Taste Around the World: 2nd Annual Community Event Showcases Cultural Diversity Through Cuisine

On Saturday August 24th over 350 community members enjoyed a variety of foods from different countries at Taste Around the World, a culturally diverse food sharing event hosted by Archway Community Services in collaboration with United Way British Columbia, Tourism Abbotsford, and the City of Abbotsford.

“Multiculturalism is an integral value that Canadian communities strive to foster and protect,” said Amy Van Bergen, a Community Coordinator with the Abbotsford Local Immigration Partnership.

“It allows each of us to add value to our shared experiences through our unique strengths, belief systems, innovations, traditions, and of course food.”

Community members had the opportunity to taste Taiwanese, Ukrainian, Afghan, Eritrean, Mexican, and Indian dishes which had been prepared by volunteer cooks at Sevenoaks Alliance Church.

“One of our culture connect goals is to really bring our cultures together and celebrate our uniqueness and there’s no better way than to have food, cultural activities that bring people together, and understand where we came from to make Abbotsford the most diverse city outside of Vancouver and Toronto,” said Ross Siemens, Abbotsford Mayor.

There were a range of sweet and savory foods, including borscht – soup, stir fried noodles, bolani – Afghan fried bread, hambasha – Eritrean sweet bread, chole masala – chickpea curry, and chicken mole and rice. The food was cooked and prepared by volunteers, many of whom attended the event and provided information about their respective dishes, homelands, and cultures.

Volunteer cooks at the Afghan booth.

“All of the samples were delicious and I’m glad that I was able to bring my children so that they have an opportunity to appreciate foods from all around the world,” said an attendee.

In addition to the food samples, there were booths representing local organizations and community resources.

The event was a joint project between the Archway Community Services’ Valley Food Connection and Diversity Education programs. Many of the volunteer cooks were clients of Archway’s Settlement Services programs which help thousands of newcomers integrate into the community.

Thank you to the City of Abbotsford and United Way for their financial contributions as well as Sutton West Coast Realty, Seven Oaks Alliance Church, Abby Canucks, and East Abbotsford Dental for supporting the event.

“Food is a universal language, and it was so lovely to see all the cooks laughing and taking pictures together and sharing their food and trying new things! Sharing food is a language unto itself, it was great to see community members connecting with one another no matter what their first language may be.” said Vicki Lin, supervisor of the Archway Valley Food Connection.