DINNER SOCIAL CLUB x Sissi Chen: Food & Identity

Info

The forthcoming edition of the DINNER SOCIAL CLUB will be led by Sissi Chen, a culinary consultant from Berlin and author of Einfach Chinesisch.

This dinner will combine the themes of cuisine and meaningful discussions that cross cultural barriers. Sissi will recount her experiences growing up in a diverse and multilingual setting and how these aspects shape her work as a writer and blogger. Can sharing meals and cooking foster connections between cultures and identities? Food plays a pivotal role in our understanding of self, enriching the exploration of various cultures.

The evening commences with a discussion featuring Sissi Chen, guided by moderator Katja Hellkötter, who brings over 15 years of experience from her time in China.

A selection of Chinese snacks from Sissi’s recent journey to China will follow the discussion, including items like Chinese 5-spice peanuts, Shaqima, sweet hawthorn flakes, and garlic peas. Guests will have the chance to share stories and connect with one another during this informal gathering.

The main course will consist of two variations—meat or vegan—of Zha Jiang Mian (Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles). Sissi will employ her grandmother’s treasured recipe, showcasing the personal touch each family brings to this beloved dish.

🎟️ Ticket price: 49€

Included in the ticket price are all vegetarian snacks, the main meal, a dessert bite, and a welcome specialty tea, along with comprehensive program access.

Sissi Chen

Sissi Chen delves into the relationship between food, culture, and identity. She writes extensively on various cuisines, emphasizing how heritage and tradition influence notions of “authenticity” in gastronomy. Many of her recipes can be discovered through Zeit Magazine or in her debut cookbook “Einfach Chinesisch.” On her Instagram @eatinginberlin, she aims to highlight cuisines often neglected by mainstream narratives in Berlin. In addition to her culinary interests, she enjoys traveling and expanding her worldview by engaging with diverse perspectives. Photo: Claudia Gödke

Katya Romanova

Katya serves as the program and communications manager at C*SPACE and is the curator for the DINNER SOCIAL CLUB. Holding a degree in Teaching Languages and a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communications from HTW Berlin, she has been involved in cultural, urban, youth, and design initiatives since 2019, including the re:imagine your city program. Katya believes in the power of cooking to unite individuals and contexts and is dedicated to exploring various food design concepts for community engagement.

C*SPACE is a creative hub in Berlin Weißensee dedicated to co-working, projects, and cultural initiatives. It fosters partnerships through cultural and educational programs, encouraging dialogue and collaboration across boundaries. C*SPACE emphasizes curiosity, courage, community, and cooperation, serving as a nexus for social innovation.