Steam curled in the air as Elijah Choi and Gina Park prepared bowls of Tteok-mandu-guk, a traditional Korean rice cake dumpling soup, at their food stand. They set up in the LaRita Boren Campus Center, aiming to share more than just a meal but a piece of their culture with fellow students.
Choi and Park came up with the idea during a visit to friends in Los Angeles over Christmas. They wanted to create a project that highlighted diverse foods and experiences in a fun, accessible way. “This is a chance to dive into other cultures and share what we learn,” Choi explained.
Each month, they plan to showcase a different country’s street food, starting with Korean cuisine. “It’s a nod to our own background,” Park said. This semester, they’re focusing on Asian dishes, and future months will include a surprise element—picking a new country randomly.
Keeping affordability in mind, most dishes will be around $5. “Our goal isn’t just to make money; it’s about sharing culture,” Choi said.
Park noted that food can be a gateway to understanding others. Trying new foods can break down barriers and lead to meaningful conversations.
The duo works well together, each with their distinct roles. Park researches popular dishes and shares recipes through social media, while Choi experiments with the cooking process, tweaking flavors to cater to their audience. “I want to ensure it’s both authentic and approachable,” he said.
Choi preps most of the ingredients at home and then finishes the dishes on campus to guarantee freshness. They’ve enjoyed the support from their peers, which fuels their enthusiasm despite the challenges of balancing school and work.
Their food stand operates about once or twice a month on Fridays during lunch. As the weather warms up, they hope to take it outside. For more updates and a peek at their culinary journey, check out their Instagram, @thetasteambassadors.
This initiative not only satisfies hunger but also fosters cultural exchange. By trying something new, students can expand their horizons, one bite at a time.
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