food and drink Culture:
YMHS Bilingual Students Craft Bubble Milk Tea & Red Bean Soup at Winter Camp
On January 23, 2025, selected bilingual class students at Yang Mei Senior High School (YMHS) participated in an immersive Winter Camp, where they learned how to make Bubble Milk Tea and Red Bean Soup with Taro & Sweet Potato Balls. This unique experience combined language learning, cultural appreciation, and hands-on culinary skills, allowing students to engage with Taiwan’s rich food heritage in a meaningful way.
A Special Announcement: Welcoming American Students in March
The camp began with a special announcement from Gary Wen, the YMHS Bilingual Program Chief. He shared exciting news about the upcoming visit of students from Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (BB&N) in March. As part of the cultural exchange, YMHS was looking for volunteer host families to welcome the American students into their homes. This announcement sparked enthusiasm among the bilingual students, many of whom expressed interest in participating in the homestay program.
The Learning Phase: Understanding the Basics
Following the announcement, students gathered in the First Conference Room, where Miss Jessy, the foreign English teacher from the Philippines, led a 90-minute session covering:
Essential vocabulary related to ingredients, utensils, and cooking techniques
A brief history of Bubble Milk Tea and traditional Taiwanese desserts
Step-by-step instructions for preparing the featured drinks and dishes
Each student received a booklet, serving as a helpful guide throughout the activity.
From Theory to Practice: Hands-on Cooking Experience
After the learning session, students moved to the auditorium, where all the ingredients and equipment awaited them. To ensure an authentic learning experience, Gary invited a guest instructor from Miaoli Vocational School, an expert in the preparation of Bubble Milk Tea and traditional desserts.
With guidance from the instructor, students rolled up their sleeves and got to work, applying their newly acquired knowledge to craft their own Bubble Milk Tea and Red Bean Soup with Taro & Sweet Potato Balls. This hands-on activity reinforced teamwork, problem-solving, and practical application of English vocabulary in a real-world context.
A Sweet Success: Wrapping Up the Experience
By 4 PM, the students had successfully completed their culinary creations. Not only did they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but they also walked away with a deeper appreciation for Taiwanese food culture.
This Winter Camp was more than just a cooking lesson—it was an opportunity to connect language learning with cultural traditions, preparing students for their future role as hosts for international guests. As YMHS looks forward to welcoming BB&N students in March, this event served as a perfect introduction to Taiwan’s spirit of hospitality and cultural pride.
