During the past weekend, the EATWISE culinary journey continued in Aveiro with an enriching and aromatic expedition into Persian culture and cuisine. The event served as a pilot for the EATWISE cookbook, and at the heart of the experience was our Iranian friend, Saman, who guided a group of participants through the preparation of several exquisite Persian meals.

Gathering at the welcoming Alma de Alecrim space, the air filled with the delicious scents of exotic spices and simmering ingredients. The experience, however, was about far more than just food. While savoring dishes like the creamy eggplant dip Kashk-e Bademjan and sipping on Sekanjabin, a famous Iranian syrup made of honey and vinegar, the group was captivated by the stories Saman shared.

He painted a vivid picture of Iran, a country most of the participants had never visited. He spoke about its diverse cultures, the complexities of its social and political life, and the fascinating custom of ta’arof, a unique form of polite etiquette that left everyone in awe. Saman also shared his personal journey of living in Aveiro for the past years, offering a moving perspective on finding a home away from home.

The workshop was a unique and unforgettable lesson that could never be taught in a classroom. It was a powerful reminder of how food can be a bridge between cultures, transforming a simple meal into a profound moment of connection and mutual understanding. 

The EATWISE project is drawing to a close, but there will still be a few opportunities for us to come together. A dissemination event will be announced soon, where we will gather with all those who care about sustainability and multiculturalism in Aveiro. In the meantime, we invite you to explore EATWISE’s “Cookbook”, which brings together recipes from immigrants living in the project’s partner countries. The “Training Manual” and the “Guide to Intercultural and Sustainable Food” are also freely available. All of these resources reflect on sustainability and cultural diversity.

The Eatwise Project stands out as a valuable initiative that raises awareness about sustainable food practices among young people while building bridges between cultures. Through food, we found not only nourishment but connection, empowerment, and a shared path toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.

We warmly invite those who are interested in these topics to follow our progress through our social media channels on Instagram and Facebook where the news on public dissemination events and other  final outputs will be shared in the following months.

“Eatwise” is led by Popoli Insieme, with Agora Aveiro as a partner and granted by Erasmus+ programme. It is also supported by the Municipality of Aveiro and IPDJ - Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude, I.P..