FROM SURVIVAL TO RESILIENCE
FROM SURVIVAL TO RESILIENCE
A curated food design event that paid tribute to the unwavering resilience of the people of Sarajevo during the wartime siege, while showcasing the transformative power of their recipes.
With deep respect and sensitivity, we embarked on a journey to rediscover Sarajevo's wartime recipes. Using humble ingredients and innovative techniques, we crafted a three-course menu that tells
a powerful story of strength, adaptation, and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
Creative Resilience Through Cuisine
Drawing inspiration from the times of scarcity, we sourced ingredients reminiscent of the humanitarian aid provided during those challenging years. We transformed rice into a remarkable "cheese" and ingeniously crafted a dessert using breadcrumbs, cacao, oil, and sugar.
As a special treat, we managed to source Danish feta, a delicacy that occasionally found its way into Sarajevo's dairy-less and meatless existence. To complete the experience, we exclusively served water from canisters, evoking the memories of survival in the most heartfelt manner.
Our Menu
Rice “cheese” burek-style pie. Bombice (little bombs) dessert. 3cm cube of Danish White Cheese. Water.
Location
Kuma International, Sarajevo
Date
15 July 2023
As a cherished memento, our guests took home custom-made, beautifully embroidered napkins bearing the poignant words of Djordje Balašević from a beloved wartime song: "Sarajevo će biti" ("Sarajevo will be"). These words embody the enduring spirit of Sarajevo—a spirit that persists, regardless of circumstances, as an everlasting testament to its resilience, inclusivity, and diversity.
Sarajevo will be, everything else will pass.
We are immensely grateful for the privilege of creating this extraordinary gastronomic journey, where flavours born out of survival transformed into a celebration of the human spirit. It was a brief yet profound moment when our guests had the opportunity to experience firsthand the incredible strength and resourcefulness of the people of Sarajevo.
May the echoes of this experience continue to resonate, reminding us that no matter the challenges we face, the essence of Sarajevo — its unwavering spirit — will endure.
Our hearts are filled with deep appreciation for the people of Sarajevo, whose resilience has left an indelible mark on our souls.
“Around the table, through food is how we connect to one another. Food is our legacy. It is our history and our future.”
Marcus Samuelsson
Menu
We crafted the menu based off of the wartime recipes notebook kindly shared with us by the Kuduz family.
Props
Sirnica Pies handmade by Adnan Pašić of Baš Baklava. Hand-sewn, and custom embroidered linen napkins by Vezenje. Fresh flowers from lovely matriarchs off of Markale Market.
Photographer
Playlist
We've curated a playlist just for this event on Spotify, alternating Top Hits from 1992-1995 with songs recorded during the siege of Sarajevo. Feel free to check it out by clicking here!
Guests
Kuma International Summer School participants hailing from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Turkey, amongst others.
A Special Thanks
To the lovely Claudia Zini, founder of Kuma International and her fantastic team: Amina Hećimović, Envera Moro and Selvir Učanbarlić.