Table of Curiosities
By Amanda Thedrica (she/her)

Culture remains a lasting part of our identity wherever we go, and food serves as one of its most powerful and shareable expressions. My journey from Indonesia to living in London—a city celebrated for its cultural diversity—has introduced me to an array of both local and global cuisines, yet I find myself questioning the noticeable scarcity of Indonesian restaurants.
Is Indonesian cuisine simply less recognised in London's culinary landscape? Do others from underrepresented food cultures face similar challenges in finding authentic tastes of home? How might we foster greater cultural exchange and elevate lesser-known cuisines within London's vibrant but selective food scene?
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Table of Curiosities delves into the role of food as a medium for cultural exchange, focusing on Southeast Asian cuisines and their potential to foster intercultural dialogue and connection. The dining experience, with its inherent intimacy and universal appeal, serves as the central medium to encourage candid conversations, uncover cultural narratives, and build bridges across diverse communities.
The diners in the film participate in an immersive culinary experience, trying dishes they are unfamiliar with and learning the cultural stories behind them. The act of tasting—central to the participatory element—allows for a deeper, sensory connection to the cultural narratives presented.
Documenting these interactions expands the reach of the conversation, enabling Southeast Asian communities and broader audiences the chance to engage with the cultural exchange second-hand.






