Last Friday, the kitchen of the renowned Sal Poente restaurant was transformed into a space for encounter, sharing and intercultural discovery. Within the framework of the European project EATWISE, the association Agora Aveiro organised a live gastronomic event bringing together chef Duarte Eira and Saman Hashemi, a young Iranian national, PhD student at the University of Aveiro and volunteer with the association.

Broadcast live on the social media channels of Agora Aveiro and Sal Poente, the event invited the public to follow the preparation of recipes from the EATWISE Cookbook, one of the project’s main outputs. More than a culinary demonstration, the initiative became a sensory and human experience, where gastronomy served as a meeting point between cultures, stories and life journeys.

For chef Duarte Eira, this collaboration was also a learning process:

It was a very enriching experience. For me, cooking with people from different cultures is always a learning opportunity. I am already thinking about including this starter in our executive menu at Sal Poente.

The participation of Saman Hashemi gave a special meaning to the event. Originally from Iran and currently living in Aveiro, Saman shared not only recipes, but also stories and cultural references. At the end of the event, he left a message of gratitude and solidarity:

I would like to thank you for the invitation to share a part of my culture with you. For many Iranians living abroad, moments like this are very important. Even while living far from home, we stand in solidarity with the people of Iran during this difficult time, and culture is one of the most peaceful ways to maintain that connection.

Although operating in different fields, Sal Poente and Agora Aveiro share a common belief: stronger communities are built through dialogue, hospitality and the recognition of diversity as a value. Through food, safe spaces are created where differences are not erased, but brought together.

The event reaffirmed Agora Aveiro’s commitment to promoting initiatives that bring people closer, value diverse contributions and strengthen the sense of belonging within the local community.

About EATWISE

The EATWISE project is a European initiative funded by the Erasmus+ programme and developed in partnership by organisations from six European countries. The project uses food as an educational tool to promote sustainability, social inclusion and intercultural dialogue.

Although the EATWISE project is coming to an end, we invite everyone to explore our “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” that are also freely available. All these tools reflect on sustainability and cultural diversity.

This online dissemination activity was carried out within the framework of the project “EATWISE – Empowering All Together With Inclusive Sustainable Eating”, coordinated by the Italian association Popoli Insieme under the Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships in Youth programme (KA220-YOU). The project partners are Agora Aveiro (Portugal), Edu Playground (Bulgaria), Mano Europa (Lithuania), Asociatia CPDIS (Romania) and Belen Kaymakamligi (Turkey). The project is supported by the Municipality of Aveiro and the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ), and, for this specific activity, by the Sal Poente restaurant.

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.

“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. and for this specific activity, by the restaurant Sal Poente.