Nothing brings people together like food, and the International Student Association drew students from many cultures to present their cuisine at the low waste International Food night. 

Creighton University has a large population of international students, and through organizations like the ISA they host various events that not only help international students learn about other cultures, but also spend time with those from their same cultures. 

On Saturday at 5 p.m. the ISA hosted the International Food night. Students brought food from Greece, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, China, Vietnam, Italy and Africa. 

Chantal Portes, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the president of ISA. “This is an event that is important for international students to feel at home and welcomed. I think making a dish from their culture reminds them of home and also lets students from other cultures try their food,” she said. “It means a lot to see someone enjoy something that feels like a part of home.” 

Portes is from the Dominican Republic, and she brought a dish called pastelón which contains sweet plantains, meat and cheese. 

Portes made sure to make this event a low-waste event so that not only were the students enjoying meals from across the world, but also helping the planet. They used compostable plates, napkins and utensils. 

The participants really enjoyed the food and the event overall. 

Lujain Abdullah is not a part of ISA, but she loves to go to their different events. She is a senior majoring in emergency medical services and is from the east side of Saudi Arabia. When asked about her favorite foods she said she liked the dishes from the Lebanese and Dominican cuisines. 

Events like these help international students feel seen and learn more about others around them. 

“I have learned about a lot of different cultures, and through this event I learned about their foods. I loved learning where the dishes come from, why they are made and when they are made,” Lujain said. “I feel that we should have more of these events.” 

Since Lujain is a paramedic and was on shift before the event she wasn’t able to bring a dish from home. If she could, Lujain said she would bring kabsa, the national food of Saudi Arabia. Kabsa has rice and seasoned chicken mixed together. 

The event had a big turnout with 140 people in attendance, which was more than expected. The food was all gone by 8 p.m.