Chinese dishes making inroads in Ramadan
ISLAMABAD, Mar 7 (Gwadar Pro) - During Ramadan, Chinese dishes interestingly have found their way onto Pakistani tables not only in hotels but also in homes emerging as one of the preferred cuisines among a diverse array of traditional foodstuff craved by local people mostly in urban areas in the country.
At the time of observing the fast in wee hours of morning (called Sehri time) and breaking the fast in evening (called Iftar), local enthusiasts of Chinese food have been visiting foodie destinations and quenching their appetite for yummy and aromatic Chinese dishes like Beef Chili Dry, Egg Fried Rice, Steamed Chicken Dumplings, Mongolian Beef Steak, Kung Pao Chicken, Chicken in Oyster Sauce and other delicious items.
According to a survey, foodie people craving contemporary Chinese dishes are also throwing Iftar parties for their dear ones and friends to savour Crispy Chicken with Sweet and Sour Chili Sauce or the Crispy Sweet and Sour Sauce Prawns along with Vegetable Chowmein. Chinese restaurants, many continental hotels as well as street eateries that offer Chinese food have been booming due to the rush of Pakistani people there during Iftar or Sehri time.
While one chef, Zahid Muhammad, from a home-based business told Gwadar Pro that considerable demand for Chinese meals has compelled him to perfect their preparation, another household woman Ms. Nadara believed that making these dishes helped people feel and recognize the food culture of the Chinese community.
The cultural bond between Pakistan and China has been continuing to spiral with an upward trajectory and magnitude, especially on special occasions. A fresh manifestation has come into view during Ramadan. Masood Sheikh, a delivery boy working at Food Panda said that among other dishes, 35% of orders are placed for Chinese foods including Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Lettuce Wraps with Wok-Fried Chicken, Crunchy Honey Beef, Seaweed and Prawn Wonton Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, Spring Rolls, Steamed Chicken or Prawn Dumplings and Roasted Duck.
A range of seafood and noodle options are other items that he delivers to people’s homes, he added. When asked to give the reason behind the soaring interest in Chinese dishes among Pakistani people, a Chinese restaurant owner Mr. Burhan Hameed replied that Pakistani businessmen who used to visit China have been cultivating a love for Chinese food. After returning to Pakistan, they established Chinese restaurants offering such scrumptious Chinese cuisines.
“Steamed Chicken Dumplings, Sichuan Chicken, soups, dim sum and desserts are among those Chinese food items that created a craving for Chinese dishes among local Pakistani people,” he added. Mr. Ming, an astute chef who creates flavorful food offering Sichuan and Cantonese favorites to diners said that online food programs, food adventures and food choices globally are also setting people’s interest afire. Among other countries’ dishes, the diversity of Chinese food wins the hearts of Pakistani people.
