In South Korea, a popular street food offers a unique twist on the corndog – featuring a hot dog or mozzarella cheese coated in thick, crispy batter, deep-fried and topped with pieces of French fries, ketchup and a sprinkle of sugar.

For Daniel Schoonbrood, a Ph.D. student studying food science at UC Davis, his first taste of this savory snack left a lasting impression.

“The first time I tried it, I thought, ‘This is a futuristic food,’” he said. “It was one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life.”

What makes a cup of coffee or an energy bar enjoyable is usually more than just the taste. The surrounding environment may also influence the experience.

With that in mind, the Department of Food Science and Technology at University of California, Davis has constructed a new multi-sensory immersive room that can be used for product development, innovation and research.