Nationalities from all over the world were celebrated on a plate at an International Food Festival at Otumoetai College last night.
It was the fifth year of the popular annual event at the college, with a total of 19 different food stalls on show.
Food punters were able to satisfy their cravings with all sorts from over the globe, from India's butter chicken to the not-so-common South African boerewors.
Otumoetai College principal Dave Randell said the idea behind the event was to bring the community into the school.
"We have a lot of international students, about 80, and they come from countries like Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Germany and Brazil.
"We also have a work day and these students found it difficult to be a part of the community work day so this is their work day, they cook for us."
Mr Randell said five years ago international students would have made up one per cent of the school roll. But that's changed now.
"Our international students have now risen to three per cent. There are nationalities from all over the place coming to Tauranga."
Mr Randell said the evening was used as a fundraiser.
"We have this community evening where we fundraise and bring in some money. We are currently trying to buy another school van.
"This and book-a-rama are the two big fundraisers for the year.
"The PTA has already raised $25,000 and we want to raise another five tonight," he said.
The night pulled in about 3500 people who had the option of 19 different stalls with just as many different types of foods.
"So you can taste anything you like," Mr Randell said.
"The kids have cooked most of the food here today, with some parents donating too."
Yesterday students were also encouraged to wear traditional clothing as part of an international mufti day.
"There were amazing outfits today. Some were very traditional like the Japanese kimono and the Indian girls in their saris, but there were also French, American and Kiwi kids too.
"You name it and that nation was here."