Diplomats and attendees from over a dozen nations celebrated global culinary and cultural exchange at the International Food Festival, organized by the Society of Foreign Consuls (SOFC) in New York on Saturday.
Hosted by the Consulate General of Türkiye at the Turkish House, the festival featured authentic national cuisines from countries including Nepal, Türkiye, Georgia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia, among many others.
The event drew over 400 attendees, who were treated to a gastronomic journey, sampling diverse traditional dishes and beverages presented by Consulates General from around the world. The Nepali stall was popular, offering traditional favorites like Momo, Sel Roti, Aloo Dum, and Nepali Masala Tea, while officials provided visitors with updated travel information on Nepal.
Speaking at the event, Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia and President of the SOFC in New York, expressed her deep gratitude to the hosts and celebrated the significance of the event as the Society approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025. She stated, “This remarkable festival unites our nations through culture, traditions, and the universal language of food… A true century of friendship, solidarity, and dedicated service.”
Muhittin Ahmet, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye, welcomed the guests, acknowledging the effort involved in bringing the international community together: “We are very happy to have friends and family in the Turkish House; that makes a home for us,” said Consul General Muhittin Ahmet. “I thank you for bringing all of us together tonight. It’s your effort that made tonight beautiful.”
The diverse culinary showcase featured more than a dozen Consulates General, transforming the Turkish House into a vibrant global food festival. Nations like Georgia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Argentina, Morocco, and the Philippines, alongside Türkiye and Nepal, highlighted their distinct culinary heritage. Beyond the food, executive members of the SOFC provided interesting cultural performances throughout the evening.
Kathy Egan, Regional Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Foreign Missions in New York, congratulated the SOFC for celebrating the cultural and culinary diversity of nations worldwide.
“Food is a universal congregator,” Kathy Egan noted. “And when it comes to diplomacy, food is one of the most powerful tools we have to foster connections and understanding… Every dish that we may taste tonight tells us a story.”
Fernanda Perez Villarreal, Special Assistant to the Commissioner and Strategic Liaison Officer at the NYC Mayor’s Office, also spoke about the importance of culture and cuisine in celebrating the diversity of New York City.
Beyond the food, the evening was animated by a series of vibrant cultural performances. Highlights included a graceful traditional dance from Georgia, a passionate tango demonstration from Argentina, and a lively folk music set from Serbia. The festivities concluded with a captivating performance by a Turkish music band, which added a celebratory atmosphere to the host nation’s diplomatic home.
The list of attendees included senior officials from the US Department of State, representatives from the NYC Mayor’s Office, local political leaders, Ambassadors, Consuls General, members of the diplomatic community, and media personnel.
Rajan Kafle
View More PostsRajan Kafle is a Nepali photojournalist now based in New York. He began his career in video journalism during Nepal's 2006 democratic movement. Kafle has worked for various media outlets in Nepal, including Nepal Television and Kantipur Television. He served as the official photographer for the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2019 to 2021. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field with several awards.
