As Melburnians steel themselves ahead of a long (yet less cold than usual) winter, Free to Feed invites you to participate in a series of soulful and heartwarming feasts. The not-for-profit social enterprise is widely respected for empowering asylum seekers and refugees to share their cultural heritage through uplifting community food experiences. For locals, these dinners are the perfect opportunity to take part!
Fancy Iraqi fare? Or how about Persian? The line-up of events is bursting with multicultural flavours and you can buy tickets now. Each feast is a tapestry woven from the memories and traditions of the cooks, offering guests a glimpse into the rich diversity of global cuisine. From the aromatic spices of North and East Africa to the hearty comfort foods of Ukraine and the Middle East, the menu reflects the diverse backgrounds of those who call Melbourne home.
As you enter the candlelit sanctuary of stories and flavors, you'll be invited to expand your culinary and cultural horizons as you rub elbows with other locals taking part in the experience. Star dishes feature the smoked eggplant babaganoush with charred lemon, the fragrant Somali goat curry with green chili sauce, and the comforting Ukrainian cabbage rolls filled with rice and spiced vegetables. And let's not forget dessert – the Vyshyvanks shortbread cake, adorned with cream, prunes, and almonds.
In addition to the cultural feasts, Free to Feed will host a special Refugee Week storytelling event titled ‘Ghorbeh’. Here, a panel of individuals from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds will share their personal journeys of displacement, belonging, and ultimately – the power of community.
According to the founder of Free to Feed, Loretta Bolotin, "The people cooking in our kitchens share so much more than a recipe on paper. The Winter Feasts series turns our space into a vibrant celebration of flavours, aromas, and music, paying tribute to the diverse places they've called home. The feasts are about celebrating food, yes, but also about connection, storytelling and warm welcomes!”
There are several feasts and events running from June to August, and you can view the full line-up and purchase tickets at the website. General admission starts at $85, with concession tickets available for $76.50. For those looking to give back, there's also an option to donate 'pay it forward' tickets to members of Free to Feed’s refugee community.