A mixture of sweet and spicy scents wafted around the Jacobetti commons as hundreds chatted in line, waiting to taste the cuisines from countries around the world at the International Food Festival, hosted by the student organization All Nations Club.
The festival took place from 5 to 7 p.m., with about 300 students, faculty and community members tasting the diferent foods from diferent countries.
The menu consisted of recipes from around the world, including South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Italy, Jamaica, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa and Colombia. The dishes included tacos, rice pudding, masala dosa (south Indian crepes), lumpia, falafel from Egypt, humba (braised pork belly), cape brandy pudding (made from dates and brandy sauce) from South Africa and many more items. All of which cost $5 for students and $10 for community members.
Sophomore biology major Nicole Moore was excited to try the diferent menu items. “I heard there was a lot of food for $5, and that will get me almost anywhere,” Moore said with a laugh.
Around 20 students helped prepare and serve the entrees, including Brandon Ranney, a junior international studies major, who was appreciative to participate in the event. Ranney said he took part in the event because he wanted to contribute to the club, as he is an international studies major.
“I got to work with many diferent people from all across the world,” Ranney said. “It’s an extraordinary event.”Ranney said he was glad to support the event.
“I’m glad so many people came to the event,” he said. “They’re showing they’re supportive of the All Nations Club and the students that participate.”
Min Park, a graduate student in the psychological sciences program and president of All Nations Club, said she felt the event went well, as the goal was to get 250 people to attend the event.
“I think it turned out really nice,” Park said.
Park added the festival is an annual event that has been running for 28 years and will be back again next year with the possibility of more than just food.
