Tastes of the world shares food, culture

The people of Geraldton had a chance to taste more than 20 dishes from around the world at the Central Regional TAFE’s Foods of the World event, held recently to celebrate cultural diversity.

The multicultural culinary experience was run by the TAFE for the second year and brought together dishes from 10 different countries as well as performances from South America, Ireland and Asia.

Marine, environmental sciences and hospitality portfolio manager Suresh Job said the event was a great way to showcase Geraldton’s cultural diversity.

“Food cuts across cultural boundaries and people enjoy trying food from different cultures so we thought what better way to celebrate Geraldton’s cultural diversity than with a food-based event?” he said.

“This year was bigger — last year we aimed to have 150 people attend, this year was over 200 and we had different performances this year.”

The event was created last year after discussions with the town’s multicultural association about how Geraldton’s diversity could be celebrated.

Mr Job said as well as celebrating the region’s rich cultural history, it was also a great learning curve for hospitality students studying at the TAFE.

“They’ll go out to work for a range of different restaurants that provide different cultural food — they could work in any kind of restaurant,” he said.

“Part of what we want to do is train them across a range of cuisines so they can seize any opportunity or work abroad.”

Mr Job said the TAFE would look to hold the event annually.