International Students at Iowa Share the Meals They Miss From Home
Each year, the University of Iowa welcomes thousands of international students. Hailing from more than 100 different countries, they arrive eager to absorb all Iowa has to offer.
“Coming from Bangkok, a bustling capital city filled with noise, lights, and pollution, Iowa has been a refreshing change,” says Nitan Tantawichian, a UI finance and business analytics and information systems major, who’s also pursuing a certificate in sustainability. “I appreciate the tight-knit and friendly community here. Since it’s a smaller place, it allows me to step out of my comfort zone without feeling too overwhelmed.”
But as exciting as it is to explore the world of sweet corn, pork tenderloin, and classic American burgers, nothing can beat a taste of home. These international students discuss the dishes they miss most while in Iowa.
Akash Choudhuri
Ph.D. candidate in computer science
Kolkata, India
Extracurricular activities: International Student Advisory Board, hiking with friends at Maquoketa Caves, Palisades-Kepler, and Backbone State Parks
Favorite Dish: Bhetki paturi
Asian sea bass fillets steamed with ground mustard, green chilies, turmeric, mustard oil, and salt, and wrapped with banana leaves.
“The reason I miss this food is because of my memories associated with it—the love which is mixed with this dish as my mother used to make it back home, and the happiness I used to feel when my parents and I would all be together having it for lunch. Additionally, I miss the burst of flavors, and the raw spice of the mustard infused with the fish.”
Nanle Joseph Gusen
Graduate student in nursing
Jos, Nigeria
Extracurricular activities: Association of Graduate Nursing Students, Graduate and Professional Student Government, Sigma Theta Tau International, president of International Student Advisory Board
Favorite Dish: Vegetable porridge
Flavorful soup with spinach, tomatoes, chili and bell peppers, onions, garden eggs, bitter eggs, and a choice of peanuts or black-eyed beans.
“Although I miss those meals, I found something similar called 'garden vegetable soup' prepared at the University of Iowa dining halls. I can add the ingredients I need to give it a taste of home.”
Nitan Tantawichian
Undergraduate at the Henry B. Tippie College of Business
Bangkok, Thailand
Extracurricular activities: Global Engagement Student Advisory Board, International Student Advisory Board, Tippie Tech, Tippie Buddies, vice president of Thai Student Association
Favorite Dish: Yum naem khao tod
An eastern Thai and Lao-inspired crispy rice salad with fermented pork, topped with fresh herbs and lime.
“I love its balance of sour, spicy, and crunchy textures, and the fact that it can be customized to fit different tastes. It can be enjoyed as a satisfying meal or a light snack, making it a versatile and comforting dish.”