Harmony Week: Celebrating Culture Through Food

Harmony Week is a time when communities across Australia come together to recognise cultural diversity, inclusiveness, and respect. Harmony Day, first celebrated in 1999, is marked every year on March 21 and later expanded into a weeklong celebration in 2003 to honour the rich mix of cultures that shape our nation. 

This term, our Cook Chill Chat program embraced the spirit of Harmony Week through shared cooking experiences, storytelling, and a celebration of foods from different cultural backgrounds. One of the most memorable celebrations took place with our East Nowra group at the Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Service, where six weeks of connection, laughter, and learning came together beautifully around the table. 

A Taste of Japan: Yakisoba with a Local Twist 

Our participants love exploring meals from different cultures, so when the group requested to cook Japanese ‘yakisoba’, a popular street dish from our facilitator’s home country, the kitchen filled with excitement. 

Using ingredients available at the local supermarket, the group adapted the recipe while keeping the flavours authentic. The result? A delicious, stir-fried noodle dish that brought smiles all around the room, proving that cultural cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. 

Two Cultures, One Ingredient: The Omelette Exchange 

In the same session, participants were treated to two different omelette styles, Japanese and Jordanian, demonstrated by our facilitator and centre staff. 

It was a simple but powerful reminder of how a single dish can look, taste, and feel completely different depending on where it comes from. Both versions were equally enjoyed by the group and sparked conversations about food traditions at home, childhood memories, and favourite family recipes. 

Food as a Bridge to Connection 

What made this Harmony Week session so special wasn’t just the delicious food. It was the way cooking together opened space for curiosity, belonging, and shared joy. Over the six weeks, the East Nowra participants created a warm and supportive environment where everyone felt comfortable trying new things and sharing parts of their cultural identity. 

Try It Yourself 

Inspired by our Harmony Week celebration? Why not try making one of these omelettes at home and see which version becomes your favourite? 

We’d love to hear how it goes – click below for recipe! 

Jordanian omelette 

YAKISOBA: Japanese stir-fry noodle