[Rikuzentakata] Volunteers in Japan encourage others with the taste of Myanmar

Excerpt from Iwate Nippo, April 11, 2011

On the 9th, 15 Myanmar (Burmese) volunteers in Japan served Myanmar cuisine at the Shimo-Yahagi Community Center in Yahagi-cho, Rikuzentakata City. The evacuees were surprised by the unique aroma and foreign taste of the food, but were also cheered up.

The dishes served included Chata Aruhin (soup curry with chicken, carrots, daikon radish, and potatoes), Chou Hin (boiled eggs fried with tomatoes), and petit cakes, among other six dishes. 300 servings were prepared and served to the evacuees. The soup curry Chata Aruhin was popular, with many people asking for seconds.

Kyaw Kyaw Soe (47), who runs a Burmese restaurant in Tokyo, said, "Burman food uses onions, carrots and ginger. It's a taste that Japanese people also like. I hope people will feel energized by eating food that they don't usually eat."

Tenro Murakami (first year student at Takada First Junior High School), who is still living in the evacuation shelter, said with a satisfied look on his face, "I was surprised at the taste of the authentic curry.The chicken was soft and delicious." Setsuko Murakami (64) was delighted, saying, "I never thought I would be able to eat Burmese food."

Kato Jotaro, representative director of the NPO APFS, which assisted with the visit to the disaster area, vowed to continue providing support, saying, "Fifteen people visited this time, but there are 50 people who want to participate.In addition to cooking, we would like to help with cleaning activities and other things."

[Photo: Refugees smile as they enjoy exotic food prepared by Myanmar people at Shimoyahagi Community Center, Rikuzentakata City]