HOW THE WORLD CUP INSPIRES CULINARY CURIOSITY ON CAMPUS

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup captures the world’s attention. Nations come together to celebrate sport, culture, and community, reminding us that while we may cheer for different teams, we’re united by our shared experiences.

One of the most meaningful — and delicious — ways to experience those cultures is through food.

Just as soccer has the power to connect people across continents, food has a unique ability to spark curiosity, tell stories, and create understanding. Whether it’s a bustling market in Seoul, a family-owned café in Lima, or a vibrant street corner in Lagos, every dish reflects the traditions, ingredients, and communities that make each destination unique.

This year, FISD is bringing those experiences to campus with Global Street Eats, our newest dining program designed to help students explore the world, one bite at a time.

Beyond the Menu: Dining as a Learning Experience

Building on the success of our “Global Handhelds” program, Global Street Eats expands the journey beyond handheld favorites to celebrate the everyday foods enjoyed in communities around the world.

Throughout the school year, students will have the opportunity to discover flavors inspired by Korea, Turkey, Nigeria, Japan, India, Mexico, Peru, Jamaica, and Vietnam, to name a few. 

From market-inspired specialties and regional snacks to iconic street foods and signature local dishes, each menu is thoughtfully developed to introduce authentic flavors while creating approachable, memorable dining experiences for students.

“Global Handhelds showed us that students are most engaged when food feels both familiar and exploratory,” explained Jeanne Charlebois, Director of Retail Marketing. “We learned that bold global flavors paired with approachable formats drive participation and conversation. Global Street Eats takes that insight further by layering cultural storytelling, nutrition integrity, and crave-ability into every menu.”

It’s more than trying something new for lunch—it’s an invitation to explore another culture through one of its most universal languages.

Why Global Food Matters in Schools

Today’s students are growing up in an increasingly connected world. They collaborate with classmates from diverse backgrounds, learn about global events in the classroom, and will one day work alongside people from every corner of the globe.

School dining has an opportunity to support that learning beyond the classroom.

Introducing students to global cuisines helps cultivate:

• Curiosity about different cultures
• Appreciation for diverse traditions
• Confidence to try new experiences
• Conversations that build community around the table

Sometimes, the first step toward understanding another culture begins with tasting a dish you’ve never heard of before.

“Today’s students are craving globally inspired dishes like gastro-style burgers, arroz con pollo, sweet chili bang bang shrimp, and ramen bowls,” said Lauren Rocha, Wellness Director. “For culinarians and food lovers, it’s an exciting time — a chance to create menus and experiences that reflect this new wave of comfort foods. We love that our students are embracing this trend and excited to explore new foods and flavors with us.”

Inspired by the Streets, Designed for Students

Street food has long been considered the heartbeat of a community. It’s where generations gather, recipes are passed down, and local traditions come to life.

Global Street Eats celebrates that spirit by bringing the energy and authenticity of global street food culture into school dining in ways that are accessible, engaging, and student-friendly.

“As a chef in our schools, I define my role as an attempt to redefine what school food should be while educating them on the cuisine at the same time,” said Executive Chef Scott Gordon. “Introducing new Global Flavors to students in an accessible, functional, and convenient way encourages participation and creates connection through food. By continuing to showcase street foods from around the world, we are expanding the minds and palates of our students.” 

Throughout the year, students will encounter vibrant flavors, colorful presentations, and educational moments that highlight the stories behind each destination. Interactive marketing and storytelling encourage students to follow the journey and celebrate each new culinary stop along the way.

Touring the Globe One Bite at a Time

Whether students are cheering for their favorite team during the World Cup or simply looking to try something new at lunch, every meal offers an opportunity to broaden their perspective.

Because the best journeys don’t always require a passport. Sometimes, they begin with a single bite.

This year, we’re inviting our campus communities to pack their curiosity and join us as we explore the world through food. Global Street Eats is more than a menu — it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and discovery.

Our first stop this fall will be: Korea

Korean Street Toast (Gilgeori)

Gilgeori toast is a South Korean street food sandwich. It consists of a fried egg, thinly sliced cabbage, and cheese between two pieces of toast. Other possible ingredients include ham, onions, green onions, carrots, ketchup, sugar.

Instructions

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, carrots and salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Strain and squeeze out excess liquid.
2. Beat eggs and scallions with strained cabbage/carrot mixture and set aside.
3. Melt about 1 tablespoon of the butter in a small nonstick skillet over low heat. Pour 3/4 cup of vegetable/egg mixture onto hot pan and shape with a spatula to a be a square, roughly the same shape as the Pullman bread. Cook until set on bottom, about 5 minutes, flip and continue cooking until cooked through and set. NOTE: Be sure to test the inside of one of the egg “squares” to ensure liquid from vegetables and egg mixture has cooked out. Remove the vegetable egg pancake from the pan and set aside.
4. To the same pan add the remaining butter and melt over medium heat. Once melted, toast your bread until golden brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
5. Now it’s time to build the sandwiches! Add the vegetable egg pancakes to one slice of toasted bread. Sprinkle each with a sprinkle of sugar. Top with 1 tbsp. of mayo and 1 tbsp. of gochujang ketchup.
6. Close sandwich with top piece of toast and enjoy.