Now in its twenty-second year, Southwest Minnesota State University’s International Food Festival proved again to be one of the school’s most beloved events. Credit the dinner’s popularity to its ability to transform the upper level of the Student Center into a lively, gourmet cultural cafeteria.
Tickets for the festival sold out nearly a week in advance, and were not sold at the door. The limit was capped at 250 adults in order to make sure there would be enough food for everyone who attended. It is not unusual for the event to sell out, based on past years’ attendance.
Rich smells of spices fueled the high-energy atmosphere as diners enjoyed traditional fare cooked by students from Thailand, Nepal, Kenya, and Malaysia, and the Muslim Student Association.
“Americans miss out on a lot of flavor,” said Tyler Nielsen, a junior at SMSU. Her favorite dish was the Sekwa Skewers from Nepal. “They have a lot of zing to them!” she said. The Skewers are made with chicken, pork, peppers, and onions, all marinated in papaya, ginger, turmeric and spices, and are grilled and served with tomato sauce.
The food from Malaysia also proved to be a favorite: guests were served Satay chicken with rice. The chicken was marinated in garlic, lemongrass, oyster sauce, and soy sauce, then grilled. It was complemented by a side of steamed rice, prepared with cucumbers, onion, and ginger, and served with a peanut sauce.
Senior Danelle Geil said it was great for her, as a residence life staff member, to be able to support the international students in her dorm. “This experience is so fun, and it’s good to learn more about our international students’ food and cultures,” she said.
Danelle’s favorite dish? The Nepalese Momos—turkey dumplings seasoned with turmeric, ginger, garlic and other spices, wrapped in wonton wrappers, and steamed, then served with a cool tomato sauce.
The festival drew students, faculty, and families and individuals from the community together, and united everyone in their enthusiasm for a delicious international food experience that didn’t require an international plane ticket.