World on a plate: A culinary journey from Bhutan to Zambia in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: From Cambodia's Fish Amok to Syria's Warbat, Namibia's Pap, Sri Lanka's Kiribath and Watalappan, and Zambia's Nshima, the Andhra University convention centre turned into a global dining hall on Sunday evening.Organised as part of the university's centenary celebrations, the grand Feast Fest brought together international students from nearly 50 countries, each proudly presenting the cuisines of their homelands. Dressed in embroidered robes, woven fabrics, and ceremonial attire, they transformed the venue into a living global village.Bhutan's fiery Ema Datshi and Kewa Datshi added spice, while Vietnam offered playful sweetness with candied bananas, tapioca dumplings, and pumpkin milk. Madagascar's Varanga, Sierra Leone's cassava leaf fufu, and Eswatini's Lidombolo and Emahewu were among the highlights. Sri Lankan students served butterfly pea flower tea alongside their staples, while Zambian Ph.D. scholars proudly offered Nshima.Local flavours were not forgotten. AU students set up stalls with kheer, ariselu, ragi laddoos, bobbatlu, and pakodi, ensuring visitors could savour Andhra delicacies alongside global dishes.Vice-Chancellor Prof GP Rajasekhar and Dean (International Affairs) Prof S Paul Douglas toured the stalls, tasting food and interacting with students. Capt S Divakar, CEO of Dredging Corporation of India, attended as chief guest.International students explained how they chose dishes that best represented their countries, often spending hours cooking and presenting them in authentic style. "We wanted to represent the well-known dishes of our country," said Mbonisi from Eswatini, who prepared steamed bread, chicken stew, and maize drink.The fest drew enthusiastic participation from locals. "What is amazing is all these foods being served at one place," said M. Ravi, a Vizagite who attended with his family after being drawn by the lively atmosphere on Beach Road.Star hotels in Visakhapatnam occasionally host themed food festivals, but Sunday's event was unique — it felt like inviting the entire globe onto one table. For Andhra University, the Feast Fest was not just about food, but about celebrating diversity, heritage, and the spirit of its centenary.