Students filled their plates with fried rice, donuts, sambusas, and sushi Saturday night—but only if they made it to Passport to Columbia early.
Roone Arledge Auditorium was full for the event, where students were greeted by an array of free food from around the world before an evening of performances from many of the cultural dance groups on campus.
More than 600 students attended the event, according to Columbia College Student Council members—explaining the quick disappearance of the free food.
While many of the cultural groups ordered food from restaurants in the area, some cooked their own dishes. Thomas Jeon, SEAS ’12 and co-president of the Vietnamese Students Association, said his group always makes its own food, and he said cooking is his favorite part of the event.
“We have fun bonding, and personally I learn more about Vietnamese food and culture. It’s a hands-on experience and cooking with all the other board members creates a friendliness that makes us a better group for the rest of the year,” he said. Jeon made chicken with Vietnamese seasoning, donuts, and fried rice—all in the traditional style.
Now in its fourth year, Passport to Columbia is an event sponsored by CCSC and the Engineering Student Council that brings together many of Columbia’s cultural groups. Sheila Misheni, SEAS ’14 and VP Student Life, said that she and other members of CCSC and ESC began working on the event over the summer and got 10 different cultural groups to participate.
“My goal for Passport to Columbia was to have a good turnout and for people to appreciate all the different groups,” Misheni said. “Almost all the tables were filled, and that’s always exciting… We had a bigger crowd than we expected but I’m glad we were prepared for it.”
The Columbia Japan Society has participated in Passport to Columbia since the event’s conception, so its members know the routine well—large crowds and too little food.
CJS Treasurer Kanako Morimoto, SEAS ’13, was not surprised by how fast their tuna, salmon, avocado and California rolls disappeared.
“It’s our third year doing Passport to Columbia and we usually give out two pieces of sushi per person, but we always run out fast,” she said.
Miriam Kwarteng-Siaw, CC ’14 and member of the African Students Association, said she enjoyed participating in the evening.
“It gives new students a chance to get a taste of our culture and see all the different cultures at Columbia,” she said.
At the end of the night, both participants and organizers said they were happy with Passport to Columbia’s outcome. Jasmine Senior, CC ’12 and VP Campus Life, said that the popularity of the food and the event itself were good signs for Columbia’s cultural organizations.
“It’s really about exploring all the different groups,” she said.
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