By Adelide Kamanthe (2010 Kenya, MPP/ED)

On November 5, the KDI School held its 11th international food festival, one of the largest annual events that brings together Korean and international students, faculty, staff and guests from different nationalities, to experience and learn about other cultures through food. Indeed what can be a more accessible medium for learning about a culture than experiencing its cuisine? What we consume, how we acquire it, who prepares for it, who’s at the table, and who eats first are all subtle forms of communication rich with meanings.

This year’s event was unlike any other in terms of participation, ambience and creativity. The number of total participants was a record 225. The mood was electric, characterized by a beautiful array of colors and cultures so vibrant that it was magical. All delicacies imaginable had been laid out in equally tasteful designs. Each team worked not only to outdo the others but also to share a little bit of their culture with the rest of the participants from different parts of the globe.

There were 9 teams participating under creative names such as Yummy Yummy, East African Community, The LOTUS, Honreung Bulmark, Delicious Friendship, Team “Smacznego”, G5, Solidarity Team, and DAAWAT.

Dean Sang-Moon Hahm’s speech officially marked the start of the activities, where he invited everyone to enjoy the cultures and food on the display. All the teams then took turns in introducing themselves to the participants in their own special ways.

The venue was packed with people moving from one stand to another to enjoy the various delicacies while learning about equally various cultures. Each team had its mind set on attracting as many guests to their stands, as this was after all a competition. Every team competed for not only the grand prize but also for the pride of representing one’s country in the best possible fashion.

There were 9 voting boxes, and participants were required to cast their votes after sampling the different food and cultures. Vote was based on which team presented their food and culture the best. Despite fierce competitions, in the end the East African Team managed to garner the most votes to claim a victory. Anthony Gathogo from Kenya (MPP, 2010), the representative of the East African Community, confided that the secret of their success was “team work and a unique and simple culture that appealed to the guests.” He also expressed his gratitude for all who had voted for his team.

As the voting results were announced, participants received their prize amid great cheers. When the East African Community finally claimed the grand prize, there was great jubilation and joyous dancing among the participants. The Dean and other faculty members were at hand to provide congratulatory remarks to all the participating teams. Without doubt, the food festival was a wonderful culmination to a year of hard work and round-the-clock academic schedules. The message of the day was the one we hope to continue carrying with us long after we have left the KDI School: that we are all winners!