The Colindale area of northwest London is a hub for the East Asian community, with a significant number of residents identifying as ethnic Chinese. Among the various establishments catering to this community, the Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall stands out as a popular destination. This food court boasts over 30 kiosks offering a wide range of Asian cuisine, including a few with a Taiwan connection.
However, not all the stalls claiming Taiwanese roots are authentic. The Tiger Hill bubble tea stall and Hakka Village eatery may disappoint fans of Taiwanese cuisine with their imitations and deviations from traditional dishes. In contrast, T.H.E. Formosa is a stall with genuine Taiwanese roots, offering dishes prepared from scratch and supplied by Handian, the only dedicated Taiwanese food manufacturer in the UK.
Joyce Hsu, the owner of T.H.E. Formosa, aims to educate customers about Taiwanese cuisine and its unique blend of Chinese roots, indigenous influences, and Western trends. While popular dishes like “popcorn chicken” and beef noodle soup have been adapted to suit local tastes, Hsu strives to maintain the authenticity of Taiwanese flavors.
Despite the challenges of adapting portion sizes and prices to the local market, Hsu remains dedicated to serving authentic Taiwanese dishes. Her journey to opening T.H.E. Formosa in the UK, along with her husband, reflects a blend of Taiwanese, Hungarian, and English cultures. The acronym in the restaurant’s name symbolizes their family heritage and the unique blend of influences behind their culinary venture.
As Hsu navigates the complexities of running a family business in a foreign land, she acknowledges the support of her small staff and the hard work put in by her husband, a professional chef with a passion for Taiwanese cuisine. Together, they are gradually perfecting their menu and sharing the taste of Taiwan with customers in the UK.
The story of T.H.E. Formosa serves as a testament to the cultural exchange and culinary diversity found in London’s Colindale area, where authentic Taiwanese flavors blend with local preferences to create a unique dining experience. Through dedication, perseverance, and a love for home-cooked food, Joyce Hsu and her family have brought a taste of Taiwan to the UK, one dish at a time.
