Breakbread Aims to Facilitate Cultural Understanding Through Food and Conversation

Born in New Zealand to Chinese parents Vivienne Teo understands the challenges of marrying cultures together. Duly, she is looking at solutions to ease migrants integration into NZ and its culture.

Her pop-up event series Breakbread is an attempt to open a dialogue and facilitate cultural understanding and acceptance, through food and conversation. The first instalment on Saturday 28 May will focus on the culture of the Mon State in Myanmar (Burma), with refugees sharing stories of their journey to New Zealand.

Notable speakers Labour MP Jacinda Ardern, broadcaster Mike McRoberts, Kiwi/Cambodian refugee Linda Chhim and Mon state refugee Koasorn Tun will also present letters of self-selection to their '11 year-old self' before a short film will screen. Created especially for Breakbread, Small Victories tells the story of Naing Min fleeing Myanmar (Burma) through to seeking refuge in Mangere and working at top Ponsonby bistro Orphans Kitchen alongside chef Tom Hishon.

To wrap up the evening guests will be invited to taste the culture for themselves. The Mon community and chef's from The Cult Project and Temaki Truck will serve up a supper of Pan De Sal, a salted Filipino bun alongside the Mon traditional pickled green tea salad.

BreakBread takes place at Hopetoun Alpha on Saturday 28 May at 6pm. Tickets from www.breakbread.co.nz