Taste of Home

Across the world, something as simple as sharing a meal can shape how happy we feel. The World Happiness Report 2025 found that eating with others is just as important to our wellbeing as income or having a job. In fact, people who regularly share meals report feeling more supported, less lonely, and more connected to their communities.

Yet at the same time, more people than ever are eating alone. That shift isn’t just about lifestyle, it’s changing how we relate to each other.

Our 'Taste of home' project explores a simple idea: what if we made it easier to find local ingredients, cook dishes from different cultures, and share them with others?

Because when we share food, we’re not just feeding ourselves; we’re building bridges between cultures, stories, and people.

Find shops in and around Leuven

Check out the interactive map to learn about the shops in and around Leuven that specialise in ingredients from abroad.

Did you know we also have a print map?

You can download the PDF here or pick it up at a number of spots around town, including the IHL.

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Meet the owners

Community food stories

Juliet hasn't always loved food, but from early years spent helping in the kitchen, to extravagant meals cooked with friends at university, it has become her go-to way of getting to know others and building friendships. Whether it's simply over a pot of tea and a biscuit, or a meal that got out of hand with too many dishes, it's a way she loves to connect with others.