Transport minister weighs in on how noodle snack should be eaten

Taiwan''s internet users are up in arms, after a Japanese boy band Arashi released a video of two of its members sampling Taiwanese snacks. One was a noodle snack meant to be eaten dry, but the pop stars mistook it for instant ramen and cooked it in hot water. Taiwan netizens have flooded the comments section of the video, instructing the idols on the correct way to eat the classic snack. Squeeze and pinch the packet between your hands to break the noodles apart. Then, add the seasoning packet and shake it well. This beloved Taiwanese noodle snack is mostly eaten as is, to enjoy the crunchy texture of the crumbled noodles. But over in Japan… Wait just a second. It’s got too much water, they say. It’s too bland, they say. But they shouldn’t have added water to begin with! Two members of Japanese boy band Arashi tried to eat the Taiwan specialty for the first time, cooking it as if it were instant ramen. The display has left Taiwanese viewers in stitches. Taiwan internet users are aghast at this inappropriate approach. There are two well-known brands of this popular snack. Both brands offer it in a snack size, which is to be eaten dry. It’s also sold in large packets, which can be cooked in boiling water or eaten straight from the bag. Member of the public I prefer it in bigger chunks like this. It can’t be small crumbs. If you are eating it alone, you can pour it straight into your mouth. Member of the public You dump them right in and then you wash it all down with a drink. If you are hungry, you can have it with a small drink. That’s the life. It’s not just internet users taking issue. Taiwan’s transport minister responded with a Facebook video, in which he addresses the pop stars in Japanese. In the video description, Lin jokes that, as the head of tourism in Taiwan, it’s his responsibility to educate on the finest snack-eating techniques. One snack, two interpretations. Amid the heated internet debate, this classic snack is enjoying a popularity boost in both Taiwan and Japan.