The Gipsy Hill Taproom came alive with the South London food scene on a sunny Saturday as food entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds cooked, tasted, and celebrated dishes from all over the world at the Food Power Party.
TERN (The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network C.I.C), KERB+, and the Gipsy Hill Brewing Co. hosted the showcase, which marked the end of this year’s Food Power programme by TERN and was a roaring success.
WHAT IS FOOD POWER?
Food Power is a programme created by TERN as part of its mission to enable refugees to thrive through the power of their own ideas. With over 30% of their community keen to open their own food business, It’s an incubation programme that supports food entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds to do exactly that. After weeks of workshopping and coaching, KERB+ are on hand to prepare the traders for their showcases.
“Food power is amazing, it has helped me learn new skills and abilities and enables me to push myself towards greater things. I’ve gained so much confidence during the programme.” Aklima from Deshi.
THE PARTY
The Food Power Party is the big finale, giving a platform to the participants to cook and serve their hero dishes to crowds of hungry people. KERB+ set up fully equipped mini kitchens, allowing each participant to experience the thrill of street food market trading.
Groups of friends and families tucked into aromatic Pani Puri Chaat stuffed with spiced chickpeas and handmade tamarind dressing and shared oozing Syrian toasties served by Mother and Son duo, Sojok. Manti Dumplings served four different types of steaming dumplings as Stella, from Special Delicacies served up mouth-watering fried yam and plantain bowls. Participants made each dish with love and care to the sound of a live band as independent craft beer poured from the Taproom.
Traders showcased their food and heritage, as well as their new brand, to the South London community and locals. Beyond the delicious food and craft beer, TERN’s Food Power Party celebrated community, culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and creativity.
“I want to bring Turkmen street food to the people of London. Being part of the Food Power Party (with TERN and KERB) really helped to open the door for us and has provided many opportunities” Maral of Homely Delish
The event concluded with an awards ceremony, with Aklima from Deshi winning ‘Best Taste,’ Maral of Homely Delish voted as ‘Best Customer Service’. Sanobar and Akbar of Samarkand Palav took home the award for ‘Best brand and story.’ The event was a roaring success and marks the beginning of delicious things to come from this talented and creative group of food entrepreneurs.
ALSO ON THE MENU
Jollof rice and Fried chicken – by Kemi of Kemi’s Kitchen
Palav – by Sanobar & Akbar of Samarkand Palav
Gutap and Korean fermented salad – by Guncha of Bereket
Fried Yam & Plantain – by Stella of Special Delicacies
Syrian Toasties – by Bahaa of Sojok
Manti dumplings – by Maral of Homely Delish
Falafel & Homemade cheese – by Amany of Abo Saleem
Pani Puri Chaat, Pakora & Bombay Mix – by Aklima of Deshi
Stuffed Vine leaves & Musakan rolls – by Hamza & Roba of Pal Flavors
Vegetarian crostinis, Couscous salad & Date cakes – by Zineb of Tagine Hub
Faté & Grilled chicken – by Omran Zain of Faté
This collaboration is one of the many projects powered by our newly launched social enterprise, KERB+ and demonstrates our commitment to supporting small food businesses and the individuals that need it the most. If you’d like to hear more about KERB+ and how you can support projects like this one, you can make a donation HERE.
The ever-growing TERN community now supports over 330 refugee founders. Alongside their experienced volunteer community of over 200 industry experts, entrepreneurs and consultants, their goal is to launch 2,000 refugee-led businesses by 2025. To find out more, visit wearetern.org .
