Culinary Competition (May, 2025 )

Introduction:

In celebration of cultural diversity and global understanding, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences (FCMS) hosted the International Culinary Competition on May 15, 2025. This event aimed to showcase students’ talents in culinary arts while deepening their appreciation for international cultures. By preparing traditional dishes from around the world, students engaged in a vibrant and flavorful journey that combined creativity, teamwork, and cultural exploration. The event highlighted FCMS's commitment to promoting inclusivity and experiential learning beyond the classroom.

Goals and Objectives:

1. Promote multicultural understanding through international cuisine.

2. Showcase students' culinary talents and creativity.

3. Encourage teamwork and collaborative learning.

4. Strengthen students’ skills in planning, execution, and presentation.

5. Provide a platform for experiential learning and personal growth.

6. Support FCMS’s values of diversity, inclusion, and global citizenship.

7. Celebrate the richness of global food traditions through a fun, engaging activity.

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Description of learning outcomes achieved through the activity:

•  Cultural Appreciation: Students researched the culinary history and ingredients of selected countries, gaining insight into their traditions.

•  Culinary Techniques: Participants enhanced their cooking and presentation skills while experimenting with international flavors.

•  Teamwork: Teams worked collaboratively to manage time, divide responsibilities, and problem-solve in real-time.

•  Creativity and Leadership: Students demonstrated initiative and innovation in menu design, preparation, and serving.

•  Presentation and Communication: Each group presented their dishes confidently to a panel of judges, explaining the cultural significance of their food.

•  Confidence Building: The competitive yet supportive environment encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and grow personally and academically.

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Date:

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time:

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Venue:

FCMS Building 3 Ground Floor

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Targeted Audience:

All FCMS students and faculty members

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Brief description of the activity:

• The event featured booths representing six countries: Lebanon, Morocco, Italy, Japan, America, and Mexico.

• Participating students chose one traditional dish to prepare and present for each country.

• Dishes were judged based on taste, authenticity, presentation, and cultural explanation using a standardized rubric.

• Winners were awarded cash prizes, shared equally among group members.

• The atmosphere was festive, educational, and inclusive, with vibrant decorations and diverse aromas adding to the experience.

Staff participation in the activity:

4 staff members participated as judging

34 staff members attended the event

Students’ participation in the activity: 225 students attended the event

MBBS 109

PharmD 24

BSN 88

MLS 4

Participants’ Feedback:

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase culinary skills while learning about other cultures. Many asked for the competition to be repeated annually.

Average Satisfaction Score: 5/5

Conclusion:

The 2025 International Culinary Competition was a vibrant and meaningful event that successfully promoted cultural awareness, creativity, and student engagement. It will be included in next year’s extracurricular calendar due to its success and positive impact on the student body.

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