ALL ABOARD SISTER-CITY EXPRESS

Kunming, Vientiane ride on opportunities along China-Laos Railway

Editor's note: Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. China Daily will come out with a series of stories highlighting Chinese cities' special connections with sister cities, mutual understanding, trust and friendship between peoples of different countries and cultural backgrounds, and shining light on "city diplomacy".

A very special dish in a restaurant in Kunming has those who love good food licking their chops as they wait to be served. When the food arrives, the very sight of the crushed lemon grass that envelops minced pork, as well as the aroma that accompanies it, provides a foretaste of what's to come.

Everything has been grilled over charcoal and is served with a special sweet, spicy sauce all the way from Laos, about 500 kilometers away. The taste sensation begins with the delicate texture of the roasted pork, enhanced by the rich, savory sauce, followed by the citrus aroma of the lemon grass.