Foreign athletes famished for Chinese food may find their
appetites are not satisfied in the Olympic Village during next
year's Games, according to a menu distributed by the
organizer.
"Asian-style food including Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes
would together account for 30 percent of the menu designed for
athletes in the Olympic Village," said Xiang Ping, deputy director
in charge of the Games Service Department of the Beijing Organizing
Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG).
She said that a preliminary menu had been drawn up and sent for
expert appraisal, with results expected next month. "Western food
will comprise most of the menu," she said.
She did not disclose whether the famous Beijing roasted duck or
Kung Pao Chicken (diced chicken with peanuts) would appear on the
menu.
Xiang said that there would be no religious segregation, such as
a special Muslim canteen, in the Olympic Village. "The
International Olympic Committee has suggested to BOCOG that the
Games' spirit of sharing and harmony should surpass religious
distinctions," said Xiang.
She said the menu would designate special dishes for athletes
with religious dietary requirements.
(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2007)