On Saturday, tourists and locals passing through Union Square will find more than just the usual cable cars, big-box retailers and historic hotels. Instead, a huge, bustling Taiwanese market, not unlike a scene one might see in Taipei, will occupy the district’s central plaza — dozens upon dozens of vendors selling T-shirts, cute handmade stationery, artisanal soy sauce, boba drinks and, of course, a dazzling array of Taiwanese food.
It’s the 33rd annual Taiwanese American Cultural Festival, which organizers tout as the largest event of its kind on the West Coast, drawing upwards of 10,000 visitors each year. As always, the annual celebration of Taiwanese American culture will showcase local artists and designers, and feature live performances running the gamut from traditional folk dance to soft boy pop (including a set by San Francisco singer-songwriter Fedge).
More than anything, though, the event is a big coming-out day for Taiwanese food, which had long kept a relatively low profile in the Bay Area before experiencing a real renaissance in recent years. The festival’s market area will include booths selling pantry staples like soy sauce and chili oil, as well as multiple vendors selling loose-leaf oolong teas sourced from the mountains of Taiwan.
