Chai, Bhel & Stories of Home

​In South Asia, chai time is more than just a ritual—it’s a moment of connection, where stories are shared, bonds are strengthened, and the mundane becomes meaningful. Chai is a cultural anchor, grounding us in belonging and community. Its aroma evokes memories of home, family, and the simple joy of human connection.

​Just as chai represents a collective ritual, certain foods hold deep personal significance. "For me, bhel puri is one such food—a reminder of home, friends, stolen moments, and the hustle of the city I grew up in. Preparing bhel puri and chai in Berlin, using ingredients I carefully bring from home, helps me preserve the sensory memories of my roots. It’s my way of navigating identity and belonging far from where I began."

​This session, led by Urvi @jaman.berlin , invites us to prepare these foods together while reflecting on how food connects us to our pasts, our identities, and each other. What flavors, smells, and memories do your favorite soul foods evoke? How do food and memory shape your sense of self and belonging? Through shared preparation and conversation, we’ll explore the deeper connections food creates—between our pasts, our communities, and the selves we’re continually becoming.

​All food is vegan. Asian/QTBIPoC priority.

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​Urvi is a Berlin-based brand and cultural strategist exploring the foodways, culture, and heritage of Western India. Through her food project, Jaman, she bridges the gap between traditional practices and contemporary trends, celebrating the richness of her culinary heritage.