Sunday, February 13 2005 13:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Indian restaurants, seeking a bigger slice of China's multi-billion-dollar catering industry, are wooing couples on Valentine's Day to feast on special spicy menus that include Samosas, Chicken Tikkas and Kebabs.

"Tell her you love her at the Tandoor. She'll have tears in her eyes," an advertisement placed in local magazines by 'The Tandoor' restaurant in Beijing says.

"We have prepared a special five-course candle-lit dinner for Valentine's Day," Supervising Manager of The Tandoor-Bejing, Madhu Sudhan, said.

The pricy dinner at 488 yuan (approximately Rs 2,900) for a couple includes one special drink, starters like Samosa, three types of curry, rice, bread and dessert, he said.

"This will be our third Valentine's Day celebrations in Beijing and we are expecting a lot of guests, especially Chinese," he said, adding that in 2004, the response was "very good".

General Manager of 'The Taj Pavilion', M H Pastakia, said his restaurant has prepared a special menu to allow the guests to enjoy "all the five tastes of life" on February 14, which is celebrated as Valentine's Day world-wide.

Under the salty category, the restaurant will serve Dil Khush Kebab. For sour taste, Raita will be served. To add spice to the Valentine's Day dinner, Vindaloo will be served. To provide bitter taste, Karaila Masala awaits the diners.

The 110 yuan (approximately Rs 660) per person set dinner will also serve Tandoori Chicken, Palak Panir, Nan and Saffron Rice, Pastakia said, adding the couples will also be served French wine.