Being able to prove descent from Genghis Khan, with the aid of a simple DNA test, will in future buy a free meal at London’s two Mongolian restaurants, the Times reported on Monday.
The restaurants, both called Shish, are located in trendy Hoxton in the East End and in Willesden Green to the northwest.
The Times notes that the Mongol leader, who died in 1227 at the age of about 65, is thought to have around 17-million descendants worldwide.
Relatively few of them, however, are thought to live within range of the restaurants.
Among those who could claim a free meal are members of Britain’s royal family, the deposed Iranian royals and the family of Count Dracula.
The Soviets banned claiming descent from the famous warrior when they took control in the 1920s, but recent changes have allowed Mongolians to register surnames that claim descent from Temujin, who took the title Genghis Khan — Universal Ruler.
The DNA testing procedure involves brushing inside the cheek.
The results are known about two months later. In order to curb the number of applicants, the restaurants are offering the test only for this week. – Sapa-DPA