One way to appreciate and understand other cultures is by having a taste of its local food. This was proven by the Far Eastern University’s Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (FEU ITHM) when it hosted the Tamaraw Food Fest: ASEAN Countries Street Food and Exhibition (TAM FEST) 2016.
FEU ITHM students showcased their culinary skills interpreting popular street foods of countries in the ASEAN region: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. They complemented their presentation with booth displays and costumes that represented the country origin of their dishes.
“It is imperative that we have an understanding of other cultures, especially now that we are slowly becoming a global community of ASEAN. Through TAM FEST, our students were able to explore and experience a slice of the diverse culturesof the region,” said FEU ITHM Dean Dr. Melinda Torres.
FEU students, faculty and the rest of the FEU community lined up in anticipation to sample the food and vote for their favorites.
The Best ASEAN Street Food title was awarded to Vietnam group A’s authentic Banh Xeo, a sizzling pancake stuffed with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts. The interpretation of Indonesia’s Cabai Kering Panggang, dried chili sauce with beef, tofu and egg stew, and Brunei’s Pulut Panggang, sticky rice with chili and shrimp wrapped in banana leaf won 1st and 2nd runner up, respectively.
Winner of the Best ASEAN Booth was EVENTS MGT-LEC-Sec8, who ingeniously decorated its booth space to be reminiscent of Vietnam. The Best ASEAN Female Costume award was shared by Ms. Brunei and Ms. Indonesia, while Mr. Vietnam was named Best ASEAN Costume in the male category. Their costumes were stylishly designed using biodegradable or recycled materials.
The previous three runs of the food festival were simply called Banchetto. This year, FEU ITHM marks a milestone by branding its annual food exhibit and competition with the Tamaraw identity as an initiative to support the university’s response to the challenges of the ASEAN integration.
“TAM FEST is our contribution to FEU, to our discipline in Tourism and Hospitality, and to our country as we align ourselves with ASEAN.This annual activity will showcase the creative talents of our future Tourism professionals and the culinary prowess of our future hoteliers and restaurateurs,” explained Torres.