In celebration of culture and diversity, the International Student Program (ISP) hosted its annual Food Festival during International Education Week. The event took place at the Fireside Dining Area in Building 6 of Skyline College on November 19 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
The event attracted over 120 people, from students to staff, who tried cuisines from 13 countries, including China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Myanmar, Peru, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The food, a mix of savory and sweet, was served by student representatives and staff of that culture, where possible, and they shared personal insights into the origins and taste of the food with the participants.
Each table offered a different kind of food, from mouthwatering savory dishes to sweet desserts. There were crispy vegetarian samosas from India, delicious chicken satay from Thailand, fresh gỏi cuốn or spring rolls from Vietnam, signature beancurd kimbap from South Korea, cheese empanadas from Peru, hsi hta min or yellow sticky rice from Myanmar, and iconic lumpia from the Philippines. Some countries also satisfied our sweet tooth: flaky egg tarts from China, chewy Turkish delights from Turkey, pastel macarons from France, creamy tiramisu from Italy, colorful pan dulce from Mexico, and red bean pancakes or dorayaki from Japan.
The International Food Festival showcased the cultures of various countries through a taste of their cuisines. The event was a big success, as students lined up to try different cultures, some returning for more and sharing their opinions on the food they sampled.
The International Student Program is part of the Enrollment Services & Support Programs Division. ISP will continue to provide services and programs for international students and the entire Skyline College community. If you are interested in learning more about future ISP programs and events, contact the ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu.
Article by Zoe Ann Mijares
Photos by Mei Lee
