By Saionee Chakraborty

Calcuttans can never get their fill of Chinese food, which they proved once again as thousands thronged the Swabhumi food court from January 16 to 18, making the most of The Chinese Food Festival organised by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China.

The foodies couldn't wait to tuck into the lip-smacking fare. Though the official timings were 6pm to 9.30pm, they sat with plates heaped much before the clock struck 6. "People have given us very good response. Already about 1,000 have come. We are expecting another 1,000 (on Sunday)," smiled Mao Siwei, consul-general, who had dropped in on the last evening.

Organised with the aim of promoting Chinese culture and cuisine and also "extending support to the Chinese community" based in the city, the festival had 10 stalls. "Eight are Chinese restaurants owned by Chinese, many from Tangra, and two are Chinese restaurants owned by Indians," explained Siwei. A visit to the Haka stall from the Speciality Restaurants stable threw up a "special dish" prepared especially for the festival - lemon grass infused seafood cake.

What seemed to have clicked was the availability of the city's favourite Tangra cuisine in clean, hygienic conditions at affordable rates. "We love going to Tangra, but cannot do that often. It is also not hygienic enough. So, when we heard that such a food festival is happening, we had to come," said diner Sunrita Banerjee.

Prices for the dishes ranged mostly between Rs 20 and Rs 40. While Oriental music and paper lanterns added to the ambience, the traditional Lion Dance by performers from Tangra was an added attraction.

(Courtesy: The Telegraph, January 21, 2009)