Karan Thapar, renowned anchorman and president of the Indian TV production company Infortainment, believes Chinese food is a great way to introduce Chinese culture to India. Thapar sat down with China.org.cn for an interview during the India-China Development Forum in Beijing on March 30, 2010.

China.org.cn: What's your idea about the cultural exchanges between China and India?

Karan Thapar: You know the biggest cultural exchange between China and India is the delicious Chinese food. It's the most popular food in India. Whenever they go out to eat, they always go to Chinese restaurant. The Chinese food in India is not exactly the food in China because it's slightly "Indianized." I think the best ambassadors to India are chao mian (fried noodle), sweet and sour pork, wonton and crispy fried duck.

China.org.cn: Are these restaurants run by Indians or Chinese?

Karan Thapar: There are Chinese people running the restaurants or they have Chinese chef. And Chinatown in India is famous for Chinese food.

China.org.cn: Are the Chinese restaurants expensive?

Karan Thapar: No, it's not expensive because you can not only eat Chinese food in the big restaurant but also at roadside kiosks. Another popular type of Chinese food is Tibetan food.

China.org.cn: Do you think food can help Indian people understand Chinese culture better?

Karan Thapar: Yes, I think food is a terrific way of introducing Chinese culture. But after that I think it's important for the people to come to China to see antiquities and learn the history. I just see what an amazing, magnificent and impressive city Beijing is. I have never been to China before but I'm completely struck by Beijing's science, efficiency, cleanness and incredible friendliness.

(Editor's Note: Infortainment is an individual TV production hub. It produces TV programs for a range of channels, including CNN-IBN, CNBC and BBC.)

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