Martin Li, Shan Shan

    martin.mouse@163.com

    EXPATS enjoyed and were impressed by the variety of food on the square in Shuiwei, an urban village in central Futian District, during an international food festival that opened yesterday and is scheduled to last through today.

    The festival was organized by the district government’s foreign affairs office and Futian Subdistrict Office.

    Food stalls stood side by side on the square, offering various food including Indian food, Japanese food and Chinese food. There was fried, stewed and roasted food, with tastes from sweet and spicy.

    Expats joined local residents to taste as much food as possible.

    “The food is great and I love the festival, which has lots of things I’ve never tasted before,” British teacher Michael Cavil told Shenzhen Daily yesterday.

    “I’ve never been to the northern part of China, so I’m here to taste food from there,” said Cavil.

    An American teacher from California, Gerosca Gray, said Chinese food impressed him with its diversity.

    “(Variety) is the most interesting feature,” said Gray. “I prefer cold dishes, especially the spicy ones. I like Hunan cuisine so much. Another thing I really enjoy is dumplings.”

    “I once ate spicy beef with my family at a Chinese restaurant in Futian. The beef was fresh and tasty and all my family members enjoyed the meal. We all want to taste it again,” Richard Brown smiled.

    Jae Wo, an American student, said Chinese food is popular in America.

    “My family goes to a local Chinese restaurant in America every Friday. I like fried eggs with tomatoes and chow mein. I prefer food from northern China to Guangdong’s,” he said.

    Zhuang Chen, a well-known food show host, will show up at the festival to comment on food and share his tips for appreciating food with visitors, according to the festival organizers.

    Chinese and international chefs will select outstanding dishes. There will be one gold prize, two silver prizes and three bronze prizes.

    The festival is part of the district’s ongoing efforts to become an expat-friendly community. In September, an international urban image festival was held in Shuiwei, featuring photo exhibitions about the old and new Shenzhen, documentary screenings and lectures by professional photographers.

    (Special report on P2)