Taiwan Night 2026:Voices of Diaspora was a night market experience that took place at WithinSodo in Seattle on September 19th, 5-10 pm. Hosted by the Overseas Community Affairs Council, ROC (Taiwan) in collaboration with the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (TECO) in Seattle, it was designed to engage younger generations of Taiwanese Americans.
The evening offered a variety of cultural programming, artisanal goods, and culinary offerings. Local Asian American vendors presented their art, jewelry, and publications. From fantuan (sticky rice rolls with assorted filling) to lu rou fan (braised pork over rice), attendees had the opportunity to try many Taiwanese classics. The upstairs rooftop patio was lively, with attendees enjoying custom-crafted beverages featuring Taiwanese flavor profiles such as high mountain oolong tea and pineapple, with the oolong-infused specialty receiving high praise. Mainstage entertainment featured a lineup of live music, dance, drag performances, and even musical theater.
Several Overseas Community Affairs Council representatives attended the event – Deputy Minister Li-Ying Lai, Section Chief in the Department of Expatriate Affairs Carol Lee, and Director of the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle Jane Chung – explored and conversed with event attendees and student volunteers from the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA), Seattle chapter.
The event took place in conjunction with the Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL) National Convention, hosted in Seattle with Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP) - Seattle. The convention convened leadership from TAP chapters nationwide, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC, as well as the TACL camps, Leading Youth Forward (LYF) and Leadership, Identity, and Development (LID). Representatives from the Taiwanese American Next Generation (TANG) and Taiwanese American Foundation (TAF) camps, Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Student Association (ITASA), and TaiwaneseAmerican.org were present as well.
Andrew Gong, President of the Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP) - Seattle chapter, who led the convention over the weekend, reflected on the event: “I had a great time at Taiwan night and I know the TAP Seattle board members and other TAP chapter leaders also enjoyed the food, music, and performances. It was a unique and positive experience that highlighted Taiwanese culture and strengthened Taiwanese American bonds to Taiwan, as well as creating nostalgia and a desire to go visit Taiwan. Working with OCAC in Seattle has been excellent, their staff here are professional, friendly, and helpful - the Culture Center space is also an excellent resource that TAP - Seattle uses often.”
Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL) National Board Committee Member Jeannie Shen shared her experience at the event: “Attending the Taiwan Night in Seattle was a wonderful opportunity to connect with Taiwanese Americans from different backgrounds, generations, and stages of their Taiwanese American journey. One of my favorite moments was the dance party toward the end of the evening where everyone came together, felt comfortable being themselves, and celebrated our shared connection despite coming from different places. The experience reminded me why I volunteer in the Taiwanese American community: to bring people together, foster meaningful connections, and keep our community’s passion and spirit alive.”
This was an event that brought many Taiwanese Americans together. Through food and experience, everyone was transported back to Taiwan's night markets.
