Cook-off highlights Asian Heritage Month

Pan-broiled, stir-fried and served.

Asian cuisine was on the menu Wednesday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda Room.

The Asian Cultural Organization and Program Board brought a taste of Asian cuisine to Central Michigan University with the Asian Cook-off competition.

“I come back every year because the food is so good and I really enjoy watching people competing to win the cook off,” said Detroit senior Aesha Rashid.

Eight teams of students participated in the cook-off competition that tested their abilities to prepare a creative and tasty Asian-inspired meal under the eyes of a team of judges.

The winners of the competition were Farmington Hills junior Kevin Gorman and Mount Pleasant senior Morgan Gardner.

All eight student teams were judged on six criteria that included taste, appearance of food, safety and sanitation, and creativity.

The focus was to teach students about the diversity of Asian cultures around the world.

“Many people think of Asian culture and immediately assume Chinese people,” said Asian Cultural Organization President Nou Her. “When in reality, there are numerous groups that don’t fit the traditional standards.”

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