How Do You Say “Sababa” in Chinese?

October 21, 2006 - 11:25 PM by Allison

Fili’s World tells us where to go when you’re in the mood for some pita and hummus in Taiwan.

An Israeli-Malaysian couple, Tomer and Jun, who’ve been living in Taiwan for 5 years, opened an Israeli restaurant in Taipei next to National Taiwan University. “Taiwan’s First Hand-Rolled Pita Bakery”.

What’s up in Taiwan, a popular Podcast about life in Taiwan has a wonderful session with Tomer, interviewing him about life before and in Taiwan.

Podcast highlights :

Israel bans Malaysians and Malaysia bans Israelis (don’t ask). They can’t live together in their home countries, so they chose Taiwan.
First two years were a nightmare for both of them.
Sababa, the name, means “Cool, awesome, great, wonderful” in Israel. They’re using the “Ba” sound to market everything around the Chinese meaning – “Eight” (8).
The restaurant seems to be a popular place. Opening hours are Israeli style – from 11:00 till the neighbors start complaining.
Tomer left Israel at age 21 and has been experiencing culture shock ever since. The best experience in Taiwan – the people – “The best experience in Asia” who are very friendly, easy going and accepting. Favorite locations : Winter – Hualien. Summer – Kunting.
Tomer’s Hebrew message for the listeners – “Come to Taiwan and you’ll have fun, it’s a COOL place!”.

Share with others