Curious about the core of a Cantonese soup, the nourishing brew every Cantonese mother and grandmother seems to know by heart? Would you like to better understand the herbal ingredients often found in these soups when exploring a Chinese grocery store? And what if we tried to localise this tradition, reimagining a classic Cantonese herbal soup using local ingredients, all together in a shared pot?

Join artist Biyi Zhu for a hands-on, collaborative workshop exploring the knowledge, culture, memory, and care steeped in every bowl of soup. We’ll begin with an introduction to Chinese medicinal herbs sourced from Antwerp’s Chinatown, learning their uses and meanings in traditional Cantonese soup-making.

Participants will then break into small groups to create their versions of herbal soup, guided by the artist. You’ll be encouraged to experiment, incorporate your own brought ingredients, and contribute personal memories and interpretations.

While the soups cook, Biyi will briefly share her cultural background and creative journey as a Cantonese migrant, along with the stories and relationships that shape her ongoing artistic research.

The session concludes with a communal tasting, where we not only share soups made by each group but also exchange personal memories and the recipes infused into each bowl.

Let’s gather, cook, and share these soups, making new memories!

Date: July 26 (Saturday)

Time: 15:00 – 17:00

Location: Oude Beurs 62, Antwerpen

No. of Participants: 10 people max.

Language: English

Fee: €8 per person (to cover Chinese herb contribution; payable on the day)

Please register through the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXUVoVI9n1OVGclGTxW1clCqEmyyMbjEySnEsLymUuWMO7PA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105921408945602160048

Image description: An image of multiple Chinese dried herbs in orange, white, and yellow, layered together.