How a Hamburg dinner initiative bridges cultures and builds lasting connections

One Sunday evening, four strangers sat down to share borek and stories. This simple act is transforming how newcomers like Sevgi and Kadir find belonging in a foreign city.

, and Administrator

2025 November 20 . 7:18 AM

1 min read

As we can see in the image there are few people here and there and a table. On table there are... — As we can see in the image there are few people here and there and a table. On table there are plates, glasses and food items.

How a Hamburg dinner initiative bridges cultures and builds lasting connections

A Turkish couple in Hamburg recently shared a meal with strangers through a local initiative called Welcome Dinner. The event, hosted by Laura Trager, brought together people from different backgrounds for an evening of food and conversation. Sevgi and Kadir, who attended with homemade borek, are among many newcomers building connections in the city while navigating challenges like language barriers and housing shortages.

Laura Trager, a member of the Welcome Dinner association, organised a small gathering on a Sunday evening in late October. The dinner took place on the fifth floor of a residential building in Eimsbüttel, where four people who had never met before sat down to share a meal. The initiative aims to create casual, equal exchanges between locals and newcomers—often over home-cooked food.

For Sevgi and Kadir, events like the Welcome Dinner offer more than just a meal—they provide a chance to practise German, meet locals, and feel less isolated. The couple’s focus now remains on passing their language exam and overcoming the hurdles of settling into a new country. Meanwhile, the association continues to host similar gatherings, quietly fostering connections in Hamburg’s diverse communities.