FOOD TRUCKS AT FESTIVAL OF NATIONS: A CULINARY ADVENTURE FOR STUDENTS
- Kean Huy Alado
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Jasmine Frierson
The Festival of Nations annual event hosted on campus March 18 celebrated the diverse cultures of the Barry community, by featuring contributions from over 28 countries. From flavorful food trucks to captivating performances, the festival truly embodied the spirit of global unity and cultural appreciation.
Barry University came alive with vibrant colors, aromas and cultural music during the highly anticipated Festival of Nations 2025 event, but it was the food trucks that took center stage.
Food trucks, a staple of campus life, offered an expanded menu of global flavors. Students eagerly lined up to taste cultural dishes from Flavor House and BC Tacos. The festival presented an opportunity for students not only to indulge in their favorite dishes, but explore unfamiliar cuisines.
Xaneka Lewis, junior nursing student and Student Organizations Council vice president, said that Flavor House and King Jerk are student food truck favorites.
“It’s always sold out when they come on campus," she said. "Flavor House, King Jerk, and Dynamic Cuisine are all top food trucks we always use on campus. I also want to add Stew’s business—he makes ICEES and popcorn. Those four are really popular on our campus.”
Among the culinary attractions, BC Tacos offered a standout experience with its gourmet tacos.
Owner Brett Chiavari shared his journey, saying, “I go anywhere from Miami all the way up to Jupiter. I stick with gourmet tacos—I’ve been doing it for about 14 years, so we have a pretty standard menu of about 8 to 10 tacos. Also, I do have specials I run from time to time.”
The truck’s consistent presence and innovative flavors have earned it a loyal following, making it a favorite among students.
When it comes to the flavor of the meals, the food trucks on campus never disappoint. For Lewis, the festival brought back a taste of home.
“King Jerk had this jerk chicken pasta—really, really good. As a Jamaican, I know my flavors, and it was very, very flavorful,” said Lewis. “Then Flavor House—the ribs were on point, nicely cooked, not too chewy, nice and tender, slide down the throat.”
The buzz around these food trucks highlights their role in creating memorable culinary experiences for the Barry community.
Each food truck provided an authentic culinary journey. Visitors could choose from dishes like BBQ ribs and coconut shrimp from Jamaica, and chicken or beef gourmet tacos. Beyond the food trucks, the event featured cultural booths from participating countries. Each booth displayed traditional artifacts, costumes, food, and art pieces that reflected the unique identities of each nation.
From Cuban pastelitos and chicharrónes, to Argentinian tea and asado, attendees explored a world of flavors, showcasing the diversity of traditions represented at the festival. Most importantly to college students, the food trucks that come to Barry University are affordable or free for event participants.
Every now and then, “The Salty Donut” Truck makes its return to Barry’s campus. Beginning humbly as a pop-up in a vintage camper, The Salty Donut features affordable artisan donuts and coffee. Additionally, other simple fast food pop-up trucks feature affordable options when they come by!
The Festival of Nations 2025 not only celebrated cultural diversity but also shined a spotlight on the culinary stars of Barry University’s campus: the food trucks. These mobile kitchens served as the heart of the event, offering students a chance to travel the world through flavor.
From the tender, flavorful ribs at Flavor House to BC Tacos’ gourmet creations, the food trucks transformed the festival into a feast of global proportions. The food trucks’ innovative menus and loyal following demonstrated the pivotal role food trucks play in creating memorable culinary experiences on campus, bringing cultures together, one plate at a time.
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