Experience Global Flavors at the First Annual Intercultural Food Market on Old Campus
A Celebration of Diversity and Taste
On a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon, Old Campus was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of flavors, inviting over 300 students to immerse themselves in a culinary global adventure at the First Annual Intercultural Food Market. This exciting event showcased 16 student organizations, each serving dishes steeped in tradition and flavor from various corners of the world, fostering connection and community through the universal language of food.
The Vision Behind the Market
Under the leadership of Junior Class Council President Kingson Wills ’26, this unique gathering aimed to bridge cultural divides while giving back to the local New Haven community. Wills said, “It all started with the Junior Class Council’s Harvard-Yale T-shirt fundraiser in the fall, which means we doubled the JCC’s budget. We wanted to do an event that would give back to New Haven and connect students with different cultures.” Each participating organization received $200 to craft their tantalizing offerings, while the total of $800 went toward enticing raffle prizes, including handmade crochet whales from Whales of Yale and gift cards to local eateries.
A Feast for the Senses
As attendees explored the lively stalls, a myriad of flavors awaited them. Among the notable culinary delights was Mecha de Yale serving refreshing aguas frescas, and Contigo Perú appearing with mouthwatering empanadas and Peruvian cola. The aromatic scents wafting from the Club Venezuela stall, offering crispy arepas and delectable tequeños, drew in crowds.
From the Caribbean, the Caribbean Students Organization tantalized taste buds with curry and jerk chicken, while the Black Student Alliance at Yale (BSAY) dished out beloved soul food classics from Sandra’s Next Generation. For those with a penchant for Brazilian cuisine, the Brazil Club provided a taste of home with their empadas, coxinha, and pão de queijo.
Several Asian student groups also stepped up to the plate, featuring Kasama, which served iconic pancit and crispy lumpia, while the Korean American Students at Yale introduced the delightful kimbap — a seaweed rice roll that quickly became a favorite. Nepali Students Society enticed attendees with fluffy momo dumplings, and the Asian American Students Alliance (AASA) shared Mediterranean delights from Pitaziki Mediterranean Grill.
The inclusion of Yale Afghan Students Association with their qabuli and mantu, and the Nigerian Students Association (NSA) showcasing spicy dishes from Ade Kitchen and sweet treats from SAQIN—a student-founded catering group—added even more layers to the event’s rich variety.
Thriving Community Spirit
Among the enthusiastic participants, Gloria Baek ’27 cheerily assisted at the KASY table, remarking, “I think people really enjoyed the variety of the cultural foods they were able to try—some people just kept coming back for seconds, thirds, and fourths! Definitely a great turnout, and I had a blast.” At her station, KASY served up an impressive estimate of 300 slices of kimbap, a true testament to the crowd’s appetite for global flavors.
To add a playful twist, the KASY table featured ddakji, a traditional South Korean game made famous by the hit show Squid Game. Attendees flipped tiles for a chance to win a charming wooden prize, blending fun with culinary delight.
Looking Ahead
Attendee Nico Upegui ’27 echoed the sentiments of many, saying, “I thought it was a fantastic event, having so many different organizations with foods from various cultures. Hosting it in such a central location like Old Campus was a brilliant move.”
Wills expressed hope for the future, aiming to expand participation in subsequent years. “The 16 featured groups are just a fraction of cultural groups at Yale,” he noted, hinting at the broader culinary experiences yet to come.
Old Campus, located at 344 College St., is set to be the hub for more intercultural festivities, further encouraging unity through the celebration of diversity and, of course, exceptional food.
Join us next year for a cross-cultural feast that promises to delight your senses and broaden your culinary horizons!
