Cutlery Optional : A hands-on supper for curious people
Cutlery Optional is a small, intentionally hosted cooking and dining evening in a cozy attic kitchen at Nourished Collective, hosted by Rakesh & Hani
We created this because we genuinely love making and eating these dishes - and we realised they’re best enjoyed the way we grew up with them: cooked together, using our hands, and eaten at one shared table.
So instead of another bar night or a formal dinner, we’re opening the kitchen once a month. Here's what one of our pilot guests wrote about their experience:
"I took part in the pilot and honestly exceeded my expectations! Super lovely vibe, and cooking and learning with people you never met before, was honestly a great way to build a great atmosphere. And left with actual confidence in terms of approaching making some dishes that I wouldn't have considered making before. Also, we all pointed out at the end of the meal how long it took for anyone to ask or talk about what people do for work, which was nice change lol
I really enjoyed it!"
Most people assume Indian/Pakistani cooking needs a spice cabinet the size of a kitchen and years of practice. It doesn't!
This month we're making something rich, filling, and frankly a little indulgent: a stuffed paratha/flatbread with a filling so good it barely needs anything alongside it. A chutney with enough tang to cut through everything. And a lentil dish finished in the most satisfying way we know.
Three things. One evening. You'll leave knowing exactly how to make all of them.
You don’t have to prep anything.
You don’t have to host.
You definitely don’t have to “network.”
Just show up curious and hungry!
What’s included:
* A welcome drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) + water throughout
* A guided, hands-on cooking session by the hosts
* Learn to make a South Indian & Pakistani / North Indian dishes from scratch
* Seasonal vegetables and flavour layering
* A full three-course shared dinner (all veggie/vegan..including a surprise dish or two ;))
* A simple recipe guide to take home
* A small group setting (max 10 guests)
How the evening flows:
Arrival & welcome
Come up to the attic, grab a drink, settle in and meet the room.
Cooking together
We’ll guide you step by step - everyone gets involved, no pressure, no chaos.
Shared supper
We sit down, tear bread, pass plates, and eat together. Cutlery optional!
Gentle hosting
We hold the flow so conversations feel easy and inclusive. No awkward icebreakers, no workshop vibes - just a thoughtful, relaxed evening.
This is for people who prefer long tables over loud bars.
Come alone or bring one thoughtful friend. Please arrive between 1800 - 1830 so you can settle in and we can start together at 1830.
About your hosts:
Rakesh runs m for mittai, a food pop-up exploring playful, modern takes on South Indian flavours and sweets. He’s passionate about sauces, chutneys, and creating spaces where people feel comfortable and connected around food.
Hani runs Hangry Berliner, where she shares bold, comforting flavours inspired by her Pakistani roots. She loves working with bread, spice, and dishes that bring people together at the table.
Both of us host pop-ups and supper clubs regularly in Berlin and Cutlery Optional is our way of opening the kitchen in a more intimate, hands-on format.
A note on photos:
We’ll be taking a few photos during the evening to document the experience. We’ll always check before sharing any images publicly - your comfort comes first.