Lu Lin

Food culture is always a portal to get to know a society. When we talk about food, the usual conversations skim the surface—joy, taste, cultural exchange, togetherness. But deeper questions about ‘authenticity’ and ‘respect’ get buried under localization and fusion trends.
This project began with the lived reality of Chinese migrants who came to the Netherlands decades ago. Many had no choice but to open restaurants—not always by passion, but by limited opportunity. Their Chinese identity became their only recognisable symbol in Dutch eyes. Researching their struggles revealed society’s unspoken rules: to survive, they learned to serve two worlds. Some kept two menus—one for Dutch customers (adjusted flavors and adding Indonesian cuisine), one for Chinese (keep it authentic). A quiet compromise, but one that speaks volumes.
Dutch food culture reveals this tension clearly. The dominant attitude toward Asian food mirrors the integration demands placed on migrants—assimilate, adapt, but don’t ask Dutch culture to reflect on its own colonial roots or rigid systems. The same double standard applies to BIPOC artists: they’re expected to deliver “exotic” or “oriental” work, while their critiques of the status quo are sidelined.
But turn the tables—what if the scrutiny flowed the other way? What if the dominant culture faced the same expectations? The discomfort tells.

"Out of the Blue Dinner" is a socially engaged art project that combines immersive dining experiences with gamification to connect strangers from all walks of life. Through curated discussions on provocative topics, especially revolving around migrant's life journey and struggles, it intentionally provokes discomfort, stirs controversy, and challenges participants’ perspectives. By co-creating a series of dinners with our guests, we aim to challenge societal norms, bridge cultural divides, and foster meaningful dialogue. The project offers a fictional space with shared experience—one that transcends differences and encourages collective reflection.