Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Recommended foods for a high school cultural festival: from Instagrammable items to easy, casual bites.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

When it comes to running a food stall at a school festival, it’s easy to agonize over what kind of food will draw a crowd.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of great food ideas perfect for high school festivals! We’ve picked out not only classic festival favorites, but also options that require minimal prep and eye-catching treats that will shine on Instagram—menus that we especially want high schoolers to try.

Enjoy the school festival to the fullest, including the fun of making everything together with your friends!

Recommended foods for a high school cultural festival: from photogenic items to easy bites (71–80)

pancake

[TikTok] Pancakes that look and taste amazing [Instagram-worthy]

pancake

The pancake boom that started around 2010 took off at a tremendous pace and has become a beloved staple on dessert menus.

Alongside hefty pancakes piled high with cream and fruit, ultra-fluffy, custard-like pancakes that practically melt like liquid have also appeared.

For your school festival, try getting creative with toppings to make cute, satisfying pancakes! It’s a great idea to look at actual pancake shop menus for inspiration.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Nikusui (beef broth soup)

This will seriously give you the classic, time-honored flavor. Effortless yet insanely delicious broth: meat udon without the noodles [The Ultimate Meat Sui].

Nikusui (beef broth soup)

Have you heard of a dish called “nikusui”? In Osaka it’s a very common menu item, and to put it simply, it’s like “beef udon without the udon.” It’s a curious dish—somewhere between hearty and light—a soup meant to be eaten, with plenty of beef in a Kansai-style broth richly flavored with bonito.

Nikusui is much loved, and wouldn’t it be a huge hit in regions outside Kansai where people aren’t familiar with it? It’s also delicious with tofu or an egg added!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Skillet s’more

[Made with a Daiso skillet] How to make toasted marshmallows: easy s’mores

Skillet s'more

When it comes to easy, Instagrammable desserts, skillet s’mores are a top pick.

If you have a skillet and a toaster—both available at the 100-yen shop Daiso—you can make them without using an open flame, so it’s a safe way to cook.

The recipe is super simple: just line Alfort biscuits in the skillet, cover them with marshmallows, and bake.

It’s perfect for serving at school festival food booths.

You can also expand your menu by switching up the flavors of Alfort.

This dessert’s gorgeous look and delicious taste are truly addictive.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Toasted marshmallow

[ASMR] TikTok Marshmallow — I tried making the viral “infinite marshmallow” — Roasted Marshmallow [For sound lovers]

Toasted marshmallow

Roasted marshmallows that are trending on TikTok and YouTube.

They’re apparently also called “infinite marshmallows.” The trick is to use the largest marshmallows you can find and skewer them firmly on disposable chopsticks or barbecue skewers.

Roast them directly over a medium flame on the stovetop.

Keep the marshmallow about 15 cm (6 inches) away from the flame and keep it moving so it browns evenly—that’s the key.

Be careful, as marshmallows burn easily and can catch fire! These roasted marshmallows are easy to make, with a gooey inside and a crispy outside, and with a big marshmallow you can pop off the shell and enjoy the “infinite marshmallow” effect.

Sounds like a great way to liven up a school festival!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Taiyaki Parfait

A huge hit in Kyoto! Taiyaki Parfait

Taiyaki Parfait

Speaking of taiyaki, it’s one of the classic items at cultural festival food stalls, but how about adding a twist and trying a taiyaki parfait? A taiyaki parfait is like a parfait that uses a taiyaki as the “bowl”: you put ice cream and whipped cream inside the taiyaki and top it with sweet red bean paste.

It’s not only delicious as a Japanese-style dessert, but its cute appearance is also part of the charm.

Encourage customers to take lots of photos and share them on social media!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Curry and rice

How to Make Curry and Rice – A Must-See for Students! An Easy Curry Recipe You Can Make in a Frying Pan –

Curry and rice

How about serving curry rice at your festival booth—a dish that’s arguably loved by everyone? Make a classic version with meat, onions, carrots, and potatoes, using curry roux.

Since some people don’t like very spicy food, keep the heat moderate—use a medium-spicy roux and maybe add milk to make it milder and creamier.

As Japan’s signature comfort food, curry rice is a surefire hit and could make your booth very popular.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

fried ice cream

Crispy outside, cool inside! Tempura ice cream

fried ice cream

Fried ice cream is one of the most popular sweets at school festivals! The crispy, warm coating paired with the melty, cold ice cream creates an indescribably delicious treat.

The typical method might be to wrap ice cream in a dough, freeze it, then batter and fry it.

But that can be a lot of prep work.

That’s why an easy recipe I recommend is to coat store-bought cream puff ice cream with batter and fry it.

Finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and it’s ready to serve.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem