What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

At first glance, this seems like a simple question. But for someone over 40, it actually becomes quite hard to answer.

While there are still plenty of rare delicacies I haven’t tried, I’ve already had the chance to taste most of the popular spots frequently featured in Taiwanese media and recommended by food YouTubers. Many of them were delicious—some even unforgettable. But when asked what’s the most delicious food, my mind draws a blank.

I’ve talked before about pork jowl slices from my childhood. That dish was certainly tasty, but not the most exquisite thing I’ve eaten. Yet the memory of it sticks with me—not so much because of the taste, but because of the feelings and moments tied to it.

Honestly, unless I someday encounter a truly out-of-this-world delicacy from the mountains or the sea (which hasn’t happened yet), I think the earlier in life you eat something delicious, the more its taste fades from memory. Over time, flavor memories fade, but the moments shared at the table—those stay with you.

Still, I want to share two recent meals that really stood out:

First, there’s “Whale Pot” (鯨鍋), a hotpot restaurant in Gongliao District, New Taipei City. Thanks to the owner’s dedication to freshness, you get to enjoy seafood that actually tastes like it came straight from the ocean. The fish slices and baby squid aren’t served in large portions, but the freshness and quality are top-notch—simple and truly satisfying.

Then there’s Ikinari Steak, a Japanese chain known for its thick-cut beef. The moment you walk into the restaurant, you’re hit with that irresistible aroma from the Maillard reaction—rich, smoky, and mouthwatering. They weigh and cook your steak right in front of you, no heavy seasoning, just the natural flavor of high-quality meat perfectly seared.

Looking back, maybe delicious food doesn’t have to blow your mind. If it brings back memories or creates a moment worth remembering, then it’s already more than enough.