North Tamsui USR Project: 10 Delicacies Revive Mackay’s Missionary Journey in Taiwan

2024/03/25

Tamkang University's USR project “Digitally Discovering the Charm of the North Tamsui: An Integrated Land and Sea Travel Experience” (淡北風情e線牽-海陸旅遊全體驗) collaborated with the Tamsui Presbyterian Church. On the evening of March 21, the “Mackay Banquet” was held at the Golden Tulip Fab Hotel. Academic Vice President Hui-Huang Hsu, Vice President for International Affairs Hsiao-Chuan Chen, and Chief Advisor of Tamkang University Alumni Association Headquarters Lawrence Lin were among the attendees. The event coincided with Reverend Mackay's 181st birthday, further highlighting his outstanding contributions to Taiwan and the fond memories of all.

The “Mackay Banquet” is the second Tamsui-themed banquet, following the previous “Sino-French War Huwei Banquet” which received enthusiastic responses and was nominated for the 2024 GVM University Social Responsibility Award. It follows the “Homeland of the Gods: Taoyuan Banquet” and the “Baozhong Yimin Banquet”, aiming to provide attendees not only with delicious cuisine but also an understanding of the local history and culture, allowing them to experience the spirit of Mackay.

During his speech, Dr. Hui-Huang Hsu pointed out that in recent years, the Ministry of Education has vigorously promoted USR projects. Tamkang University has had all 5 projects in the third phase approved, with the core spirit being teachers leading students to collaborate with local communities to solve local issues with expertise. "The Mackay Banquet integrates history into tourism and combines it with cuisine to create distinctive highlights for the Tamsui area, allowing people to understand local history while enjoying their meals." Vicky Chi, General Manager of the Golden Tulip Fab Hotel, expressed her honor in collaborating with Tamkang University to deepen the local tourism experience. The preparation process involved a lot of brainstorming and culinary experimentation to present the perfect results. "We hope that while enjoying the dishes, people can also gain a deeper understanding and impression of Dr. Mackay's historical contributions and influence in Tamsui."

The Mackay Banquet is a collaboration between History Professor Chi-Lin Lee and local restaurants, developing a menu that combines Tamsui's history, inspired by the missionary journey of Reverend Mackay to Taiwan. It features 10 creative and intriguing dishes, including “Stars Surrounding the Moon” (眾星拱月), “Tooth Extraction” (拔牙術), “Oxford Book” (牛津書冊), “Proud and Satisfied” (洋洋得意), “Hundred Treasures Jar for Health” (養生百寶甕), “Tama patudan,” (塔瑪巴突丹, “Father teacher” in Kavalan) “Brick Wall Array” (磚墻林立), “Huwei Colorful Assortment” (滬尾七彩什錦), “Family Reunion” (一家團圓), and “Five Pancakes and Two Fishes” (五餅二魚). Among them, the “Tooth Extraction” uses scallops resembling white teeth paired with tofu resembling a dental bed, inviting guests to experience Mackay's contribution to tooth extraction in Taiwan. “Tama patudan,” tells the story of Mackay's missionary work among various indigenous tribes in Taiwan through the combination of 6 different Eastern and Western ingredients, depicting the deep friendship he built with the indigenous people. “Family Reunion” portrays the touching familial bonds as Mackay's descendants, renowned scholars worldwide, ultimately return to Tamsui, symbolizing peace and harmony. Each dish vividly presents Mackay's life and captivates the guests' taste buds. In addition to introducing the dishes, Dr. Lee arranged for students to perform a scene depicting Mackay's tooth extraction services for the residents, further leaving a lasting impression on the guests.

Dr. Yen-Ling Lin, the Chief Audit Executive of Tamkang University, was deeply impressed by the dish “Five Pancakes and Two Fishes,” finding it unexpectedly paired and surprisingly delicious; the story and symbolism behind “Family Reunion” were touching—despite descendants being scattered around the world, they ultimately chose to return to Tamsui, evoking novelty, surprise, and emotion. News reporter Chin-Yin Huang from SET TV was also impressed by “Family Reunion,” not only by its impressive appearance but also by its delightful taste; the sweetness of the white gourd complements the chicken perfectly. The dish “Tama patudan,” offered rich layers of flavors, refreshing with the addition of lettuce. "Overall, the Mackay Banquet is full of creativity, using visually appealing dishes to effortlessly immerse people in the story of Mackay's journey in Taiwan, making it highly enjoyable.

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