First Food Fest since the pandemic

Students participate in Food Fest in November for the first time since COVID-19. Students from several culture clubs are pictured. Photos by Christal Lee.

Sharing culture through food is a campus highlight

BY AIYARAT BUACHAIYA

BYU-Hawaii’s Food Fest was held for the first time in two years because of the pandemic. BYUH students who attended Food Fest said they learned cultures through food. More than 15 clubs sold unique cuisines that represent diverse cultures. Lucia Laws, a freshman from Massachusetts studying psychology, said Food Fest was more than just eating delicious food but learning about diversity. “Food functions as a universal language, illustrating the history and culture of the place it represents while opening minds, raising awareness, and encouraging diversity.” She added, “I couldn’t choose which food I liked the most at the Food Fest because food from every culture is unique and distinctive.” Laws continued, “Food leads our minds on a path of empathy and tolerance. I think to cook international food here takes much effort to find ingredients. Some of the dishes sold at Food Fest require specific ingredients that are not readily available here. They have to put in much effort to showcase their culture through food.” Panina Strong, a sophomore from Utah studying accounting, said she has been waiting for this opportunity to try some international foods for a long time because she definitely can’t get that food where she comes from.

She added, “I had the Fijian chicken curry rice for the first time, and it was phenomenal. It was richly flavored and delicious.”

Strong shared what she learned from attending the Food Fest, “I think Food Fest builds good connections among college students through food.”

She continued, “When I ordered food, I didn’t just want to try it, but I had the opportunity to chat with the students who made it to talk about how they cooked what they sold. I learned a lot about people through their food culture.”

Sirawit Kitwongpak, a sophomore from Thailand studying accounting, said he was looking forward to trying Japanese mochi. “I really like Japanese mochi. When I learned the Japanese Club sells mochi at Food Fest, I was excited to try the mochi made by our students.” He added, “The mochi they make tastes good, plus its sticky and stretchy texture makes it even better.”

Kitwongpak said he feels closer to Japanese culture through food. “I’ve been a fan of Anime, Manga, and the Japanese culture since I was a kid. I love eating and enjoying food, especially Japanese food. Food made me feel closer to Japanese culture. The role food plays in helping us relate to other cultures