New Food Explorers Club Serves Up Culture and Community

By Analia Orozco
Staff Writer | The Pacific Times

NP3 Food Explorers is a new student-led club that aims to help others learn about different cultures through food.

The club was founded by juniors, Hiba Awan and Jupji Sandhu, who wanted to create a space where students could connect over food and culture.

“We all like eating and come from different ethnic backgrounds,” Sandhu said. “We wanted to make a club related to food, but also educational.”

At each meeting, members will take turns presenting a different dish from a specific culture. The members will prepare the food themselves, with ingredients covered by the club leaders. Along with the dish, they will share background information about its origin and cultural significance. After the presentation, everyone will have a chance to try the food.

“It is a judgment-free zone where everyone is encouraged to ask questions and try new things,” said Awan. She described club meetings as a place where participants can share their thoughts and ideas without fear of criticism and are encouraged to explore new cultures through food.

There is an expectation that every member contribute in some way. This could be by introducing a dish, helping prepare the food, or participating in events.

“The goal is for everyone to take away something new from each presentation and be motivated to share something of their own next,” Sandu said.”The club is not just about enjoying new foods, but also learning about the diverse cultures represented in the NP3 community.”

The club has prepared and sold ethnic dishes at school-wide events, such as the homecoming basketball game, where they also provided information about the origins of the food they offered. They sold Gol Gappe/Pani Puri, Ceviche, and Horchata.

“Life is too short to eat bad food,” said junior Hafsa Rehman, treasurer of the club. “I wanted to share my culture with other people and thought this was a great way.”

The club meets every other Monday at lunch in B-4, and is open to all students.

For more information on the club, follow @NP3FoodExplorers on Instagram. To get involved in the club or become a member, reach out to the co-presidents at ha755011@nusdk12.org and js673410@nusdk12.org.