What’s it like to come to a workshop?

Strangers Becoming Friends Around the Table

At Circle of Soup, every workshop feels like the beginning of something special. It starts as it always does: with a room full of strangers, a few nervous smiles, and an empty table waiting to be filled. But as the ingredients are laid out and the familiar hum of conversation begins, something quietly shifts.

People gather around the table, picking up fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, sharing their curiosity about what is to come. There are no complicated recipes, no strict instructions - just an open invitation to explore and experiment. We work together, chopping, stirring, tasting. Hands move in unison, helping one another, offering advice, and sharing stories.

What’s amazing about these workshops is the transformation that happens- not just with the ingredients, but with the people around the table. Strangers quickly became collaborators, and before long, friends. Someone brings in a tip from their grandmother’s kitchen, while another shares a family recipe from across the world. The room fills with the warm, savoury smells of our collective effort and the laughter that comes when people begin to relax and connect.

By the time we sit down to eat, the table feels less like a meeting place and more like a gathering of old friends. There’s something about preparing and sharing food that breaks down barriers and builds connection, and that’s exactly what always see. The food is delicious, but it is the conversation—the shared experience—that lingers long after the last bite.

Each workshop strengthens our belief that Circle of Soup isn’t just about cooking; it’s about creating a space where people feel welcome, valued, and connected. Together, we are building something far greater than any individual meal: we are creating a community that grows stronger with every workshop.

We can't wait to see what the next one brings.