Taiwan residents watch the making of a dough balloon by Shanxi cooks during an exhibition on Shanxi’s culture which highlighted noodle-making, at Foguang Mountain Museum. Foguang Mountain scenic area in Kaohsiung is the largest Buddhist tourist attraction in Taiwan. [Photo/sxjjb.cn]

Shanxi recently impressed many Taiwan residents with its noodles, as the province held an exhibition on its culture focusing on wheaten food and cultural performances, in Taiwan from Jan 28 to Feb 12.

The event, sponsored by Shanxi Association of Arts and Crafts as well as The Straits Cultural & Economic Association of Shanxi, took place at Foguang Mountain Museum in Kaohsiung.

To further the local residents' understanding of Shanxi specialty noodles, chefs gave various noodle-making demonstrations, such as drawing out the dough into noodles, slicing long dough into flat and thin pieces and blowing dough balloons. The chefs provided the local residents with all the information they would need to produce Shanxi-style noodles.

The visitors were also treated to various noodle dishes, including Shanxi knife-sliced noodles. Due to the delicious taste of the noodles and the limited supply each day, the exhibition area was crowded with people waiting to sample the Shanxi specialties during the 16-day event.

"We love Shanxi noodles because we are of Shanxi descent and the taste of Shanxi food is engraved on our mind," said a local aged couple who went to eat noodles at the exhibition every day.

The Shanxi noodle display has helped promote Shanxi cuisine and culture to residents of Taiwan, helping to build links across the Straits.