Food, glorious food!

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Chinese food is delicious.

No, I am not talking about the "General Tso's Chicken" prepared by Salvadorean immigrants at your local strip-mall.

I refer to the masterful culinary expertise of the local people in the Middle Country.

My favorite meal is the "egg-pancake". A young man (with a good sense of humor) places batter on a perpetually-hot circular pan. Next he expertyl cracks open an egg that be places directly on the rapidly-solidifying batter. He then adds cilantro, lettuce, green onion and a chili sauce (that has peanuts in it!). He folds this over, adds "Chinese barbeque sacuce" and a cracker. The result- something similar to the Masala Dosa found in South India, and just as delicious. Price- 2.5 yuan .

A close second is the "peanut rice-burrito". A circular portion of sticky rice is placed on a rolling device, on which is added peanuts, cucumber, a cracker, and some spices (meat and eggs are also available). This concoction is then "rolled" into a burrito-shape and heartily enjoyed. Price- 2.5 yuan .

If I'm feeling cheap, there are many deep-fryer mini-restaurants available. They offer a wide range of meats, veggies (cabbage, lecutre, lotus root, potato) and tofu. You select your skewers, they are deep-fried, and spicy or sweet sauce is added. Price 0.5 apiece.

Of course, there is always the jidan chow-mein . At many restaurants, a large plate will set me back 3.5.

If I'm feeling adventurious, there is the Pizza with Chinese charactaristics. I always get the "fruit" pizza, with apples, raisins, and celery. Unfortunately, the cheese is not real. Still not a bad treat at eight yuan or a small or thirteen for a large.

When I am with a group, we often head to the "English Menu Restuarant". Its a bit pricey at 5-15 yuan per dish for most items on the menu. Still not bad at all. Excellent service and belly-filling deliciousness.

For breakfast, I usually have yogurt, peanuts, coffe, dried fruit and some sort of bread product. Once I week I go shopping for these items, and I usually spend about 20 yuan .

I may get slightly fat after eight more months here.

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