Policy vs. Produce: Su Chih-jung Challenges New Candidates to Build the Tallest 'Vegetable Mountain' in 90 Seconds, Lin Hui-hsin Wins by a Hair

As the 2026 election heats up, candidates are no longer just competing on policy platforms and campaign schedules—they’re also showcasing creativity. Su Chih-jung, a Kaohsiung City Council candidate running in the Fengshan District, has rallied rookie legislators from across districts to host a fun-filled event called 'Policies Piled High with Great Dishes.' Breaking away from traditional political settings, this initiative uses the down-to-earth night market food culture as a medium for exchange. Participants don’t just pitch their policies—they must also demonstrate dexterity and skill by building the tallest 'vegetable mountain' possible within 90 seconds, using chopsticks or tongs. This unconventional method highlights candidates’ vitality and helps bridge the gap between politicians and the public.

The 'Policies Piled High with Great Dishes' competition brought together candidates from different constituencies to face off in a playful night market showdown—adding warmth and authentic Kaohsiung flavor to the election season. Initiated by Su Chih-jung, a candidate known for his culinary familiarity, the event invited newcomers such as Yin Li from Zuonan, Lin Hui-hsin from Dapi-Mei, Tsai Ping-tsong from Dagangshan, Huang Ching-ya from Cianjhen-Siaogang, and Hung Tsun-ming from Linyuan-Daliao. One by one, they stepped onto the stage, vying to build the tallest and most 'impressive' vegetable mountain.

The rules were simple but tested quick thinking: contestants had 90 seconds to stack vegetables on-site using tongs. The height of the final 'vegetable mountain' determined the winner, measured against a backdrop board and judged by senior councilor Chien Huan-tsung. Unlike the usual policy debates, this 'vegetable mountain battle' evaluated participants’ hand-eye coordination, stacking technique, and composure under pressure. Amid laughter and friendly rivalry, candidates scrambled to grab veggies and maximize height, while also building camaraderie outside the typical campaign environment.

Su Chih-jung emphasized that elections shouldn’t be limited to serious political confrontations. 'We candidates are neighbors and friends who live, eat, and chat with everyone every day,' he said. Raised in a marketplace, Su explained that the idea of 'building a vegetable mountain' came naturally to him. He hoped to foster cross-district exchanges, allowing candidates not only to discuss policies but also to share meals and conversations—injecting more humanity and authentic 'Kaohsiung flavor' into the electoral process.

After intense competition, Lin Hui-hsin narrowly claimed first place. Laughing, she said, 'I’m from the hometown of master chefs—I absolutely couldn’t lose when it comes to cooking!' But upon winning, she was surprised with an on-the-spot challenge: cook for the crowd. She let out a dramatic yelp—but thanks to Su’s guidance, she quickly whipped up a large sizzling plate of Mongolian stir-fried beef. The group rushed in, devouring the entire dish in minutes. What began as a quirky contest ended with real food on the table and spirits soaring high.

'Normally we compete over whose policy platform is bigger,' joked Su, 'but this time, we see whose “vegetable mountain” stands taller. Elections can be serious—but they can also be fun.' Through events like this, Su aims to unite candidates across districts and show the public that politicians aren’t just debating in councils or holding policy forums—they can also energize campaigns together. By embracing creativity, he hopes to make politics more relatable and bring warmth to the election season.