Where else in the world could you experience authentic Polish sausage, delicious Moroccan meatballs, or some of the best Tikka Masala you’ve ever had while watching intricate performances of dances from around the world? Would it surprise you to learn that this type of unique experience happens on Ohio State’s campus, year after year? This event is known none other than The

Every year, the Office of International Affairs in collaboration with the office of Student Life puts on one of Ohio State’s most popular events, The Taste of OSU. This signature event is said to be a celebration of the many diverse cultures that are represented at The Ohio State University. More than 30 student organizations attend, bringing forth their own unique performances and cuisine that represent cultures from around the world. Ohio State students and staff alike have been raving about this event since its inaugural year in 1997. It has grown immensely since the first event held in Oxley Hall, which hailed only about 60 attendees. Here we are, 14 years later and The Taste of OSU has become one of campus’s most liked events, drawing over 4,000 attendees.

This year, the event will be held on Friday, February 7th from 5 to 9 pm in the Ohio Union. The event is completely FREE to attend and is open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and family. The many student organizations will be preparing their own food as a representation of their culture. While all of the smells, sights and sounds are free, attendees can purchase samplings of the cuisine for only $1. All of the organizations had to go through a selection process to bring forth their cuisine so you can be sure that all of the samplings will be DELICIOUS. 

This event is definitely worth your time! If you don’t believe me, a person who has yet to have to chance to attend this event, here’s a description of the event in the words of an Ohio State student:

” The taste of OSU allowed me to experience the cultures and traditions of many groups on campus that I do not interact with on a regular basis. Their displays showcased their cultural pride and the food was of course, delicious! ”  

This year, some of the student organizations that are participating are the Chinese American Student Association, the Organization of Arab Students, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the Polish Club, just to name a few. While it may seem that this event is centered on ethnic cuisine, it should also be noted that many of the organizations participating in the event are preparing performances that are sure to capture your attention. Some of the cultural performances will be preformed by J2K, The African Youth League, and the Armenian Student Association, again, just to name a few. To find out more information about this event and a complete list of the participating student organizations, you can go here.

I (along with many other Ohio State students) would highly recommend that you attend this event…if not this Friday, then sometime during your time at Ohio State.

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor and truly enjoy this worldly experience!