In Taiwan, I discovered a new love – a coconut-flavored corn puff named Kuai Kuai (or “Guai Guai”). Ever since my return, I have kept an unopened bag of this snack next to my gaming PC.
If you’re familiar with Kuai Kuai, you understand its appeal. For those who are not, it may sound peculiar. However, during my visit to Computex this year, I learned about the rich culture surrounding this snack, and it has become a way for me to cherish a piece of Taiwan in my home.
Typing “guai guai” into Google Translate translates to “be obedient” in English from Mandarin. This aligns with the tradition of placing the snack next to your PC for good luck in Taiwan. It was included in a care package of local snacks I received upon my arrival in Taiwan.
Accompanying the snacks was a card explaining that the corn puffs are considered a good luck charm for technology in Taiwan. Intrigued, I opened the bag and enjoyed every last crumb before going about my day.
Surprisingly, I encountered Kuai Kuai everywhere in Taiwan – in press meetings, stores, and even in photos of industry executives. It became clear that there was a genuine cultural significance attached to this snack beyond just a marketing gimmick.
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You’ll find Kuai Kuai in various establishments across Taiwan, such as police stations, banks, hospitals, and engineering labs. This tradition, rooted in folklore and belief in its magical properties, remains largely unknown to many outside Taiwan.
The origin of this tradition is shrouded in mystery. As per Irene Liao, the general manager of the company producing Kuai Kuai, it began with a graduate student who placed a bag of Kuai Kuai next to his malfunctioning computer while working on his thesis. Miraculously, the computer stopped crashing after the bag was placed. This anecdote, coupled with some marketing efforts, contributed to the culture surrounding Kuai Kuai.
Finding Kuai Kuai in the U.S. can be challenging, with limited online availability. Your best bet is to explore local Asian or international food markets. It’s exclusively made and sold in Taiwan, making it a rare find outside the country.
To partake in the tradition, certain rules must be followed. The iconic green bag of creamy coconut-flavored Kuai Kuai is essential, as other flavors may bring bad luck to your tech. The bag should remain unopened, and it’s recommended to replace it before the expiration date to maintain the good luck charm.
Kuai Kuai’s intriguing history blends tradition with superstition, reflecting the diverse beliefs in Taiwan. As someone passionate about technology, embracing this cultural practice feels like a nod to Taiwan’s prominence in the semiconductor industry. If a simple snack can bring luck to such a critical industry, it’s certainly worth a try. Plus, they are delicious to snack on!
