Return of International Food Festival Draws the Cultural Richness and Wisdom

After the two-year hiatus, the International Food Festival returned on Thursday – Sunday, 17 – 19 November 2022. Students, faculty staff, and society members gathered at Gelanggang for international cuisines, dance, music, talks, games, and fun. There is no cost to attend.

Hosted by Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), under the Office of International Affairs (OIA) coordination, the 5th International Food Festival featured recipes from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Australia, Senegal, Gambia, USA, Philippines, Nigeria, Kirgizstan, and Indonesia. The International Students of the university prepared food so that visitors can taste home-cooked meals from their countries. National and international entertainment also have been performed so that guests can enjoy traditional songs and dance. It is a way to bring people from different parts to celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness.

“The event was postponed for two years, and now we all can enjoy the International Food Festival with the full spirit that contains various cultures from around the world”, said the Rector of Universitas Syiah Kuala, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agussabti, M.Si.

Dozens of international students participate in the International Food Festival which draws many visitors where they had a chance to taste homemade menus from various countries.

“Participating in the International Food Festival has been a tremendous experience. It has given me an amazing opportunity to learn more about the cultural diversity represented here through performances, and it is very nice I can meet many international students studying at the university. I am grateful to be part of this event this year, and I hope I will have a chance to join again next year”, said a representative from America, Jack Arnold Stevens.

“I am very glad and enthusiastic to join this festival. Here I have a chance to promote my culture, as well as able to interact with society members of Aceh”, said Nik Haris, an international student from Thailand.

The festival is the annual program of OIA and is part of the university anniversary celebration. Through this global event, it is expected that campus and community members can experience cuisine and cultures from around the world.

“The festival is a great occasion to be exposed to a wide range of cultural experiences, sample food from around the world, and meet and appreciate the many talents of our students,” said Chairman of OIA, Dr. Muzailin Affan.

“This festival is wonderful. I had a chance to meet and interact with international students from various countries. And I enjoy the cultural talk-show, interactive and fun games, foods, and many things here”, expressed one visitor.

The 5th International Food Festival this year, that took theme The Journey of Taste Perfection, celebrates the days by holding several lively activities like the Open Performance, Workshop, Stand Up Comedy, Easy-Talks, Cooking Demo, Games, Cultural Performances, and International Student Parade.

Universitas Syiah Kuala is currently home to 83 international students representing 15 countries; Malaysia, Gambia, Kenya, Palestine, Philippines, Mali, Senegal, Thailand, Sierra Leone, Yemen, Vietnam, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Nigeria, and Australia.