SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw Valley State University is inviting the public to experience a world of flavors at its 26th International Food Festival on Tuesday, Nov. 12. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees can explore a diverse range of international dishes at the Marketplace at Doan dining facility.
For a $13 admission fee, guests can enjoy an unlimited sampling of foods from around the globe, prepared by SVSU’s international students alongside the university’s dining staff.
The festival will feature contributions from two dozen students representing 12 different countries. These students will not only serve dishes from their native cuisines but will also collaborate with SVSU chefs in the kitchen, decorate food stations, and engage with attendees to share the stories behind their culinary traditions.
Among the participating students is Farhim Apu, an MBA student from Bangladesh and a dining services manager, who will be overseeing some of the day’s festivities.
This year’s menu offers a diverse sampling of traditional dishes from around the world, including:
- Japchae (South Korea) – A savory noodle dish with mushrooms, spinach, egg, and onion
- Persian joojeh kabab – Grilled chicken breast marinated in saffron, turmeric, yogurt, and olive oil
- Brigadeiro (Brazil) – A popular Brazilian dessert made with condensed milk, chocolate powder, and sprinkles
- Apple pie squares (USA) – A twist on the classic American dessert
- Chicken qurma (Pakistan) – A halal chicken curry rich with spices
- Fried potatoes (Uganda) – Seasoned with tomatoes, onions, carrots, green peppers, and curry powder
- Pork dumplings (China) – Served with cabbage, scallions, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil
- Taiwanese omelet – A flavorful omelet filled with pork floss and soy paste
- Baklava (Albania) – A sweet pastry made with phyllo dough, coconut, walnuts, and syrup
- Ghanaian fried rice (Ghana) – A hearty rice dish with vegetables, eggs, chicken, and curry powder
- Double ka Meetha (India) – A sweet pudding made with bread, sugar, ghee, and nuts
In addition to sampling these global dishes, festival-goers will participate in a competition by voting for their favorite dishes in categories like best sweet dish, best savory dish, most refreshing beverage, best decorations, and best customer service. The competition adds an interactive element to the event, allowing attendees to celebrate the hard work and creativity of the student chefs.
The festival is hosted by SVSU’s International Student Club, a group that meets every Tuesday evening in the Alumni Lounge. The club brings together students from around the world to announce campus events, share cultural presentations, and foster a sense of community through games and activities.
SVSU’s International Food Festival continues to be a beloved tradition, offering both students and the public a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate Michigan’s diverse cultural tapestry through food.
