About seven years ago in Taiwan was the opening of a donut store called Mister Donut. It became very popular which in Taiwan means people lining up for over two hours to get some. Actually I'll credit this place for being my first experience here with "long lines = bad food." Although going here was a big event, as if somebody was in line they would call all their friends and ask if they wanted anything. Credit To Mister Donut for bringing friends closer together. This is how I first tasted it, and as you can guess, I wasn't impressed.
Eventually they opened up more and more branches and the long lines stopped. They have become so mundane now that some branches have closed down due to lack of interest. However this particular one was strong enough to win a battle to the death. Located in the Danshui subway station, right across from it (directly to the right of where I am standing taking this picture) was a Dunkin' Donuts. They both opened at the same time, but the Dunkin' Donuts had the added benefit of having a patio with seats.
Even though Taiwan has the unique habit of having several like stores be next to each other and some how survive, The Dunkin' Donuts did not survive this war and is just a memory. Although it was the spot of one very good memory. A very old Taiwanese lady yelling at the employees that the donuts there taste nothing like the ones in America. As a foreigner you really have to train yourself to not get too excited when you see a familiar food or food chain from back home, because it will never taste just quite right. And trust me however grown up or mature you are, after you taste it you just want to have a tantrum in the middle of the store. But of course you have to be dignified and protect the image of all foreigners in Taiwan, so a part of me was grateful that this old lady could do it for us.
She was a hero, and I would say that the spot of her courageous act will be missed, but...there are probably twenty other Dunkin' Donut locations in the city.
