Last Wednesday, Baker lawn turned into a vibrant hub of global flavors for the International Center’s 10th annual Taste of the World event. Sponsored by Semester at Sea, Cal Poly Student Affairs and Latin American Studies, this event showcased a rich variety of international cuisines.
Participants enjoyed about 2,800 servings of food from five unique booths, featuring dishes from Portugal, Brazil, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and India. Most of these countries are stops on the Semester at Sea program.
“We aim to promote study abroad programs through these booths,” said Devin Scattini, who supports the initiative.
Students from various disciplines came together for this event. Those studying Visitor Services in Experience Management (RPTA 320) and Institutional Food Service (FSN 344) collaborated on the setup and execution. Samir Amin, an associate professor of culinary science, guided them in creating authentic recipes.
Each food science student served 600 to 800 tastings, while hospitality students guided guests and shared details about the featured countries. The booth for India was particularly popular, with students lining up for pani puri and turmeric rice.
Audrey Larrabee and Mira Pavana, food science students, worked tirelessly to keep the sample cups full. “Dr. Amin created our pani puri recipe,” Larrabee noted, highlighting their teamwork.
Meanwhile, the Mexico booth offered chicken mole, pickled cactus, corn chips, and hibiscus aguas frescas. Their recipe process involved feedback from classmates of Mexican heritage. “They helped us refine our dishes,” said Ella Dall’era, a junior in food science.
The experience management students added flair by designing engaging booths and marketing materials, enhancing the event’s appeal. “It’s about understanding event planning,” stated Mason Alexander, a psychology junior leading the Mexico booth. He emphasized how valuable this experience was for broadening their global perspective.
In today’s interconnected world, mastering cultural sensitivity and event planning skills is vital. According to a recent survey by the American Council on Education, a growing number of college students see study abroad programs as essential for personal and professional growth. This event exemplified those ideals, building bridges between cultures and fostering understanding.
Student reactions ranged from excitement to curiosity. Many found new motivations to travel and learn more about different cultures. As social media trends reflect an increasing interest in global experiences, events like this inspire a younger generation to embrace the world outside their immediate surroundings.
For those interested in exploring culinary arts and global studies, programs like Semester at Sea provide unforgettable opportunities.
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