
This event takes place at CSI Spadina, 192 Spadina Ave., Suite 501
Exploring Identity Through Food:
A Culinary Journey of Heritage, Resilience, and Being Canadian
Step into an evening where food transcends its role as nourishment, becoming a lens through which we explore identity, culture, and history. In this supper club, Diana brings her lived and professional experiences to the table. Her menu invites you on a culinary adventure that explores her upbringing in Canada — a place often portrayed as a land of opportunity and discovery — and her roots in India, Vietnam, and China. Personal reflections and realizations about being Canadian accompany each course. Food-wise, you can expect the aromatic spices of India, layered with the fresh, vibrant tastes of Vietnam, and the delicate, comforting traditions of Cantonese cuisine. Together, we’ll utilize these dishes to explore themes like the harms of implicit biases, power structures embedded within our food cultures and systems, and the resilience of cultures navigating change. More than just a meal, this evening intends to spark dialogue and reflection on how food connects us to our roots while shaping our identities in the present. Join us for a night of storytelling, flavours, and connection—where the past meets the present and our shared understanding of the role of food evolves.
Jiaozi and Pakoras
We begin the evening with a two-part starter that draws on influences from Chinese and Indian culinary traditions. Juicy Chinese-style dumplings and crisp aromatic pakoras are served along-side, featuring spices and seasonings reminiscent of both worlds.
Soy-braised Chicken and Stir-Fried Greens
Our main course takes you to Canton. Cantonese cuisine is known for its lightness and simplicity, with a focus on showcasing an ingredient’s essence. Chicken is braised in a soy-based master stock alongside stir-fried greens. Both are comforting no-fuss dishes that remind Diana of her parents’ love. Dishes are served with white rice.
Red Bean and Tapioca Tong Sui
The evening finishes with a childhood favourite – sweet adzuki bean and tapioca tong sui. Tong sui is an umbrella term that describes sweet soups originating from parts of China.
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$79 +HST
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Diana Chu was born and raised in Toronto. Her father is Chinese born and raised in Calcutta, India and her mother is Chinese, born and raised in Vietnam. An ex-policy consultant, Diana leaped into the food industry in 2022. She has since completed her Culinary Management diploma at George Brown College and worked in a variety of food-based settings including fine and upscale dining, a sandwich shop, and business development at a food delivery start-up. A social scientist at heart, she’s an avid observer of the role of food in shaping culture and community. Special thanks to Gary Hinds, Diana’s life partner and the best listener in the world, and Alex Chen for his culinary knowledge and chops.
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The Depanneur is a place where Interesting Food Things Happen. For more than a decade The Dep has been showcasing Toronto’s remarkable culinary diversity through thousands of unique food events as well as the forthcoming Depanneur Cookbook, featuring 100 recipes from 100 cooks. After more than 10 years at its iconic College Street location, The Dep is now bringing all new Interesting Food Things to exciting venues all across the GTA. @thedepanneur