Diplomats celebrate Taste of Salam in Seoul

Ambassadors from 15 Middle Eastern countries in Seoul and members of the Korea-Arab society pose for a photo in front of the N Seoul Tower in Yongsan District, central Seoul, in celebration of Taste of Salam Seoul. Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Taste of Salam Seoul is part of the city government's bid to increase Middle Eastern tourists to Korea. Chef Edward Kwon, who was head chef at Burj Al Arab hotel in the United Arab Emirates, has created a lamb dish whose sauce is made with baba ganoush and doenjang (fermented bean paste), and humus with steamed abalone. "I was able to create harmonious dishes by incorporating Korea's fermented foods with Middle East's fresh ingredients," Kwon said. "I believe Seoul's efforts to garner more Asian and Middle Eastern tourists, such as finding Halal-certified restaurants and introducing more Halal foods, will pay off in the near future." The dishes are set to be available for the public at N Seoul Tower's restaurant, The Place, starting in November. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]