Couscous a la Joke

Author: Jasmijn Simons, Annejet Hasselaar

What happens when integration works the other way around?

When it comes to cultural diversity in Rotterdam, the neighbourhood called ‘Oude Noorden’ seems the place to be. Migration, integration and multiculturalism come together in this vibrant part of the city, which sometimes causes friction but also leads to wonderful collaborations and events. An example is the local community centre ‘De Mozaïek’. Twice a week, Resto VanHarte is organised here. People can have a meal that is just as diverse as the neighbourhood’s population. However, we found it striking that the majority of visitors is typically Dutch. This is quite in contrast with the kitchen team that seems to represent integration. We were wondering how a meal prepared by such a multicultural team could be consumed by, what we assumed, a quite narrow minded group ?

Fascinated by the different lifestyles of the kitchen team, one of the volunteers, named Joke, did not catch our attention immediately. Born and raised in Rotterdam, she appeared similar to the average visitor of Resto VanHarte. Continuing our research, we began to wonder if we had judged too quickly. When we got to know her story, we realised she might be doing something extraordinary. At first sight, Joke might seem typically Dutch but in fact her whole lifestyle is inspired by the Moroccan culture, which started during a former relationship with a Moroccan man. Although this relationship did not last, she continued discovering all the aspects of the culture. Not only does she prepare all kinds of Moroccan dishes in the traditional way, but she also converted to Islam. Why would a woman born and raised Dutch, without any religious background, choose to do so?

While participating in her kitchen, we got more and more answers to this question. With each meal we cooked, we realised how much the standards of the Moroccan lifestyle meet Joke’s quest for happiness. Typical factors like hospitality and solidarity, which she was longing for, were lacking in the environment she grew up in. Taking one step at a time, she naturally integrates into the Moroccan culture. It is remarkable though how she combines both cultures in her own way; à la Joke. Nostalgia, memories and Dutch customs are interwoven in the way she prepares Moroccan cuisine. Her recipe for integration changes the way we look at it. We visualised how a born and bred Rotterdam woman cooks her way into the Moroccan culture.

Preparing by Joke

Couscous

Pumpkin