Images: Mark Zudini

Our online events, gathering popularity since March, have created a platform to talk about important cultural issues, discuss arts, films and books, but this Saturday was very different. Some 50 households gathered in our cosy Zoom-kitchen to learn how to make Manti with Nouritza Matossian. There was also a parallel demonstration by Tatiana der Avedissian for a gluten-free version.

It felt like we were around a big table, chatting, laughing, comparing our balls of dough and sharing memories. Lots of people remembered making Manti with parents or grandparents and to some of the participants it was a completely new dish. It was also interesting to observe the varieties of Manti - we had a Japanese version with a twist of ginger and garlic, some people were working on gluten-free versions with buckwheat flour, and vegetarian options with feta and spinach or lentil fillings. One of the most endearing sights of the event was seeing children learning to cook alongside their parents.

When everyone’s Manti was ready and we returned to eat together on zoom, it was great to sit together, united in a digital space, raising a glass of wine and enjoying delicious food.

We are grateful to Nouritza Matossian and Tatiana der Avedissian for their clear and entertaining presentation and to everyone else who took part and contributed their photos afterwards.