FOOD from around the globe stole the show at an international school’s joint International Day and Family Day celebration.
The public event featured 21 booths offering everything from Korean rice cakes and Japanese delicacies to Indian mango lassi and Malaysian favourites.
Hundreds of visitors gathered to try out the dishes and experience the vibrant cultures.
Student Tan York Hang, 15, from China, said the annual event was highlight of the year.
“It gives me a chance to explore different cultures through authentic food,” he said when met at the school in Mount Austin, Johor Baru.
“This was my first time trying lassi and Korean rice cakes, and both are really delicious.
“I also enjoyed the Indian cultural performance because I had never seen that style of dance before.
“It was unique and very interesting to learn about a new culture,” he said.
Tan said although he attended last year’s event, he missed out on sampling delicacies because he was busy helping his mother set up their booth.
He added that the celebration encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones by experiencing global cuisines and traditions in one place.
Student C. Kirisham, 16, shared the same enthusiasm, determined to make the most of this year’s festivities after missing out previously.
As a vegetarian, he recalled limited meat-free options in previous years.
“This year, I noticed there were more choices for vegetarians and, to my surprise, the dishes were really delicious, especially the Korean rice cakes, gimbap and Chinese mixed noodles,” Kirisham said.
“The celebration was also better because there was greater participation from parents representing countries such as Bangladesh, South Korea and Kazakhstan,” he said, looking forward to next year’s event.
Parent-volunteer Deepika Karthikumar, 39, who moved to Malaysia from India 11 years ago, said the annual gathering brought diverse families together while raising funds for charity.
A member of the school’s parent support group with three children studying there, Deepika has helped organise the event for the past decade.
“Every year, we try to make it better than the last.
“It is wonderful to see parents from different countries setting up booths and sharing their food and culture with everyone.”
This year, Deepika’s booth featured Malaysian staples including nasi lemak, roti jala among other local delicacies.
Deepika added that the annual tradition has helped her build lasting global connections.
“Although we all come from different backgrounds, this school has become like a second home for us.
“Through events like these, we have built meaningful friendships while learning about one another’s cultures and traditions.”
