A Chinese chef living and working in Norway has made a unique contribution to China-Norway civil ties by introducing fantastic Chinese cuisine to the Nordic country.

The Chinese chef Ma Lie has worked in the catering industry for over 50 years. He moved to Norway 28 years ago as a chef with an international catering company.

Not long after his arrival, he was invited to cook for the then Norwegian Prime Minister. Recalling this memory, Ma said the Prime Minister was quite satisfied with his food.

After that, Chinese cuisine gained huge popularity with the local people, and the Chinese restaurant industry soared.

Four years later, Ma opened his own restaurant in the capital city of Oslo. In order to further expand the popularity of Chinese food, Ma made various attempts to cater to the local people.

He kept traditional Chinese cooking methods, but adjusted flavors to suit the tastes of locals. “That is what really helps Chinese food keep a foothold in foreign countries,” he said.

Last year, Ma helped hold a Chinese food exhibition in Oslo, which was attended by multiple high government officials of Norway.

The event attracted a number of local citizens and achieved huge success. “We are not only enticing diners, but also introducing them to China,” Ma noted.

In his eyes, food is a window through which the world can look at China’s rich culture and its rapid development.

“China has stood up, grown rich and become strong. We overseas Chinese have the responsibility of introducing our country to the world,” he said.