It’s a busy run with pans. Where’s the chopping block? And does anyone have any hot peppers left?

Residents of the Star Lodge refugee shelter make the most delicious dishes in the kitchen of the Nieuwe Kerk. Where they live, there is no opportunity to cook for themselves, so it is extra nice to once again do something that belongs to yourself and share it with others.

Meanwhile, a few boys from the neighbourhood make music in the dining room, while a girl from the shelter plays along on the piano. The food is partly vegetarian, which is the predominant preference of the neighbourhood residents who attend.

Together with resident initiative the Buurtbel, we organise these cooking and meeting evenings. Together, refugees get to know each other’s food and cooking skills, children play with each other, and neighbourhood residents who enjoy stepping out of their bubble and making new contacts soon get to talk while feasting on something surprising they didn’t know before.

As all participants were enthusiastic about these evenings, there will definitely be a follow-up in the autumn!