Community members tried free food — and something new.

The University of Iowa Campus Activities Board cultural committee hosted the second Taste of Asia on Thursday night at Old Brick. Students and local residents were offered Indian snacks, Korean pancakes, bubble tea, and other foods and drinks from across Asia alongside musical performances.

Laura Wang, the group’s cultural director, said last year’s event was more food-based. This year, visitors could also make crafts such as Korean bookmarks and origami. Campus Activities Board collaborated with the Korean American Student Association and the Malaysian Student Society to expand the event.

As people crowded the hall awaiting the free food’s arrival, Wang described the event’s purpose.

“Part of what the cultural committee views as important is to introduce the entire University of Iowa community to various cultures around the world, but also we want to do it in an entertaining way,” she said.

UI sophomore Melia Dunbar sat with UI student Xiang Chen as a line formed for the first wave of food. Dunbar said she was glad the activities board hosted the event.

“It’s really wonderful the university can put on events like this,” she said. “It brings together a lot of diverse people and gives them a chance to socialize in a casual environment.”

Some of the food was homemade by students, while Oasis, 206 N. Linn Street, Uncle Sun, 100 S. Linn St., and No. 18, 223 S. Gilbert St., catered.