As a part of the effort, the loach cooking competition took place under the sponsorship of the Public Catering Management Bureau of the Pyongyang City People's Committee some days ago.

Displayed at the competition were more than 250 kinds of loach dishes made by cooks of well-known restaurants in the city.

The competition was held, divided into the one for making compulsory dishes and the other for presenting 10-odd ready-made dishes.

According to an official concerned, the competition served as an important occasion in further developing national cuisines and improving the people's diet.

The public catering establishments in local areas are also encouraged to serve loach dishes.

Loach dishes are known as one of health foods among Koreans for its high rate of digestion and absorption and special efficacy for recovery of liver function.

Loach soup, in particular, has been considered as a tonic food from olden times.