IFEZ 인천경제자유구역 로고

                                                   The Melting Pot-luck

Sheelpa Kothari Sorti

It was no ordinary luncheon. It was a ‘Global Potluck’ connecting friends and strangers alike.

No less than 35 dishes from different countries pulled off the mammoth task of bringing

diverse women under one umbrella to break bread together.

The excitement to share their country’s food with other nationals away from their home gave

a sense of pride to every participant.

They all put their best foot forward in a bid to use their meticulously chosen dish as the perfect icebreaker.

It was no mean feat for any of them, as there were challenges such as the lack of availability of special ingredients

in a faraway land, with some battling niggling injuries without extra helping hands,

and a few others pulled out at the last minute to tend to their sick children,

while a couple of them decided to join on the morning of D-day.

There were some funny things too, such as kids gorging on the tortillas at home,

leaving the sulkingly tasty bean dip all alone to feature in the VIBGYOR spread!

There were also other scrumptious dishes such as Turkish lentil balls,

Indian soya chunks curry and saffron flavoured basmati rice, Australian lamingtons, Italian biscotti,

Korean bulgogi and kimbab, American goat cheese salad, Egyptian desserts and many more delectable delights.

But nothing mattered once the party started at the lounge provided by IFEZ

to bring together foreigners on South Korean soil.

The ladies naturally bonded over many stories like what brought them here, their children, their nationalities

or just their love for authentic food and sharing recipes in a foreign land, to note a few.

People came in as strangers but they left as close friends after bonding with laughter and warmth.

It was also food for the soul for some lonely ones. In the end,

everyone left the event satiated physically, emotionally and socially,

with even their contact lists finding themselves in a similar state.

Isabel Anic(Leader of Girls Wanna Have Fun)

I’m so grateful to be part of this wonderful community.

Personally, I love putting time and energy into helping new families and expats feel welcome and at home here.

It’s really special to see how these moments bring people together and strengthen the sense of community we have in Songdo.