Chinese and Thai food popular in Chandigarh
by Sunil Sharma

       Chandigarh: It may seem a prank if someone says: "welcome to China" in Chandigarh, the Capital of Punjab. But this is something that only those can appreciate who love the authentic Chinese cuisine. The Chinese and Thai food is now-a-days popular in the streets of Chandigarh, representing the close cultural contacts between India and China. Chowmein, Manchurian, Chopsuey, fried rice and some non- vegetarian items are making a special space in the hearts of Punjabis. `Yangtse', one of a dozen Chinese restaurants in the City, is one such place to enjoy the Chinese food. With its reopening this year, the restaurant has become favourite among the food lovers. The kitchen here remains busy to beat the orders and day-by-day many food items are being added to the menu. "Why talk about India or Punjab, even if you go to Europe, or to America. There also they are so fond of Chinese cuisine, but yes every Chinese cuisine varies in taste and flavour because of many regions in China, the style of preparation in China are different so it depends where you are getting it cooked from. It varies from region to region and you would find a different style of preparation," says Rajvant Rawat, Manager, Food and Beverages, Tangtse Chinese Restaurant.

      One of the reason for the popularity that Chinese cuisine is gaining in Chandigarh is the live Indian music and fabulous decors. Chinese silken curtains, bronzes and ivory chairs give the feel to a restaurant goer as if he is really in china. This new trend in the market is helping hoteliers cash in by providing authentic and aromatic flavors of China to the customers in an Indian way. Punjabis, who earlier used to eat tandoori chicken (roasted chicken), have now started taking the taste of the chicken prepared in a vary different way. "If you go to Delhi, or Mumbai or any other metro, you will find authentic Chinese food. Here we have adapted the Chinese food to Punjabi taste by making it spicier and with adding more sauce. Ask any Punjabi about Chinese dishes he will reel out only Chop suey, Manchurian, Chilli Chicken and fried rice," says Amandeep, a restaurant owner. Not only Chinese, but Thai food has also tickled the Indian taste buds with its hot and spicy cuisine. of the authentic taste of Thai dishes. Experts find Thai and Chinese cuisine not as rich as Punjabi food. They believe that the food is quick to prepare and delicious to eat, but it should be taken for a change and not regularly. Although, Punjabis have a first love in their food preferences, they readily adapt to the culture and foods of other continents. And that is what makes them food connoisseurs.
-Jan 20, 2006