In Taiwan, the pork trotter dish symbolizes wealth and fortune, a much-desired element of Lunar New Year celebrations. With the busy holiday season approaching, meal plans are already afoot and popular vendors are packed with buyers.
Lunar New Year meals are usually prepared thoughtfully, with certain foods included to bring good luck in the coming year. Pork trotters, an ingredient commonly seen from bento lunches to fancy restaurants alike, symbolize wealth and fortune and are indispensable for holiday celebrations.
Crowds gather around Wanluan, a popular pork trotter vendor in Pingtung, trying to procure the dish to eat fresh and take away in the form of vacuum packs. One happy customer says that he’s been eating this particular trotter since he was a child and it’s still delicious. Another shopper is trying it for the first time and says that if it’s good, she will buy it again for friends and relatives. Yet another says he just happened to be in the area, so of course he came here to eat.
The company also delivers, with trucks loaded full of goods for shipping. However, with materials and transport costs going up, some fear that the savory treat will increase in price. A vendor confirms that the hike will most likely be closer to Lunar New Year. With prices going up and crowds growing ever denser, those looking to bless their table with wealth and fortune should hoof it to their local shop soon for this delectable delicacy.
Michelle Chiang, for RTI News