A Charming Czech Meets Taichung Style! Representative David Steinke Becomes a One-Day Tour Guide to Showcase Taichung Shopping Festiva

A Czech Gentleman Embarks on a Taichung Adventure

TAICHUNG, Taiwan –Famous for its rich music, literature, art, and the romantic allure of Prague—the “City of a Thousand Spires”—the Czech Republic has long held a special place in the hearts of Taiwanese. In recent years, Taiwan–Czech ties have grown ever closer, with bilateral trade reaching USD 2.37 billion, making the Czech Republic Taiwan’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

This year, the ever-charming and culturally passionate Czech Representative to Taiwan, David Steinke, was invited to film an international promotional video for the Taichung Shopping Festival. His one-day journey—“Czech Style in Taichung”—took him from Czech street snacks to Mediterranean cuisine, from rare Czech gemstones to European-inspired cafés and Nordic dining. Everywhere he went, he brought contagious laughter and vibrant energy.

A Taste of Home: Chimney Cake in Beitun

According to Taichung’s Economic Development Bureau (EDB), food is one of the most engaging ways to introduce a city’s cultural landscape. Steinke began his tour at T-Roll in Beitun, a bakery opened by a Czech entrepreneur who made Taichung his home. There, Steinke revisited a classic Czech festive dessert—the trdelník (chimney cake).

Greeting the owner warmly in Czech, he gamely tried making chimney cake for the first time. From rolling the dough to coating it in sugar, he immersed himself in the process.

“It looks simple—but it’s not!” he joked. Tasting the finished cake, however, brought an unmistakable smile.

“I’m definitely coming back,” he declared.

Mediterranean Lunch, Nordic Vibes, and a Czech Gemstone Adventure

For lunch, Steinke arrived at ABV Bar & Kitchen in the West District, where he met Finland’s Representative Lauri Raunio. Turning into an energetic on-camera host, Steinke playfully introduced his friend. When jazz music began, he instinctively swayed along, prompting the director to praise him as a natural scene-stealer.

In the afternoon, he traveled to Jisiang Crystal in Xitun to explore a Czech national treasure—the rare Moldavite gemstone. With clear expertise, he explained its 15-million-year formation, its collectible appeal, and why Taiwanese gemstone lovers have embraced it.

European Culture in Taichung: A Czech-Inspired Café Near the Fine Arts Museum

Steinke’s next stop was Caffe forte, near the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. The owner, Kao Sung-ming, a recipient of the Czech “Friend of the Nation” award, has filled the café with Czech cultural artifacts.

Steinke enthusiastically guided the Finnish representative through the displays, recounting travel memories and explaining the origins of each item. When served the classic Czech comfort dish—roast pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut—he exclaimed,

“This tastes exactly like home!”

Crystal Brilliance and a Friendly Language Challenge from the Mayor

In the evening, Steinke visited Opulent State Boutique at Top City Taichung to admire world-renowned Moser crystal, celebrated for its hand-blown artistry and intricate engraving.

“I never expected Taichung to hold so many Czech treasures!” he said with surprise.

He later met Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, who playfully tested his Chinese. Steinke responded by enthusiastically reciting every phrase he knew, sparking laughter throughout the room. He also proudly highlighted the Taiwan–Czech pangolin zoo collaboration, charming everyone present.

A Warm Nordic Dinner to End the Day: “Taichung, No.1!”

The journey concluded with a cozy dinner at Smile Nordic Restaurant in Beitun. Steinke praised Taichung’s rich blend of gastronomy and culture.

“Taichung—number one!” he declared, enthusiastically encouraging global travelers:
“Be sure to join the Taichung Shopping Festival!”

Festival Ongoing: Homes, Cars, Cash Prizes, and Exclusive Foreigners’ Draws

The EDB noted that the international promotional video is now available on its official YouTube channel. The 2025 Taichung Shopping Festival runs through December 25, offering:

Daily NT$3,000 prizes

Weekly NT$100,000 draws

Biweekly car giveaways

Monthly NT$1 million prizes
A grand home giveaway

Three special prize draws exclusively for foreign participants

Citizens and international visitors are invited to download the “Taichung Pass (TCPASS)” app, upload purchase receipts from Taichung, and take home incredible prizes—including the grand home reward.

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government.