Splott refugee centre holds storytelling meal 

The evening will celebrate different cultures’ food and teach attendees about the asylum process 

A STORYTELLING supper where the community can enjoy food from around the world and listen to a talk about the work of Amnesty International is being held in Splott.

Tomos Owen, co-chair of the Cardiff Amnesty branch, will be discussing the work of the charity as well as sharing his own experiences at the event on Thursday in the Oasis Cardiff centre. 

The inspiration for these events came from the success of the Plate project, which is funded by the community lottery project. This is aimed at getting asylum seekers and refugees into work by providing catering and hospitality experience.  

The first storytelling supper was due to be held last November but due to Covid restrictions it was postponed. 

Matt Davenport, 30, catering manager at Oasis, said: “We wanted to use food as the medium to bring the local community into our centre to tell stories through a shared love of food. 

“We also wanted to give a platform to anyone that wants to tell their stories about the work they have done or experiences they have had relating to the asylum process.” 

The main course on Thursday will be chicken musakhan or mushroom musakhan for vegetarians or vegans.  

Chicken Musakhan Image: Omar Hammam

Musakhan is a Palestinian flatbread dish that is traditionally topped with sumac, roasted onions and grilled chicken or vegetables. 

Mr Davenport picked this meal as it puts a spin on Tomos’s favourite food, pizza.   

In the next few weeks there will be another event focused on El Salvador which will be more focused on sharing cultural heritage, music and food.  

Vivoula Volgas, 44, from Heol Gwyndaf, has been to past Storytelling Suppers and is planning on going on Thursday.  

She said: “There is no other event like this taking place in Wales. Stories coming from passionate, wonderful, strong people. The atmosphere is great. Plus, you contribute towards helping these wonderful people achieve more dreams.” 

  • You can book a ticket to the event here.