巴基斯坦的中国食品

The historical link between China and Pakistan goes further than just diplomatic ties. There is a long tradition of Chinese settlement in Pakistan. One such example is a family-owned restaurant that makes Chinese food in the federal capital.

There are hundreds of Chinese restaurants all over the country and it's the second most popular food in Pakistan. Roger Lee was born in Pakistan and has lived here for over forty years. He says that for the Chinese, Pakistan offers a home away from home. Roger owns “Golden Dragon”, the oldest and most famous Chinese restaurant, located in the heart of Islamabad.

"It was passed down from my parents. They started this restaurant in 1975 and since then we’ve been in the same location and we have been running it so I guess since I have had to help my parents also, when I was younger now when they are older, I’m just continuing it. The food that we are offering here is Chinese but with a local touch, mostly it is a little bit more spicy and a little sweeter.. a little sour at times. This is what is more preferred so we had to adjust a bit but definitely with the spices that we use, the Chinese taste is there as well,” Roger said.

Golden dragon serves favorites like sweet and sour chicken, beef in black bean sauce and egg fried rice. The local Pakistani cooks receive special training from Mrs. Roger in preparing the traditional Chinese cuisine.

"I have been with golden dragon for 39 years. I came as a dish washer, but gradually, Mr. Roger’s mother trained me and within a few years, I became a proper chef. It is all because of their help,” Hafeez Ur Rehman, head chef of Golden Dragon, said.

While foreign food can be found in most cities in Pakistan, it's Chinese food that is closest to the nation's heart.

"I love Chinese food and I’m inspired by the Chinese culture. I come to eat Chinese food at least once a week, because it is quite spicy and delicious."

"In my city Sichuan, the food is very spicy, but it is very much like Pakistani food like chicken karahi and mutton karahi."

Apart from food, the family feels quite at home, despite the prevailing threat of terrorism and uncertain law and order situation in the country.

"I feel fine, I feel ok. The kids are going to the school and we still go shopping and I think our life is quite normal. We have to go out. I think everywhere it’s the same. I don’t feel that much danger, especially in Islamabad," Lin Cong, Roger Lee's wife & co-owner of Golden Dragon, said.

So being at home away from home, the Lee family’s business is thriving and showcasing the true Chinese culture and hospitality in Pakistan.

It's an old saying that a way to a person's heart is through his tummy, therefore, Roger Lee and his family firmly believe that their cuisine has brought the hearts of both Pakistan and China, even closer!