2013 IS HCMC International Festival

In one afternoon,  where can you do all these, and for free?!

- Taste different savoury and sweet dishes from around the world... couscous, pork barbecue, various types of noodles, nasi lemak, tiny pannekoek, hot dogs & corn dogs, brownies, crepes, ice cream and jello, takoyaki and sushi, different rice cakes and cup cakes... 

- Quench your thirst with coffee, bubble tea, fruit smoothies and soda...

- Try face painting and henna tattoo, have a wacky photo, dress-up in traditional Korean costume, play a traditional game like sungka (Philippines) and other fun games like tug-of-war

International schools typically have an annual international festival. Organized by the parent teacher association,  the school grounds become a veritable showcase of the different countries and cultures.

Yesterday, IS Ho Chi Minh City had its international festival for this school year.  I helped prepare the Filipino booth in the morning, rushed after lunch to wrap and deep-fry the banana turon (with oil blisters on my hands to boot),  and joined the kids and the Pinoy community in our booth.

I didn't have much time to go around, but managed to get a few photos.

Philippines. With its flag, the jeepney, native abaniko (fan)
and the traditional costume



South Korea



Australia

USA

United Kingdom

India

India - henna tattoo anyone? 

Sweden -  I dont really get it,
but am sure it makes sense to those who know Sweden

Latin America - I don't get this booth as well.
I missed the vibrant energy and rich culture of the Latin Americanos

Easy Beef Stroganoff

When the kids don't finish their packed lunch, I worry they don't get enough nutrition. I want them to have good food, something easy to gobble up during lunch break, while chatting with their friends. (They play & chat more than eat!)

I found a crockpot beef stroganoff recipe at Cooks.com. It was nutritious, easy-to-prepare, and easy-to-eat. The ingredients are quite simple too!  (I get intimidated with recipes with a long list of ingredients.)

Here's my version :

    1/2 k beef strips (sirloin)
    1 small onion, chopped
    1clove garlic, chopped
    3 tbsp liquid seasoning (I use Knorr or Maggi)
    1 small can Campbell's cream of mushroom soup, 1/4 cup water
    1 small can sliced button mushrooms

Marinade the beef strips in liquid seasoning and pepper for 30 minutes.  Put all ingredients except the mushroom in the crock pot;  rinse the soup can with some water and mix it in to help dilute the sauce. Cook in high for 2 hours, stir every 30 minutes. Add the sliced mushroom and cook in low for another hour.  Serve hot.

The meat's really tender, and the sauce flavorful.  Great with steamed rice or sliced baguette.

Here's the original recipe; sour cream is added before serving.
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1727,157187-234204,00.html