Japan: A Culinary Enrichment Experience

Here at our fine campus, the Center for Global Education via the GATE (Global Awareness Through Education) Program has been offering an awesome experience every semester for foodies in an event called Foods of the World.

So far, we’ve had three other events like this one, each of which featured desserts, street foods, and high tea. This semester, in light of the impending trip to Japan that the GATE 13’ students are about to undertake, we partook in delectable dishes that one would expect to see on a visit to the country.

There were many interesting things to try that evening, all foods being catered from the local Japanese restaurant Yamato (Which I recommend to any fan of Japanese cuisine).  Some of the selection included:

• Udon Noodles
• Fried Rice
• A selection of cooked sushi, including crunch shrimp rolls, citrusy fish rolls, California rolls, cream cheese and crab rolls, among others
• Vegetable tempura
• Chicken tempura (A dish that a Japanese woman declared to be decidedly non-traditional)

Unfortunately, none of the raw delicacies that are so trademark in the Japanese culture were able to be offered simply because it was difficult to plan it out and keep it safe to eat.

The event took place in the UC Theatre lobby area, where plates, napkins, chopsticks, and seating were provided and the event was free to the public! It was a really fun experience to try new and delicious foods from a country that has always held my interest.

If you’re as much of a fan of new cultural culinary experiences, don’t miss out on this bi-annual occurrence. I have no idea what the next one will have in store, but I can guarantee that you won’t want to miss it!