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Relocating to a new country as an adult often brings challenges, especially when it comes to forming meaningful friendships. Nidhi Pal, aged 38, and her husband Vik Parashar, 46, experienced this firsthand after moving from India to Belfast. Although they found locals to be warm and welcoming, they struggled to build long-lasting relationships in their new environment.
To overcome this isolation, the couple devised an innovative approach: hosting a dinner party featuring ten strangers. “We thought, if no one is calling us in, we will call them in, and open our door,” Nidhi explained. Vik added that making friends was not easy when confronted with a different culture and language, highlighting the difficulties faced by newcomers in unfamiliar surroundings.
After two years in Belfast, Nidhi recognized how socially cut off they had become. She reflected, “I suddenly realised that we have no friends, no social life, and as a mature adult, I didn’t know how to make any.” Missing the vibrant social and culinary traditions from India, they launched an Instagram page called Masala Talkies and invited people to join their dinner through an online form. Respondents from diverse backgrounds and ages eagerly signed up, and Nidhi carefully selected a group she believed would blend well together.
Inviting strangers into their home was initially daunting. Applicants were asked about their personalities and social preferences, such as whether they preferred quiet observation, one-on-one conversations, or being the life of the party. “You’re going by what they put on the form, and you’re going with your gut,” Nidhi said. Despite the nerves, the couple has successfully hosted six dinners in six months, building a circle of friends that now numbers around 60 people.
One of the recent dinners took place amid tensions following anti-immigration protests and violent demonstrations in Northern Ireland. Nidhi emphasized her gratitude for the chance to challenge outside perceptions, stating, “I know that isn’t the real Belfast… to show people that Belfast isn’t what it looks like from the outside.” Guests included students from India, such as 25-year-old Kayva, who shared, “After the riots and anti-immigration protests, I was receiving loads of videos which were very disturbing… I wanted to feel safe, comfortable, and at home.” Another attendee, Julia from east Belfast, expressed how meeting Nidhi and Vik after the unrest strengthened her resolve to connect with people from different backgrounds.
For Nidhi, life has transformed significantly since those early dinners. “Six months ago, I knew nobody here, even though I’d been here for two years. I have someone I can call now. I feel that I belong here, which is what I was looking for.” Vik echoed this sense of accomplishment but sees the journey continuing. “Now we have 60 friends after six dinners. That’s a beautiful feeling… I want the whole world to be my friend. So as long as we have the time and the energy, we’ll keep inviting people.” Their recipe for success is simple: share food, listen to stories, encourage conversation, and enjoy laughter together
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