Holding on to tradition: continuation of ethnic and festival food traditions by Nepalese students in the United States.

Introduction: Traditional foodways can help international students preserve cultural continuity and cope emotionally and socially in a new environment, while limited access to traditional foods leads to cultural disconnection and a negative impact on mental wellbeing. This study explored what ethnic and festival foods and practices Nepalese international students retain in the U.S., influencing factors, and the perceived significance of sustaining these practices. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed in the present study. Three focus groups and 18 virtual interviews were conducted with 36 Nepalese international students enrolled in universities across the U.S. Midwest, guided by a semi-structured interview protocol. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the de-identified data transcripts. Data was analyzed inductively using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 24. Trustworthiness was ensured through triangulation, member-checking, audit trails and pilot-testing. Results: Six themes emerged from the participants' responses: 1) ethnic and festival foods on the table, 2) selective continuation of religious fasting practices, 3) communal celebration, 4) barriers to continuation, 5) related memories, and 6) emotional resonance through ethnic and festival foods. Findings revealed that Nepalese students demonstrated cultural resilience and agency by continuing major ethnic and festival foods. While communal gatherings and social networks facilitated these practices, continuation was limited by barriers such as time constraints, lack of culinary skills, and ingredient availability. Fasting and rituals were selectively maintained, often influenced by familial reminders and social connections. Memories and emotional ties to traditional foods reinforced the importance of traditional foods in sustaining cultural identity and psychological wellbeing. Discussion: Ultimately, Nepalese students' engagement with traditional foodways reflected a dynamic negotiation between cultural preservation and adaptation, revealing how food traditions endure, evolve, or recede based on context and capacity. These findings contribute to broader discourses in food acculturation and international education, highlighting the vital role of cultural foods in fostering cultural and emotional wellbeing among international students.