The dining hall on the campus of Quincy University became a marketplace of flavors from around the world last Wednesday, as students had the opportunity to sample many of the various and mouthwatering dishes from around the globe. Global Foods Night was in celebration of International Students Day, celebrated annually on November 17.

When the doors to the cafeteria opened, students from every part of campus streamed in to sample the international fare that the dining staff had prepared. Everyone was bubbling with excitement as all tried to decide what to try first. The spread was replete with dishes from almost every corner of the world, and this fact made one’s mouth water. One outstanding offering was naan served with hummus. This Middle Eastern jewel, which most people believe originated in Syria or Egypt, soon became a favorite of many as the warm, soft bread really paired well with the rich and savory hummus.

“I think my favorite thing about the CAF holding this event is that it incorporates so many different foods from different cultures. We kind of get to try a little bit of food from every spot in the world, and I think that’s pretty cool. My favorite dish? Probably the Birria tacos,” Casey Fronheiser said.

Fronheiser wasn’t the only one enjoying the global flavors. The Thai shrimp rolls, served with sweet chili sauce, were another big hit, along with the mushroom herb arancini that disappeared in a flash as students eagerly filled their plates. But what stood out most was the sense of curiosity. Students weren’t just filling their plates—they were engaging with the staff, asking questions about the origins of the foods, and sharing in the excitement of the event.

Another crowd-pleaser was the Elote corn dip, which was comfortingly familiar for so many because it is a very popular TikTok recipe. This creamy, savory dip with tortilla chips became a go-to choice for many in no time. The staff continued replacing dumplings throughout the day, as they seemed to be the most in demand. These savory, meat-filled wontons, from China, had really been a perfect snack especially when dipped in soy sauce.

International student Zeynep Cetin of Turkey was thrilled to see so many different cultures represented.

“It was super interesting to taste new things and see other people’s cultures. Everyone here is from a different background, so it’s really exciting to experience that. My favorite food here? Definitely the dumplings,” Cetin said.

As the evening wound down, students left the cafeteria: some full and content, others still talking about the dishes they had enjoyed. But the fun wasn’t over yet—many were already looking ahead to the next big meal: the upcoming Thanksgiving feast.

If you enjoyed Global Foods Night and would like to see more food-themed events at The Caf, the staff encourages students to share their ideas. After all, food is a universal language and at Quincy University it’s the perfect way to bring everyone together. For more updates on upcoming events and food celebrations, be sure to check with the dining hall staff!