Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

Left: Can you say 'alfajor' five times fast? This tongue-twisting treat is a sweet Argentinian pastry that is filled with dulce de leche, simply known as burnt condense milk, or chocolate mousse, or caramel.   Right: Pelau, a signature dish of Trinidad and Tobago, is much like our rice and peas, but with a little twist. It is more of a one-pot dish with meats like chicken and pork mixed into the rice. Here it is served with tossed salad and kuchela, a T&T condiment. - Photos by Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer

It was a delightful melee of food from different cultures at the International Proxy Parents (IPP) annual bazaar. The event was held on Sunday, at the Hilton Kingston hotel's poolside, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston. The embassy of several countries with missions in Jamaica each filled a booth with food and wares from their native land.

Patrons skipped across continents via the palate, enjoying choripan from Argentina then Chinese dumplings, pelau from Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexican quesadillas. They quickly snapped up Canada's bottles of rich maple syrup, and soothed the tongue with either Japanese cold tea or a refreshing lemonade and Pimm's drink at Great Britain's booth. Of course, the Jamaican booth was represented on the culinary end as well, boasting local sweet treats such as rum cake.

The Guyanese booth, which was completely dedicated to food, was a big hit with the patrons, who enjoyed their Guyanese-style curry chicken served with channa made from chick peas, roti and their version of rice and peas.

The bazaar was not only a diverse shopping experience, but also an opportunity for Jamaicans to enjoy authentic cuisine from across the world, without having to board a plane.