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Saginaw Valley State University

November 7, 2024

SVSU provides cultural exploration through food

International Food Festival returning to SVSU

two students enjoying food

Saginaw Valley State University will provide a taste of diverse cultures at its 26th International Food Festival on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Marketplace at Doan dining facility. The event is open to the public; a $13 admission fee allows diners to enjoy all they care to eat.

To share their cultures, two dozen students from 12 countries will serve dishes from their native lands. The participating students will assist the university’s cooking staff in preparing the dishes, decorating cooking stations and serving patrons during the event. One of the students, Farhim Apu, an MBA student from Bangladesh, is also a manager for dining services.

This year’s dining experience will include the following dishes:

  • Japchae (South Korea) – mushrooms, spinach, egg, onion, noodles
  • Persian joojeh kabab – diced chicken breast, saffron, turmeric, Greek style yoghurt, olive oil
  • Brigadeiro (Brazil) – dessert with condensed milk, powdered chocolate, chocolate sprinkles
  • Apple pie squares (USA) – traditional American dessert
  • Chicken qurma (chicken korma) (Pakistan) – a halal chicken curry dish
  • Fried potatoes (Uganda) – served with tomatoes, onions, carrots, green peppers, and curry powder
  • Pork dumplings (China) – with cabbage, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and dipping sauce
  • Taiwanese omelet – with pork floss, eggs, soy paste
  • Baklava (Albania) – made with phyllo dough, shredded coconut, walnuts, eggs and syrup
  • Ghanian fried rice (Ghana) – rice with mixed vegetables, onions, scrambled eggs, chicken, soy sauce, and curry powder
  • Double ka Meetha (India) – a delicious, sweet pudding made with double roti (bread), sugar, ghee and nuts

The festival includes a competition in which visitors can judge the dishes and presentation, selecting winners from various categories, such as best sweet dish, best savory dish, most refreshing beverage, best decorations and best customer service. 

SVSU’s International Student Club meets every Tuesday evening in the Alumni Lounge to announce campus activities, play games and take turns doing country presentations.