Taichung Cultural Bureau Promotes Traditional Dragon Boat Festival Cuisine Featuring 'Ma-Yi' Soup

The Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau highlighted the cultural significance of 'Ma-Yi' soup, as depicted in the novel 'Taiwan Travelogue' by author Yang Shuang-zi. As the book gains international recognition, the Bureau is promoting the traditional Taichung pairing of rice dumplings (zongzi) with Ma-Yi soup for the Dragon Boat Festival.

Historically, Ma-Yi is derived from the young leaves of the jute plant. In the past, jute was widely cultivated in the Nantun district for the production of ropes and sacks. Farmers would prepare the leaves by rubbing and washing them, then cooking them with sweet potatoes and whitebait, creating a dish known for its cooling properties during the summer heat. While the rise of plastic alternatives led to a decline in the local jute industry, the flavor remains a collective memory for Taichung residents.

Modern innovations have expanded the use of Ma-Yi into products such as sun cakes, cookies, cakes, and milk tea, showcasing the evolution of local food culture. Furthermore, the Taichung City Fiber Crafts Museum preserves artifacts like linen vests and rattan boxes, illustrating the history of jute fibers in daily life. The Ma-Yi Cultural Center in Nantun also documents the industrial development of jute through its exhibits.