Dede x Sister7 - Silk Road collab

Back in June, we welcomed Ahmet and his team from Cork’s two-Michelin-starred Dede for our first Silk Road exchange: a gathering rooted in community, Chinese cookery and the sharing of ideas, cultures and hospitality.

Over two sittings at Sister 7, we served an eight-course menu to just 50 guests per service. Inspired by the Silk Road, the menu explored the natural connections between Turkish and Chinese cooking—from shared spices, techniques, and philosophies to fermentation, a cornerstone of both traditions.

Together, we viewed local ingredients through two distinct cultural lenses and brought them together in unexpected ways.

The sea played a central role. Ahmet drew on his life in Baltimore, while Alex, our head chef brought the influence of Dalian—his hometown in northern China, renowned for its seafood and coastal food culture.

Upcoming food events

The evening was never conceived as a commercial venture. It grew from a desire to bring our community together and explore what modern Irish hospitality can be. Everyone involved learned from one another, sharing skills, ideas and experience. That generosity between the teams carried naturally into the dining room, creating a one-off experience for everyone there. What we took away in knowledge and connection was something money couldn’t buy.

We set out to create something deliberately different. Across eight courses, the food was bold, generous and full of impact. There were dumplings and kebabs, with a few surprises along the way, including a dessert that wasn’t quite what anyone expected.

“Stumbling unexpectedly into pure brilliance is a great way to reset your value judgments. For restaurants, it's not just the food. It's the ambience, the service, the feeling of wellbeing”

- Belfast Telegraph. [Read]

Moving Still provided the soundtrack for the night, creating a wonderful atmosphere and momentum that really added to the overall experience. You hear some of what he played here.

We also served a selection of one-off cocktails, including a welcome drink made with foraged ingredients from Cork and the Phoenix Park. The Dede team curated a range of exclusive Turkish wines, which were paired with the courses.

Moving Still Playlist

This evening marked the beginning of Sister7’s Silk Road series at Fidelity Studio. Through these gatherings, we hope to bring together chefs, creatives and hospitality people to share cultures, skills, ideas and experiences, with Chinese cookery always at the heart.
Each exchange is a chance to build connections across our community and explore what modern Irish hospitality can become when we learn from one another.

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Jon AverillFidelity