Screening of the documentary Roots and Plates: A Story Of Afro Food In Belgium

The filmmakers’ intention

Belgium is a country with a population of between 350,000 and 450,000 people of Sub-Saharan African descent. This community is home to a culinary culture that few Belgians are truly familiar with.

This documentary seeks to understand the reasons behind this lack of awareness, but also to explore how this cuisine is experienced in everyday life in our country. It aims to meet Belgians of African descent, Afro-Belgians, to explore their intimate relationship with the cuisines of their origins and the challenges to their identity that arise in our post-colonial society. For one cannot discuss Afro-food in Belgium without addressing its colonial heritage.

Round-table discussion: the science of food, identity and belonging

After the screening, join us for a round-table discussion moderated by Sarra El Massaoudi. Researchers Nicole Grégoire and Sese Kabanyegeye and culinary experts Suzanne Badiane and Roger Dushime, will explore food as a subject of scientific study and as a powerful marker of identity, shaping and uniting communities.

Further information about the speakers will be shared very soon.

African buffet

The round table will be followed by an African buffet in the AfricaMuseum restaurant. Booking is essential.

A collaboration between citizens and researchers

Roots and Recipes, The Science of food, identity and belonging, is a fun-filled culinary adventure taking place on 25 and 26 September 2026 at the AfricaMuseum, as part of the European Researchers’ Night, Europe's largest celebration of science and research.

Throughout the two days, join researchers, culinary experts and food enthusiasts as you explore the rich and fascinating world behind African and diaspora cuisines, their impact on our health, their role in our societies, and their connection to our roots.

Roots & Recipes is brought to you by the AfricaMuseum, The Food Bridge vzw, KU Leuven, the Meise Botanic Garden and Scivil, together with the Citizens’ Committee.

The cornerstone of Roots and Recipes is The Citizens’ Committee. It reunites six experts representing African diaspora communities, each with deep knowledge of food systems. With diverse profiles, ranging from educators to food entrepreneurs, they have played a key role in guiding the project’s decision-making processes.

Visit the Food Science Fair on Saturday 26 of September

Learn more about the programme of day two.