Someone claims the kitchen, someone else connects a music speaker, and everyone shows up hungry - in more ways than one.

The room fills with a mix of familiar faces and new ones. Newcomers, people who have called this city home for several years, born and raised Amsterdammers, neighbours and friends of friends. Some meeting for the first time, others greeting each other with hugs.

As one of our Girls’ Mobilisers at the Amsterdam clubhouse, she’s usually busy encouraging  new women to join KLABU activities. But tonight, she lets the food do the convincing.

The kitchen slowly fills with the smell of pilau simmering on the stove and warm spices toasting. Cardamom. Cumin. Chapatis puffing up in the pan. Chicken sizzling. Lentils softening. Greens being chopped and stirred by volunteers who may or may not have been sneaking early tastes.

Is your mouth watering already? We thought so too. Watch Beline work her magic in the video below.

While the pilau is still doing its thing on the stove, dance teacher Tyreke takes the stage. Soca takes over the room: bass, rhythm, hips. Tables are pushed aside. Coats dropped. Suddenly we aren't waiting for dinner anymore, we are warming up for it.

As usual, Tanoh, from the Ivory Coast, is the first to tear up the dance floor. Nadine, from Germany, tries to imitate the choreography next to him. Laughter manages to bridge what language sometimes can't. The smell of spices mixing with a bit of sweat and joy.

A proud moment for Beline, who tells the story behind the vibrant dishes: “Traditionally we used to have it during celebrations, like Christmas or something like that. It involves a lot of process, which shows that you are actually giving love.”

Then comes the group effort; hands serving plates filled with golden pilau, soft chapati, rich lentils, tender chicken and bright greens. People sit down with their colourful and steaming dishes, slightly out of breath but still smiling wide.

Newcomers living in AZCs (Asylum Seekers' Centre) know that access to a kitchen like this is not something to take for granted. Cooking can be more than preparing food. It is routine. Independence. Memory. It is being able to cook your mother's recipe and recognise the smell instantly. A social activity, one to bond and share memories of home.

Between every bite, conversation flows. English mixed with Dutch and Swahili. French meets Arabic. Recipes are requested. People go for seconds and thirds.

This month to Kenya, next month to the Mediterranean, then Syria. Each dinner puts a new country and community in the spotlight. We have the privilege of expanding our culinary passport.

KLABU Community Dinners aren’t just about eating. They’re about sharing space. Sharing stories, cultures and cooking tips and tricks. Sharing sweat on the dance floor before sharing chapati at the table.

Send us an e-Mail and join our free monthly dinners in Amsterdam. Come for the food, stay for the dance and people. Everybody is welcome.