TAIPEI – Taiwan's classic beef noodle soup has taken on a sweet and sour twist. Hung Ching Lung, a Taipei chef, has created a pineapple beef noodle soup at his eponymous restaurant Chef Hung, in what he says is a modest attempt to support Taiwanese pineapple farmers.
The spiky fruit became a politically charged symbol after China banned the import of Taiwan's pineapples on March 1, citing pests.
In response, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen kicked off a social media challenge called “Eat Taiwan's pineapples until you burst," calling on people to support the island's farmers.
The campaign has kicked off a pineapple media frenzy, as Taiwanese politicians sought to demonstrate their support for farmers as well as Taiwanese agriculture.