What does the project offer?

In Syrian culture, food is not just a physical need, but a social and human act that reflects generosity, belonging, and deep family ties. Syrian tables have always been a place to share joy and sorrow, and an open door to hospitality and dialogue.

From this rich heritage, and motivated by a deep sense of humanity, the project “Breaking bread and chit chat” was launched as an initiative that combines the flavors of Syrian cuisine with the spirit of community dialogue.
We hold informal discussion sessions around lavish Syrian tables, where the team hosts participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss economic, social, and political issues that affect their daily lives in a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

At each session, authentic Syrian food is prepared and later distributed to families in need, in a practical step that translates dialogue into solidarity and connects the table with humanitarian action.

This initiative is not only a space for dialogue, but also a platform for reconnecting what has been severed and reviving a culture of listening and rapprochement within Syrian society itself.

Where does the importance of this project lie?

“Breaking bread and chit chat” is a project that has two complementary dimensions: humanitarian and community-based. It contributes directly to promoting civil peace and empowering people’s voices in a safe and non-politicized environment.

The importance of the project is evident in several aspects:

• Promoting community dialogue in a neutral place, away from polarization.
• Reviving Syrian heritage by highlighting Syrian cuisine and its diversity across different provinces.
• Building bridges of understanding between members of society through a beloved everyday language: food.
• Supporting families in need with meals prepared during the sessions.
• Conveying a true picture of the Syrian interior by discussing service and living problems from the voices of the people themselves.

During the reconstruction period, we believe that rebuilding trust among members of society is no less important than rebuilding buildings, and that the road to recovery begins with a dialogue session around a simple table, with “bread, salt… and a little conversation.”