East London Food Chronicles: A Celebration of Culinary Heritage
East London Food Chronicles is a vibrant celebration of East London’s rich and diverse food culture.
Supported by the Heritage Fund, this project brought together people of all ages and backgrounds—including families and children—to explore how food connects communities, tells stories, and reflects our shared history.
Through workshops, an exhibition, a magazine, and a short film, we celebrated the unique culinary traditions found across East London’s neighborhoods.
From Bengali markets and mosques to Cockney pie-and-mash shops, museums, and local archives, we uncovered East London’s vibrant heritage.
We explored Turkish communities in Dalston, Jewish history on Brick Lane, Caribbean influences at Ridley Road Market, the lost Chinatown of Limehouse and Poplar, and Indian culinary traditions, to name just a few—because this project went far beyond, diving deep into untold stories, shared experiences, and the creative spirit of East London’s communities.
Freelancers and community members played an invaluable role in this journey.
Tower Hamlets Historical Library generously opened their archives, offering invaluable resources to bring the project to life.
Participants and volunteers reflected the rich diversity of East London’s communities, opening the doors to their cultures and making the project truly meaningful.
Amazing people on the streets shared their stories, smiles, and connections, adding depth and authenticity to the journey.
We are also grateful to the skilled freelancers who contributed their expertise, creativity, and dedication to every aspect of the project.
Sylvie Belbouab,
a social documentary photographer, for guiding us through East London mosques and contributing her expertise.
Tanjina,
who runs Lincoln Community Garden, for sharing her knowledge of growing food, sustainability, and community engagement.
Paolo Fiorentini
from Poplar Union Art Center, for teaching participants how to curate an exhibition.p
Shahena Begum,
for creating a beautiful map with our participants.