Brands (本地品牌) – Taiwan has a variety of cookies and snacks, some of which come in unique local flavors that might surprise foreigners!

💡 Tip for Foreigners: Pineapple cakes are the No. 1 souvenir for foreigners visiting Taiwan. Famous brands are now available in most supermarkets, making it easy to bring home an authentic taste of Taiwan!

5️⃣ Final Thoughts: What Would You Try? 🤔

Taiwanese supermarkets offer a mix of local flavors, international goods, and unique snacks you won’t find elsewhere. Whether you're looking for fresh fruit, instant noodles, or Taiwanese specialties, there's something exciting to try!

🗣️ Have you been to a supermarket in Taiwan? What food would you like to try? Let us know! 🛍️

Видео Learn English with Fun | A Virtual Tour of a Taiwanese Supermarket канала Taiwan Tea Time