Ia-Chhi
“Ia-chhi” is a vibrant celebration of Taiwan's night markets, breathtaking landscapes, rich culinary traditions, and welcoming spirit. Through the eyes of an African traveler, the song captures the excitement of bustling night markets filled with glowing lanterns, delicious street food, laughter, and the warmth of people coming together.
The lyrics celebrate iconic local dishes such as oyster omelets, stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea while exploring the historical connections between Taiwan, Africa, and the Philippines through migration and maritime trade.
Beyond its lively markets, the song honors Taiwan's natural beauty, from the towering peaks of Jade Mountain to the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake. It also celebrates the resilience of its people, who rebuild and reopen their businesses after powerful storms.
At its heart, “Ia-chhi” is a joyful tribute to cultural connection, hospitality, and perseverance. It reminds us that even when oceans separate us, sharing food, laughter, and kindness can make strangers feel like family.
The song's message: Taiwan's true beauty lies not only in its landscapes and vibrant night markets, but in the warmth, resilience, and generosity of its people.
ZSORAYII’s “IA-CHHI” cover art captures a vibrant Taiwanese night market, where an African woman and her Taiwanese friend share street food and bubble tea beneath glowing lanterns and colorful neon signs. Surrounded by bustling food stalls, smiling families, and traditional Taiwanese delicacies, the scene celebrates friendship, cultural connection, and the joy of discovering Taiwan through food and music.
Ah! Ia-chhi!
Thinn am ah, teng-hue toh khui,
lang chin che, nau-jiat kui-mi,
phang tui hong lai,
o-a-chian, chhau-tau-hu,
gu-bah-mi tioh sio,
chin-chu ni-te ti goa chhiu,
lim chit chhui, chhio chit e.
Lai chia, lai lim,
mai kheh-khi,
Tai-oan lang kong,
lai, tau-tin.
Ia-chhi, ia-chhi,
teng-hue kim-kim,
lang chin che, nau-jiat,
Ia-chhi, ia-chhi,
lai chia, lai lim,
che si Tai-oan e sim.
Cho-sian chhut-hoat tui chit e tao,
chun kiann hng-hng, hai-iunn khoah-khoah,
tui chia khi Hui-lut-pin,
tui chia khi hai e pinn-a,
goa tui Hui-chiu lai,
goa e chhui kong li e oe,
chit tiau lo chin hng,
m-koh chit e sim kang-khoan.
Ia-chhi, ia-chhi,
teng-hue kim-kim,
lang chin che, nau-jiat,
Ia-chhi, ia-chhi,
lai chia, lai lim,
che si Tai-oan e sim.
O-a-chian!
Chhau-tau-hu!
Gu-bah-mi!
Chin-chu ni-te!
Lai chia, lai chia,
lai lim, lai lim,
nau-jiat, nau-jiat,
tau-tin!
Soann kap hai ti kang chit jit,
Giok-san koan, Jit-goat-tham chhim,
hong-thai lai, hong-thai koe,
bin-a-chai tiam-a koh khui-mng,
m kiann, m kiann,
Tai-oan lang m kiann,
lang-cheng-bi,
che si siong sui e hong-keng.
Ia-chhi, ia-chhi,
teng-hue kim-kim,
lang chin che, nau-jiat,
Ia-chhi, ia-chhi,
lai chia, lai lim,
che si Tai-oan e sim.
Kam-sia li,
kam-sia li,
lai chia, lai lim,
tau-tin, tau-tin,
Ia-chhi.