The Refugee Food Festival 2024 returns for its 9th edition from June 4 to 24, taking place in several cities in France and Switzerland, including Paris, Bordeaux, Dijon, Geneva, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes, Nice and Tours. This unique culinary event highlights the talents of refugee chefs and promotes their professional integration.
Background and objectives
The Refugee Food Festival was created to showcase the culinary talents of refugee chefs and facilitate their professional integration. Organized by the Food Sweet Food association in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the festival aims to change perceptions about refugees by highlighting their rich culinary heritage.
Program
Paris
- Dates: June 12 to 24
- Participating restaurants: Eleven Parisian establishments open their kitchens to refugee chefs for dinners, brunches, cooking workshops and round tables. Notable participants include Michelin-starred restaurants and neighborhood canteens.
Nantes
- Dates: June 10 to 15
- Events: Culinary collaborations between local restaurants and refugee chefs, with unique menus and cooking workshops.
Nice
- Dates: June 12 to 16
- Events: Local restaurants partner with refugee chefs to offer special menus and unique culinary experiences.
Marseille
- Dates: June 16 to 22
- Events: Partnerships between local restaurants and refugee chefs, offering unique gastronomic collaborations.
Other participating cities
- Bordeaux, Dijon, Geneva, Lille, Lyon, Montpellier, Rennes, Tours
- Dates: Vary by city, with events staggered throughout the period from June 4 to 24.
Specialities by country represented
- Countries: Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Senegal, Turkey, Iran, Georgia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, Iraq, Ukraine, Mauritania, Chechnya, Tajikistan, Congo, Sri Lanka, Albania, Ivory Coast, Angola, Venezuela, Guinea, Uganda, Vietnam, Brazil, Chad, Algeria, Morocco, Kosovo, Bahrain
Impact and Commitment
The Refugee Food Festival isn't just about the event itself. Throughout the year, the organizers support refugee chefs, guiding them towards training, facilitating French language learning and helping them develop their entrepreneurial activity. In 2019, an impact study showed that many participants were able to access professional opportunities thanks to the festival, whether through training, hiring or launching their own restaurant.
Participation and Reservations
To find out about the specific events taking place in each city, and to book your place, visit the official Refugee Food Festival website. Each city has a detailed program available online, where you can find dates, locations and participating chefs. Don't delay in booking, as these events are extremely popular.
By participating in the Refugee Food Festival, you're supporting a worthy cause while enjoying a rich and diverse culinary experience that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
