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Food Along the CPEC: Chinese Food Festival at UoP

Pakistan and China ties are the symbol of mutual respect, friendship and cooperation at the global level. In order to celebrate the promising relations between the two countries the Department of Food & Nutrition Sciences, College of Home Economics in collaboration with the China Study Center, University of Peshawar, held the first of its nature food fiesta exclusively for the females of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the theme “Food Along the CPEC” on 21st February 2019. Under the supervision of the event organizers, Prof Dr. Zahid Anwar, Director,China Study Center, Dr. Kausar Takreem, Head Department of Management Studies, and Dr. Fazia Ghaffar, Head Department of Food & Nutrition Sciences, the event comprised of two main events. A food gala which catered the delicacies of Chinese cuisines and the traditional food of Pakistan particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Around 54 stalls presented the cultures of Pakistan and China along a vast variety of food items from Chinese soups, pasta and rice based dishes to the savoury snacks, baked items, and the delicious food of Pakistan. Face painting, henna tattooing, cosmetics, jewelry, hand painted clothing items, boutiques, ceramics, and handicrafts attracted a great gathering of females.

The second part of the event was a national food contest themed as “Pakistan-China Food Fusion”. Students from around 22 female colleges nationwide participated in the competition. The competition was divided in to two categories i.e. rice based main course meals and desserts. Some of the excellent fusions were seen during the competition. The items prepared were judged on the level of fusion, the nature of Pakistani or Chinese food being fused, preparation and presentation.  The prepared foods were judged by Mr. Sajjad, Chef at Gloria Jean’s, Mr. Rashid Khan, Chef Green Olives, and Mr. Shirazi, General Manager of the China Town Restaurant. The winners of the Main Course meal were Ms. Kiran Khan (College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar), Ms. Kulsoom (Governement Girls Degree College, Pabbi), Ms. Maha Anjum (College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar), and Ms. Misha from Government College of Home Economics, Pir Piai, Nowshera.  The winners in the dessert categories were Ms. Nihar Bashir (College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar), Ms. Hafiza Mainmoona Hira (College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar), Ms. Komal Ali (College of Home Economics, University of Peshawar), and Ms. Zile- Huma (Zubaida Aman Degree College, Ghazi). The food contest was managed by Dr. Zahin Anjum, Ms. Ayesha Zakir, Ms. Shmaila Waheed, Ms. Beenish Khan, Ms. Robina and rest of the faculty of the Department of Food & Nutrition Sciences.

The inauguration and prize distribution ceremony was attended by huge gathering of the university officials, Chinese delegates, senior faculty and participant of different organizations.  The event started with the recitation of Holy Quran and the national anthems of both the countries. Dr. Fazia Ghaffar highlighted the objectives of the event.  Dr. Farhat Shehzad, Principal College of Home Economics welcomed the guests and briefly described the importance of gender specific education.

The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. Shahram Tarakai, Provincial Minister of Local Government, Elections, and Rural Development. The Chief Guest emphasized the importance of such events and encouraged other organizations so that the youth can be made aware of the cultures of both the countries. He described such events as the bridge that strengthen the friendly ties and open new vistas of knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship for the upcoming generations.

The members of the Chinese delegation Prof Dr Rong Ying, Prof Dr Ran Wanli, Prof Dr Huaang Minxing and Dr Li Tao were pleasantly surprised by the culinary delights of the festival. The exquisite cuisine culture and variety of dishes inspired Dr Li Tao so much that he told Prof Dr Zahid Anwar, Director China Study centre, UOP that he will arrange Halal Chinese food training for the students and faculty of the College of Home Economics, UOP.

Prof Dr Zahid Anwar said that the idea of organizing Chinese food festival was basically shared with him by Prof Dr Muhammad Asif Khan, Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar, which afterwards he planned with College of Home Economics. He thanked College of Home Economics for holding a successful event in collaboration with China Study Centre. Dr. Kausar Takreem thanked the participant colleges, the Chinese delegates and distinguished guests. The organizers reiterated the continuation of such events in the future and hoped for strengthening cooperation between the  two countries in food culture.