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北京大学英语新闻网/Peking University News
Guaranteeing proper nutrition and good taste;
Representing Chinese characteristics and the principle of frugality
Currently the Olympic menu is still to be decided. Though it is not sure how many
dishes are involved, each course during the 7 days will only be served once.
Approved by the Olympic Organizing Committee, Chinese food is eventually to be
served on the Olympic dining table, which changes all previous tradition of
Western-style food solely serving the Olympic catering.
Although Chinese dishes occupy only 30% of the Olympic menu, experts have paid
no less attention to it than Western food as regards food safety. ―Chinese meal is
very sophisticated‖, explained professor Cai, ―It contains many ingredients. The
more materials it uses, the more recessive unsafe factors and potential trouble.‖
However, this is exactly the charm of dainty Chinese food. Chinese food faces great
challenges as well as profound opportunities from Olympics. ―With the help of
Olympics, Korean recipe and Japanese sushi have made their way to the
international dining table. What will become of Chinese food? I believe Olympics will
promote enormously Chinese food. The influence of Chinese food will be prolonged
even after 2008 Beijing Olympics.‖ stressed Cai Tongyi.
Apart from food safety, experts have a great deal of other work to do, such as the
translation of the names of Chinese dishes, so that Chinese food can be quickly
accepted by athletes, coaches and officials all round the world. Many translations of
Chinese dishes are by way of explanation. Take Gulao Meat as an example. The
English translation is literally interpreted as ―pork plus sweet and sour soy sauce‖,
with pinyin and illustration accompanying it. ―We hope foreign friends and athletes
can enjoy the Chinese cuisine and wish to bring the recipes to their own countries.
We are now working towards this goal. As for Beijing Roast Duck, it has already
enjoyed much fame. Besides, we also have other delicious food such as Beijing
dumpling, dumping with sticky rice, preserved fruit, sweetmeat, and Fuling Cake
which used to be served in the royal court. What China presents to the world should
be beyond 2008 Beijing Olympics. What‘s more important is to disseminate
traditional Chinese dietary culture to the outside world. ‖
According to Cai Tongyi, the varieties of Chinese food selected for Olympic menu
have not been finalized yet. However, we should choose those that can best
represent China. Cai said, ―I hope Olympics can help foreign friends experience
traditional Chinese dietary culture and philosophy, such as the dietary way of
keeping good health. Thus Chinese food can be introduced to the world in its true
sense. ‖
Edited By : Wang Yi
Translated By : Xiao Yanli
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