Congee Pick n Mix

esea contemporary is pleased to present Congee Pick n Mix, in collaboration with Little Yellow Rice Co. — a communal, story-rich event celebrating the shared yet diverse traditions of congee across East and Southeast Asia. This event forms part of esea ArtClub, our arts programme created for East and Southeast Asian residents of Manchester aged over fifty.

Participants will prepare their own bowls of congee – with both chicken broth and vegan bases available – and explore a DIY garnish station featuring condiments and herbs from across the ESEA region, from century egg and fried shallots to sambal and pickled vegetables. Guests are warmly encouraged to bring a favourite topping of their own as we recollect and honour stories about family traditions, childhood memories, or the cultural significance of this humble but beloved dish.

As the event unfolds, these personal stories will take shape on a collective ‘regional congee map’: a large illustrated map of East and Southeast Asia where participants will be able to note how congee is prepared in their culture. Together, these contributions will illustrate the many ways this simple dish carries deep histories of care and community.

Join us for a warm, interactive session where this familiar dish becomes a bridge that connects experiences, sparks dialogue, and nourishes both body and soul.

Booking is required – reserve your spot and share a bowl (and a story) with us.

About esea contemporary

esea contemporary is the UK’s only non-profit art centre specialising in presenting and platforming artists and art practices that identify with and are informed by East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) cultural backgrounds.

esea contemporary is situated in an award-winning building in the heart of Manchester, home to one of the largest East Asian populations in the UK. Since its inauguration as a community-oriented visual arts festival in 1986, esea contemporary – previously named Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art – has continuously evolved to establish itself as a dynamic and engaging space for cross-cultural exchanges in the British art scene, as well as in a global context.

esea contemporary aims to increase the visibility of contemporary art practices from the East and Southeast Asian communities and their diasporas. It is a site for forward-thinking art programmes that beyond exhibitions also include commissions, research, residencies, publishing, and a wide range of vibrant public events. esea contemporary values creativity, compassion, interconnectedness, and collectivity in implementing its mission.

Photo by Joe Smith.