Friday, September 05, 2008

Taiwan Treats: Avocado & Pudding Shake.

I've written before about Taiwanese pudding- a ubiquitous treat, rather similar to a spanish flan, or a caramel custard. Somehow, it seems to find its way into everything. At a seaside market in Hualien, Bordeaux and I sampled one of the strangest Taiwan treats yet- a smoothie of ripe avocado and Taiwanese pudding. We simply ordered an avo shake, but apparently the pudding is added to sweeten the mixture. It was blended until the ripe avocado and the chunky custard were smooth, then plopped into a plastic cup. And- surprisingly- it was delicious. Rich, creamy and decadent, with a richness from the avocado, and a caramel sweetness from the custard.

PS- Bordeaux and I totally got spotted by a reader while we were out shopping yesterday! This is a big world, and we definitely don't have a huge readership, so it was a totally surprising experience. Thanks for coming up and saying hi, and I hope all of my readers are as hip as you!

9 comments:

Ange said...

You are so daring with your food adventures! I was just dreaming of avocado today and this sounds surprisingly delicious.

Unknown said...

this is right up my alley-- i make avocado smoothies often for breakfast (avocado, banana, coconut juice, soy milk, chard... delicious!), so i would love to try this.

and how fun that you were recognized from your blog!

(p.s.- i can't believe you're into crocodiles, too. it sounds like we'll have to meet up somewhere in this big world one day and go on a sea creature adventure!)

dee said...

I would like one now, please.

kristine said...

how exciting to be recognized - very cool.

I get the feeling you are getting rather into these various pudding treats! Interesting mixture - in Indonesia they drink a lot of avocado & chocolate shakes.

How long are you in Taiwan for?

Alexander Santillanes said...

I do enjoy the puddings, though I have to admit that in this case, it was totally accidental. I ordered just an avo shake, not knowing that pudding would be added. It was a nice surprise though.

I had hoped to get to Indonesia this year, but sadly that won't be happening. When I do finally get there, I am definitely ordering an avocado and chocolate shake!

I've actually been back in Thailand for over a week, but I still have more to say about Taiwan! When will my blog catch up with my life? -X

coolwaterworks said...

Since it seems you are touring Southeast Asia, any chance of landing here in the Philippines? And try one exotic food called "Balut", Fear Factor style...

Taiwan's shaved ice is similar to the Philippine's "halo-halo" (literally mix-mix)...

You have a very interesting site here... and I must say a curious appetite... I must add you to my blog roll... I hope you won't mind...

Alexander Santillanes said...

I'd love to get to the Philippines, but sadly I don't think I'll get there this year. What is 'balut'? I'm intrigued... and you can certainly add me to your blogroll! -X

coolwaterworks said...

Hahaha! Here's a wikipedia article on balut:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balut

I look forward to reading about your balut experience...

My pleasure in adding you to my blog...

Anonymous said...

That shake sounds wonderful, but I'm a big fan of avocado. All of your posts are real eye openers to the culinary possibilities of Taiwan. I hope I can get a layover there.