Performing a Japanse lullaby, Toni Yagami plays a taiko drum at Taste of Asia Tuesday on Farrand Field. Asian Unity's event attracted hundreds of students with free food and free entertainment. (CU Independent/Lauren Walter)
Taste of Asia hit Farrand Field Tuesday, bringing together crowds of hungry students for free cultural food and music despite the tempestuous wind. The event was sponsored by the Asian Unity student group.
Andy Tran, a 22-year-old senior biology major, describes Asian Unity as multi-cultural.
“It’s like a giant umbrella,” Tran said. “It brings together multi-cultural organizations, mostly Asian ones. We are showcasing Asian food and showing people our culture and music. A lot of people don’t try Asian food because they think it’s weird so they don’t want to spend money on it.”
Tran said the food is not of typical American fast-food restaurant quality.
“The food is mostly genuine–you can pick out Japanese, Korean, different tastes, even though they’re all similar,” Tran said.
In spite of strong winds nearly blowing the event tents over, there was a lot of interest and a strong turnout.
“We saw it written on a chalkboard and we were hungry,” said Joseph Tate, a 21-year-old junior civil engineering major. “It’s the longest Panda Express line I’ve ever been in.”
Evan Archuleta, 19-year-old freshman civil engineering major, said he felt the windy wait would be worth it.
“I’m pretty excited.” Archuleta said. “It was quite a turnout.”
Aaron Porras, an 18-year-old freshman mechanical engineering major, said he appreciated the cultural-awareness aspect of the event.
“I think it’s cool that they’re doing some diversity stuff,” Porras said.
With traditional Japanese Taiko drums playing in the background, a long line crept forward as servers hustled to get everyone a taste and keep the tents from flying away.
Four or five tents housed foods from various Asian cultures ranging from Indian to Chinese, with many in between.
Ellis Min, a 22-year-old senior chemical engineering major, was one of the numerous volunteers serving up food for hungry students.
“Nothing brings people together like food—free food—free Asian food!” Min said.
Another server, Blia Yang, a 19-year-old freshman open-options major, said she values the recognition of her culture.
“It’s important to share our culture,” Yang said, who also speaks Hmong. “Most of it’s through food. Some is language and other stuff, but food carries through generations.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Ana McIntosh at Anna.mcintosh@colorado.edu.
