Food Fest gave BYU-Hawaii students the opportunity to try foods from all around the world and share cultural experiences with their international classmates.BYU-Hawaii’s Student Associations set up booths around the Little Circle on Nov. 1 to sell food. The sales from the event went towards helping chapters pay for their yearly events. There was music, dancing, and lots of food from around the world. Students, community and BYUH staff enjoyed the cultures from around the world. As people walked around the Little Circle and smelled and tasted the different foods offered, BYUH’s Music Club performed live music to add a festive feel to the evening.Students agreed Food Fest was a great way to get to experience cuisines from the different cultures from around the world in one convenient location, something only found in a few special places, BYUH being one of them.Christopher Anaya, a junior majoring in business from Texas and public relations representative for Food Fest, said, “There has to be a way to exchange cultures and food more often and not just once a year. I think we should do it more often, even if it’s at a smaller setting because I’ll never have this in my life anywhere again.” Food Fest attendees were able to try multiple chapters’ cuisines. Leata Wilson, a freshman from New Zealand studying computer science, tried food from the China Chapter, Japan Chapter and the Taiwan Chapter. Wilson said her favorite dish was the shrimp bowl from the China Chapter. Wilson said she enjoyed the gathering of the cultures and how it was all about food. “I think it’s really cool how food can bring us together. There are so many different cultures here and so many different foods but the best part is it brings us together.” Anaya said he liked that the dishes sold at Food Fest were homemade by the people from those areas of the world. “This is my first time with Food Fest, and I love it because foods are being cooked by the people who consume it from those countries,” Anaya said. Anaya is part of the Latin Chapter that sold nachos. “That’s why I’m wearing this ridiculous hat. I can tell them it’s because we’re selling nachos,” he said, pointing to his head.Student Associations tried to stand out with hats like Anaya, but also entertaining the crowds passing by their booths. Teone Tahiata, a junior from Tahiti studying political science and the Tahitian BSA president, said the best part about working the Tahiti booth was advertising. “It was pretty fun to entertain people and attract people. The best part was being outgoing and trying to get people’s attention.” The Tahiti Chapter sold French crepes and Tahitian pudding called poi, but Tahitia said they are going to change up their menu for the next Food Fest. “We are probably only going to sell French crepes because that is where we got most of our success tonight. We’re going to try to vary our crepe toppings and use fruits like bananas and strawberries,” Tahiata said.Lyna Gamba from the Philippines is studying elementary education and this is her first semester at BYUH. Gamba enjoyed Food Fest and especially liked the live music. “It’s really cool that they have a concert this year and it’s really entertaining.” Like other students, Gamba liked being able to experience so many cultures in one place. “I like that you don’t have to travel by plane to all the different places just to try their food, whereas here you can just walk around and try them,” Gamboa said.
Writer: Kaitlin Broyles ~ Multimedia Journalist
