2026 Taiwan Historical Documents Lecture (115年臺灣文獻講座): A Historical and Cultural Investigation of Taiwan Railway Catering and Bento (1906-2006)

Speaker: Tseng Ling-yi (Head of Collection Department, National Railway Museum)
Topic: A Historical and Cultural Investigation of Taiwan Railway Catering and Bento (1906-2006)
Location: 1F Briefing Room, Historic Site Building, Academia Historica Taiwan Historical Documents Building (No. 256, Guangming 1st Rd., Nantou City)
Specially inviting Tseng Ling-yi, Head of the Collection Department of the National Railway Museum, to speak on "A Historical and Cultural Investigation of Taiwan Railway Catering and Bento (1906-2006)".
Speaking of shared memories of riding trains, railway bento is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable existences. It's not just about satisfying passengers' hunger; from the hawking calls and the tactile sensation of the bento box in hand to the aroma and the taste in the mouth, it evokes a five-sense feast for the eyes, ears, touch, smell, and taste. This whole "sense of ritual" of eating bento while riding the train is a key part of an enriching journey, almost a "national memory" when people ride trains.
This lecture will explore the history and culture of Taiwan's "railway bento" in depth, investigating its emergence, evolution, and changes, and explaining the era's memories and its reflection of social and cultural shifts.
The content is promising; we sincerely invite people interested in Taiwan's history and culture, railway memories, and dietary changes to participate and see a century of Taiwan's scenery through a bento box. Registration is online and free of charge. Registration URL: https://www.th.gov.tw/Active_Card/195/.