Food, art and community meet for a unique Blue Table dining experience in Joburg

What began as a few friends gathered around a kitchen table sharing stories over a pot of stew has grown into a powerful ritual of memory and connection.

The Blue Table, a pop-up food studio founded just over a year ago by Creative Director, Treyvonne Moosa, was born out of a simple idea: to explore the shared memories carried in everyday food.

“I wanted to look at the small moments - a mom feeding you or the snacks you bought after school for 50c,” Moosa explained

“These are the memories that connect us, no matter who we are or where we come from.”

The Blue Table isn’t just a dinner; it’s a sensory storytelling experience where food, memory and culture meet.

“It is a celebration connecting the past and present across South African’s diverse heritage, said Moosa.

“For me, food is anchored in memory. I am really interested in the memory and the stories that a plate of food can hold.”

The six-course dining experience takes place at a secret location with only 30 guests. While the team has plans to eventually host larger community tables and travel to other cities, the heart of the project will remain small and personal.

To listen to Treyvone Moosa, Creative Director of The Blue Table, in conversation with 702’s Bongani Bingwa, click the audio below:

Storytellers who carry memory

For each event, storytellers are chosen, not for their fame - but for the honesty and richness of their memories.

The upcoming Seven Colours Feast will feature seven women who will share their stories through food:

Danielle Bowler, writer and cultural critic - recalling her mother rolling roti on the thava.

Phumzile Sitole, actress and storyteller - honouring her late mother, the legendary Dorah Sitole.

Parusha Naidoo, Afro-Asian food anthropologist - serving her pickled carrot and onion salad.

Yang Zhao, chef and owner of Beijing Opera - remembering her grandmother’s dumplings.

Lebo Mashile, poet and creative force - sharing her ode to the perfect roast potato.

Gomolemo Moagi, writer and storyteller - exploring food memory and accessibility.

Carla Fonseca-Mokgata, multidisciplinary artist - celebrating her father’ Mozambican fish curry.

Each storyteller shares both a story and a recipe. Moosa, a passionate home cook, works with a professional kitchen brigade to bring each dish to life.

“My food is about family-style sharing,” Moosa said.

“I hope two strangers fall in love at my table as they reach for the last roti.”

The Blue Table’s summer series opens on 25 and 26 October 2025 in Johannesburg, with monthly events planned throughout the warmer months. Each edition will feature new storytellers and themes.

“The table is always an invitation to slow down,” Moosa said. “To listen, to taste, to remember.”