Talk with Nadir Nahdi: Child of the Indian Ocean

This lecture explores the transformative power of food in understanding culture, power, and sustainability. Nadir Nahdi explores a deeply personal journey through his Yemeni, Indonesian, Pakistani, and Kenyan heritage:  stories shaped by his grandparents' escape from colonization and an unlikely romance that defied cultural norms.

This talk is structured into five sections, each functioning as a chapter. Each chapter will use a specific dish to explore themes of cultural exchange, migration, colonial histories, and the resilience of traditions. As an immersive experience, these dishes will be presented on small plates as tasters for the audience, allowing them to engage with the story through both narrative and taste. All these small bites will be sourced from Jeddah, reinforcing the city’s own role as a historical crossroads of trade and migration.

Language: English.

What will you learn?
Participants will learn the role of food in challenging rigid national identities and fostering global connections.

Who is it for?
This is for food enthusiasts interested in the deeper cultural meanings behind cuisine.