Kathmandu: Nepal’s rich culinary traditions were in the spotlight at the 2025 International Food Festival in New York, where the Consulate General of Nepal showcased an array of authentic Nepali dishes to an enthusiastic international audience on November 21.
The Nepali food counter offered popular delicacies including chicken and vegetable mo:mo, sel roti, aloo dum, and Nepali masala tea. More than 400 visitors stopped by the stall, sampling the dishes while learning about Nepal’s culture and tourism opportunities. Consulate officials engaged visitors with explanations of the cultural significance of each dish and provided updated travel information for those interested in visiting Nepal.
Speaking at the event, Maia Bartaia, Consul General of Georgia and President of the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York (SOFCNY), praised the festival’s success and the active participation of member consulates. She emphasized the Society’s commitment to celebrating the cultural diversity of its member states.
Kathy Eagen, Regional Director of the New York Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) at the U.S. Department of State, commended the SOFCNY for bringing together cultures from around the world. Muhittin Ahmet, Consul General of Türkiye, highlighted the role of food and culture in strengthening global connections. Fernanda Perez Villarreal, Special Assistant and Strategic Liaison to the Commissioner at the New York Mayor’s Office, also spoke on the importance of cultural exchange in a diverse city like New York.
Hosted by the Consulate General of Türkiye at the Turkish House and organized in partnership with the SOFCNY, the festival featured more than a dozen New York–based Consulates General serving their national cuisines and beverages. The event also included cultural performances by SOFCNY executive members.
The festival drew a wide range of attendees, including senior OFM officials, representatives of the NYC Mayor’s Office, local political leaders, ambassadors, permanent representatives, consuls general, members of the diplomatic community, the diaspora, and media personnel.
