Culine

A line of tableware for Chinese American restaurants that invites cultural conversation over a shared meal through cultural cues and discursive prompts.

Culine, whose form is inspired by Chinese takeout boxes, reclaims stereotypes and celebrates Chinese American culture. Its discursive prompts, inspired by fortune cookie fortunes, invite cultural table-talk. The small ceramic dishes are made to enjoy bite sized, shared meals and provide a dining possibility focused on sharing for all Americans.

Using chopsticks with Culine creates a leisurely pace to invite relaxed and open conversation.

The discursive prompts are covered when the food is set on the table and revealed as people eat. Prompts like “Legend has it…” and “Food creates culture or culture creates food?” will guide users into a conversation related to culture.