Art Eats/Nibble Kitchen Flavor of Chinese Literati : Taste the Painting

Welcome to an Art Eats/Nibble Kitchen collaberation! Join Ruiying Xiong and her team for "Taste Of Relations", a fun painting class with a twist. Let your creativity flow while enjoying delicious bites at Nibble Kitchen.

Flavor of Chinese Literati Painting is an edible, multisensory workshop designed for learners of all abilities to experience and understand classical Chinese literati landscapes—through taste. Participants hand-shape 3D “mountains” from tapioca dough, then tint and finish them with natural color powders such as roasted black sesame, tea/matcha, and butterfly pea. As we create, we connect form and flavor to core ideas from Daoism (harmony with nature), Buddhism (mindfulness and compassion), and Confucianism (balance and cultivation). We also trace our sauces and ingredients to Song-dynasty palates— lychee, aloe, plum jams, osmanthus, and Oolong tea—so the tasting mirrors the aesthetics of the paintings. Think modern Chinese dessert craft inspired by Song-dynasty kitchens: lightly sweet, plant-forward, and accessible. You’ll leave with a beautiful edible landscape—and a new way to “read” painting with your senses.

About the Nible Program:

Nibble Kitchen Cooking Classes are 2/3 cooking class, 1/3 dinner party! Come hungry and ready to jump right into the kitchen. Nibble classes are very hands-on, Ruiying will guide us through every step of the class, but be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Nibble Kitchen and the Nibble Program are an initiative of the Somerville Arts Council. Our goal is to support multicultural exchange and cultural representation through food and storytelling. Our program also supports workforce and equitable economic development, for more information or to learn more about our partner businesses visit www.nibblesomerville.com!

Get ready to unleash your inner artist on November 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM (Eastern Time). No experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm!

Come alone or grab your friends for a memorable evening filled with creativity and flavor. Don't miss out on this unique experience!

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Host or Publisher The Somerville Arts Council