BE nice to that police officer strolling around your neighbourhood or putting a ticket in your car. Chances are, underneath that green uniform, breathes an aspiring Ken Hom.
Unbeknown to many, the Royal Hong Kong Police Force maintains an auxiliary staff of police who are well-trained in cooking and catering.
The volunteers attend an eight-week course in basic Cantonese cooking. After their final examination, they return to normal duty. In the case of emergency, they can be summoned to change their uniform and man the woks.
''Some people underestimate the importance of feeding the police well. They need three good meals a day, or more,'' explained John Parker, force catering officer, of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. Parker oversees the graduation of six classes annually.
A final examination was held recently at the Tai Po Catering School in the New Territories. Judging from the looks and taste, five officers who shook woks, chopped garlic and skilfully garnished plates of fried shrimp and chicken with cashews, showed nosigns of nervousness.
Each had to execute three dishes - compoy soup, batter-fried shrimp and chicken with cashews. The students were evaluated on ingredient preparation, skill and technique, presentation and taste. Of the five, highest marks went to the two women.
