USI’s International Food Expo was hosted by iClub Feb. 14 in Carter Hall. International students showcased their heritage through traditional dishes, desserts, dance performances and musical presentations, offering a vibrant taste of their home countries to both the campus community and the public.
24 countries were represented at the expo, each bringing their own flavor to the table. Listed below are all the countries and what they had:
- Vietnam – Northern-style Phở Cuốn
- Nepal – Aalu ko Achar and Furandana
- Nicaragua – Cheesy plantain empanadas
- China – Dumplings
- Dominican Republic – Tres golpes
- Ukraine – Syrnyky
- Egypt – Molokhia
- Myanmar – Tea Leaf Salad
- Brazil – Chico Dantas
- Austria – Wiener schnitzel
- Pakistan – Chicken biryani
- Panama – Rice with chicken
- United Kingdom – Shepherd’s pie
- Italy – Pasta alla Bolognese
- Mexico – Mole poblano and red rice
- Philippines – Chicken adobo with egg
- South Korea – Bibimbap
- Yemen – Basbousa
- Japan – Shiratama
- Palestine – Nabulsi knafeh
- South Africa – Malva pudding
- Germany – German cheesecake
- India – Gulab jamun
- France – Crêpes
Getting to try something new is always very exciting for me, and the food I tried definitely did not disappoint. I’ve picked out just a few of my favorites to share.
Starting off with the Northern-style Phở Cuồn from Vietnam, I could not get enough of it. Everything about it was amazing and it is absolutely something I am going to have to try again.
Next up is the Wiener schnitzel from Austria. Wiener schnitzel is something that I was actually familiar with going into the Expo, so I knew I had to get a piece of it. I can honestly say it was some of the best Wiener schnitzel I ever had.
Pakistan’s chicken biryani was another new experience for me, and one I definitely enjoyed. The rice had a nice kick to it and the chicken was just right, making it another must-have in the future.
Despite everything, one question remains: was closing the Loft worth it? There are a few different answers to this.
On one hand, when hosting an event this big you need all the help you can get. USI Dining played a big part in the preparation of food as well as running refills for the stations.
On the other hand, this caused a lot of issues among students who are regulars to the Loft, as it was closed for both breakfast and lunch. Students who use a meal plan were short of options as the Loft is the only place on campus to use meal swipes until 7 p.m.
A possible solution in the future is to open the Loft, but with fewer stations open so that there are still enough people to help with the Food Expo.
Overall, the International Food Expo was an amazing event to have gotten the opportunity to go to, and I highly recommend it.
