INVENTING MILANESE DISHES
In an era where regional cuisines are increasingly politicised to fit singular national identities, "tradition" often acts as a barrier, hindering dishes from evolving alongside the people who carry them. Inventing Milanese Dishes was a dinner that I curated with ceramic studio Liquid Rituals, where national cuisines were examined through alternative narratives.
Serving as an artistic inquiry into the city’s shifting foodways, the evening used only ingredients obtained in Milan to serve a five-course menu that challenged the static myths of "authentic" food. Presented on bespoke ceramic vessels designed to manifest these complex histories, the experience deconstructed the tension between heritage, migration, and the "future artefacts" of our dining tables.
This event was kindly hosted by BASE Milano during Milan Design Week 2026, as part of their public programmes under the theme Hello Darkness.
Concept Anas Chao & Liquid Rituals
Food Anas Chao
Bread Panificio Ticozzi
Ceramics Liquid Rituals
Music Beats Per Plant (click here for playlist)
Photography Elisa Turri
BIG thanks to the BASE Milano team: Giulia Cugnasca, Giuseppina D'Alessandro, Kenza Jemmali, Veda Moneta & Caterina Magnoni 🫶