`Food Expo` in Itaewon

Traveling to Itaewon, Seoul`s designated foreign tourist district, has become considerably more convenient thanks to the opening on Mar. 9 of the final sections of subway Line No. 6 linking Noksapyong, Itaewon and Sindang. In recent years, the Itaewon Station area has become a ``haven of world cuisines`` as restaurants specializing in foods from around the world have opened one after another. Active in business and well known to foreigners are restaurants serving dishes from West Asian countries as well as Germany, Mexico and many others. And not only do they offer authentic dishes from their countries of origin, most create an atmosphere similar to that in the countries themselves.

Traditional tastes of West Asian food:

A 20-meter walk from exit No. 1 at Itaewon Station will bring you to ``Usmania`` and ``Mogul,`` two Pakistani restaurants which offer dishes just as unique as those offered at the neighboring Indian eatery ``Ashoka`` in the Hamilton Hotel. However, the atmospheres in these restaurants are quite different. The Usmania owner said the difference in cultures is reflected in the food as Indians believe in Hinduism while Pakistanis are Islamic. Pleasantly sweet plain yogurt is priced at 1,000 won, soups are offered at around 4,000 won and main dishes such as beef curry, barbecued chicken and kebabs are priced at 12,000 won. On the weekends, Usmania turns into a buffet restaurant. Those who wish to have an even more authentic experience may choose to use their fingers, as is the custom in Pakistan. ``Taj Mahal,`` an Indian restaurant close to exit No. 3, is famous for ``tandoori,`` similar to Korean style beef roasted over charcoal. It includes mutton, beef, chicken and seafood on a skewer.

Almost every corner of world represented:

Close to exit No. 4, across from the Pakistani restaurants, you can enjoy a diversity of foods from the American continent. ``Nashville`` offers classic American-style hamburgers, while ``Panchos`` specialty is ``burritos,`` which is boiled beans, cheese and beef in a tortilla. Displayed here and there in the restaurant are broad-brimmed hats and Mexican tropical plants like cacti and palms, and on Fridays jazz performances are staged to create an even more exotic atmosphere. A straight walk toward exit No. 2 brings you to ``Thai Orchid,`` a traditional Thai food restaurant, where you can try ``Pot Thai gung,`` priced at 13,000 won. The dish`s parched rice noodles are different from Vietnam`s rice noodles in soup.

``Deutschehouse`` is located near the Islamic temple and Cheil Communications Building, where you can enjoy a pickled cabbage dish called ``sauerkraut,`` a German version of Korean kimchi, and an assortment of sausages for around 25,000 won. If you consider yourself are a gourmet, you may take part in the ``Itaewon Food Tour`` arranged by the food portal site ``Cookand.net`` (822-571-3103). This special event, priced at 50,000 won and scheduled to be held for six hours from 4 p.m. on April 7, will take you to various restaurants in Itaewon, offer opportunities to taste their main dishes and also visit the street of ``old furniture.`` Food critic Kang Ji-Young will accompany you on the tour.

Cho In-Jik cij1999@donga.com