After the event, I gathered feedback from the participants. One participant shared their thoughts on the connection between cocktails and cultural backgrounds: “Some people might find the cocktail-making process interesting, but it needs more guiding questions to trigger deeper cultural reflection.” At the same time, most participants said they learned a lot about food and culture from others’ hometowns, and found it very rich and interesting. However, some participants felt that the cross-cultural discussions were too shallow and needed more in-depth guidance. Regarding the discussion on urban spaces and food, most participants mentioned that they realised the taste of their hometown remained important in the new city, helping them maintain a cultural connection. However, some also felt that, although the activity made them reflect on how they adapt to culture through food in the new environment, more discussion about the relationship between urban spaces and food would be beneficial.

Based on the feedback I received, in the official intervention, I will focus more on the following areas:

1. Connection between food and cultural background: Some participants mentioned that the food itself was interesting, but it required more guiding questions to trigger deeper cultural reflection. During the food experience, I will introduce more questions related to culture and personal identity to help participants reflect on their hometown culture.
2. Structured discussion: Since participants expressed the need for more in-depth guidance, I will design more structured discussion sessions in the formal intervention. I will ask each participant to prepare a food story or beverage culture related to their hometown. This sharing will ensure that cross-cultural exchange is richer and more meaningful.
3. Introducing the concept of “psychogeography”: I will design a game during the ice-breaking session to encourage participants to share how they find food or dining places related to their hometown culture in the new city. This could be a market, restaurant, or a food shop they frequently visit. I will invite them to share how these places help them build a sense of cultural connection and belonging. Through guiding questions, we will explore how participants find food or places that make them feel comfortable and familiar in the new environment. The discussion can focus on questions like, “Where in the new city can you find food that most reminds you of home?” and “What kind of emotional connection do these places bring you?”
4. More discussion on food and urban spaces: Since participants mentioned the need for more discussion on the relationship between food and urban spaces, I will design a session in the next intervention that encourages participants to compare their hometown’s food culture with the food culture in the new city. For example, they can discuss the differences in common ingredients between the new environment and their hometown, or how they use local ingredients to recreate dishes from home. This might not only help deepen their sense of cultural identity in the new city but also encourage them to think about how they adapt to the new culture through food.
5. Multilayered interaction: In addition to the food experience, I will design some activities that showcase cultural elements, such as asking participants to bring iconic ingredients or spices from their hometown. By engaging their sense of smell and taste, we can strengthen cultural exchange.