These Friday evening events were a way of testing the waters with a new way of bringing people together over tasty food at the developing community space, the Stanmore Yard and Commons at 97 Stanmore Road. More than 500 diners joined us for these events. People who were interested in trying delicious food from Eritrea, Afghanistan, Nepal and Iran, and meeting new, friendly faces. More than 25 cooks from the Eritrean, Afghan, Nepali and Iranian community shared their kai and more than 20 volunteers helped make these events possible.

Each week we learnt something new and improved our processes and venue. We had sun, wind and rain! We had kai, music and dancing! Traditional and beloved dishes from communities that call Ōtautahi home, but that were new to many, were sampled – injera, dal bhat, sel roti, bolani, Eritrean coffee, chai tea… Food was the icebreaker, but once the plates were clean, conversation flowed.

We now know that there is an appetite for these kind of events, that bring people together, encourage us to connect, share about ourselves and learn about others, and experience the food of communities not often available in Christchurch.

We are now planning our next round of Share Kai and Kōrero Pop-Up events, to be held on the West, North and South side of Ōtautahi Christchurch. We are looking for a local community group, with a space that fits this kind of pop-up, to partner with. Get in touch at kiaora@incommon.org.nz if you would like to discuss this further.

Watch this space!

Brought to you by InCommon and Mahia Te Aroha.

Stories

Share Kai and Kōrero Eritrean Cooks Excite Tastebuds.
Share Kai and Kōrero Nepali Cooks Wow Diners.