I’m a sucker for food with meaning. I associate food with all sorts of things — a means of gathering together, a mode for celebration, a medium of remembrance, a conduit for family traditions, all those grand words. I love it all. This means I probably end up ascribing too much significance to my food sometimes — wait no we have to get peanut M&Ms before we board because we always have peanut M&Ms on the plane! — but somehow, I just love how much food can mean to us, and how much power it carries beyond just sustenance.
This Taiwanese popcorn chicken is a case in point — I was so, so excited to recreate it for Food52 a few weeks ago, because it comes from such a special place and time. Bowl #2 and I first discovered its glory on a short weekend trip to Taipei a few years ago (a mini trip inside a big, big one I’ve mentioned a few times before) and after we first tried it, I dragged B2 all over Taipei to try every other Taiwanese fried chicken joint I could Google in the rest of our short days there. (Resulting in us getting lost on more than one occasion. And ending up in a deserted garage trying to describe our difficulties to a baffled Taiwanese man on a moped.)
So in some ways it seems emblematic of our trip, and of the excitement that came with exploring a new country (and, really, a new relationship) on my first ever trip with a not-yet-Bowl-#2. I think it’s a pretty worthy symbol, because it’s really delicious. The chicken has an irresistible kind of sweet-savory umami depth, with a coating that’s crisp yet just the slightest bit chewy. I really wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it at home, but it’s surprisingly and delightfully easy. Making it in our own kitchen was like being transported right back to the midst of that giddy feeling of adventure and the hustle-bustle of that night market where we first tried it — meaningful food at its best. You can find my take on the recipe over at Food52! Hope you’re all having wonderful weeks! (And friends in the more Juno-pummeled locales — hope you’re staying safe and warm!)
Sini
That video! Such a lovely way to link your trip to this recipe. Food that’s filled with memories is always the best kind <3
tworedbowls
Right? Food makes everything more special. 🙂 Hope you’re doing wonderfully, Sini!
Amanda
Love the vid and the recipe. I know what you mean about food rituals and how special they are. Beautiful post.
tworedbowls
Thank you so so much, Amanda!
themoonblushbaker
The Video is so cool! The timing of the home vid shots are perfect!
Popcorn chicken nuggets are my treat from the deep fryer most often. I am slight weary of fried chicken but nuggets have my heart. That coating is making me salivate Cynthia!
tworedbowls
Yesss nuggets fo’eva! They seem so teeny and harmless compared to a whole leg 😉 baha. Thanks so much for your kind words, lady!
[email protected]
This looks incredible and I completely adore your video!
tworedbowls
Thank you so much, Tori!!
Lindsey
yes, food with meaning, lady – couldn’t agree more! i love hearing stories about food memories or where a particular dish came from, and the fact that you can recreate this memory in your home is tops . your story is so beautiful, and the video with taipei splices just makes it that more evocative – what a super special memory! big hugs! xo
tworedbowls
Your words make me so happy, Lindsey!! Thank you 🙂 Hugs right back and thanks for being so lovely always <3
jenna @ justjfaye.com
I LOVE that video and those photos and this recipe and your story! Beautiful, all of it.
tworedbowls
You are so kind, Jenna — thank you so much!
Brooke Bass
It’s amazing how you were able to recreate this dish from a travel memory. And, I agree, those are some of the best ways to savor the memories of a trip 🙂 The photos on this one are stunning, as always. And please give B2 my compliments–that video is pretty spectacular!
tworedbowls
Aw, thank you so much, Brooke!!! High five for being fried chicken twinz this week :):) your maple-brined masterpiece looked INCREDIBLE!
Betty | le Jus d'Orange
Omg. I love this so much. That video!! I’ve never been to taipei before, but it’s definitely on my travel list. I wholeheartedly agree with you – food with meaning is really the best kind. I find myself reliving memories through food – by learning my mother’s signature dishes, recreating stuff I’ve eaten abroad, or just cooking that one dish I made up in my dorm in freshman year during a tornado. I love this Cynthia!! Gorgeous everything.
tworedbowls
Thanks so much, lady! 🙂
Monica
You’re right…food is so important to us, in so many different ways. I love how we can re-create foods we had elsewhere at home and re-live a moment or memory that way. A long time ago, my husband and I used to go to a bubble-tea tea shop all the time and have tea and order a medley of snacks. I remember we got this chicken all the time…I never even realized it was Taiwanese popcorn chicken. So, so good and what a gem to find a recipe for it now. Great video, too!
tworedbowls
Oh my gosh, yes! Bubble tea and fried chicken!! That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment, Monica!
Rebecca @ Bring Back Delicious
I love that you went to a bunch of places to try it out before you left. You have to squeeze in every last opportunity!
This also looks like a great late night meal. If I found a food truck serving that outside a local bar, I’d be set!
tworedbowls
Bahaha right?? I travel with priorities! And oh my gosh yes, it’s such a perfect late night snack! We actually had it for the first time at a night market at wee hours and I’m convinced it tasted even better because of that. 😉 Thanks so much, Rebecca!
Kristin @ Tasty Joy
Awesome story, and great video to visualize it 🙂
tworedbowls
Thank you so much, Kristin!
Erika
Yes forever to food with meaning.. you know how I feel about that. This is so wonderful and I love that video. Truly talented couple. Although “Mama Dip” said don’t shake the grease off that chicken.. It’s all about healthy eating you know..LOL xo
tworedbowls
Oh yes I do <3 I love that about where we come from -- food and heritage are one and the same. And OMG hahaha Mama Dip!!!!! This comment made my day, Erika! <3
Michelle @ Hummingbird High
That video is awesome! I love the way he spliced what you were doing with the trip video; the parallel between the two was cool. Also, I can’t wait to make this chicken! You make it sound amazing!
tworedbowls
Oh my gosh I had no idea that he’d found those old clips from Taiwan until he showed me the final video for this!! Such a cool idea. Thanks so much, Michelle! :):)
Rebecca @ DisplacedHousewife
How is it I’ve been to Taiwan many times and never had the popcorn chicken? I love the scallion pancakes there…they are the best in the world…for breakfast, the ones with egg in them? Heaven. Next time I’m hunting these down like a hound…thanks for the recommendations…I’ll start there!
tworedbowls
Oh my goodness YES the scallion pancakes!!! I totally agree there’s nowhere else that makes them that good. Pure heaven. Have extra for me next time you go!
Abby Wei
Beautiful pictures and recipe—-the video made me so nostalgic and made me miss Taiwan so much—-Taiwan’s food is impossible to beat!! I would loveee to see more Taiwanese recipes if you ever get the chance!
Love the blog 🙂
Joanna
I still cannot decide what is more delicious- food or photography! I bet the correct answer is – both!
sundiegoeats
This was twice a week in college – taro milk tea and spicy fried chicken runs with the roommates!
whiskandshout
Obsessed with your photography as always! 🙂
Tieghant
I am with you, food with meanings are the best!! And this recipe and these photos? THE BEST!!
movita beaucoup
I wonder if I could get 2.0 to shoot videos for me?
Just kidding. He only just learned how to send an email this year.
chockywoky
Popcorn chicken is the best! This is just so exciting 😀
Lovely video as well, by the way
Pang @ circahappy
He is indeed the multi-talented B2!!! And you are such a good GF, did you just give him a piece during filming 🙂
This makes me miss Thailand. It looks so easy & tasty I definitely will give it a try.
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful moment with all of us, Cynthia 🙂
xoxo
Magda | My Little Expat Kitchen
What a wonderful video and I loved how you added those scenes from Taiwan. It’s so great that bowl #2 is helping you with the videos. The couples that play together, stay together 😉
It is so tempting this recipe. I have to give it a try!
Kathryn
Major love for the video; you guys are such a super talented couple. Also, I want to eat this SO BAD.
Tessa | Salted Plains
What a great video!! And what a wonderful way to capture such a special memory. Love it. And this popcorn chicken – yes, please.
Jennifer Farley
That video was giving me the wanderlust bug (for a change). And the chicken sounds amazing! Beautiful, as always.
Lauren // lavender + vine
The photography is beautiful and the chicken looks delicious. So many foods are tied to bigger things for me (personally, I get an earl grey tea every single time I go to an airport). Food is such a significant part of life, I think it’s kind of great to fall into things like that.
topwithcinnamon
Food is so evocative! How it looks, smells and tastes. Even the making process can hold some kind of memory, which is why it’s so lovely. Oh and this popcorn chicken looks to-die-for: get in my belly!!!
emily
Yes yes yes to this chicken! And the lighting in the picture of you holding the chickie is just too warm and ethereal and still somehow moody and complementary and just divine.
thejameskitchen
Food rituals are so important and I love how food connects memories, one smell or taste can instantly bring back a myriad of feelings, impressions & experiences.
What a great dish to remember your travels. We’ll join you and make this popcorn chicken very soon. Thanks, Nicole.
Cate | Chez CateyLou
“how much power it carries beyond just sustenance.” – I love that line! It is so true. I am just like you when I’m traveling – always trying to eat everything, and usually getting lost trying to find it! This chicken looks amazing – I think I could eat that whole strainer full of chicken!
www.foolproofliving.com
That video.. B2 did an excellent job.
This chicken looks so so yummy!
We are planning a trip to Thailand and Taiwan in 2016 and I cannot wait to taste the amazing food of that region. I will make this one to prepare our taste buds for our trip.
Cheers!
atasteofmadess
I LOVE popcorn chicken! This looks so good!
Nik@ABrownTable
Isn’t it amazing how we tie and associate food and tastes with our memories! You and B2 did such a great job with this post and make me want to visit Taipei someday. Gorgeous photos as always, Cynthia!
alanafixfeastflair
Food with meaning/memories is the best kind. Loved the video–go B2!!
anna @ annamayeveryday
Such beautiful photographs, it looks so so delicious!
Lorna
I absolutely love your photography here, particularly the one with you holding the sieve. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Anne MC
Hello Cynthia,
wishing you and husband all the best. The pictures of you both are so beautiful, full of love. Happy honeymoon. I have just made these tonight and all the family really loved them. Picture on https://instagram.com/tinhanne/ .
All the best. Anne