When Ferinho Jubitane relocated from Amsterdam to Berlin in October 2021, he, like many, was enchanted by the culinary diversity of the city. However, there were certain dishes, ones that held a special place in his heart, not readily available. They were the dishes he grew up with. This sparked a longing to not only enjoy Surinamese cuisine himself but to introduce it to Berliners. Surinamese cuisine is uniquely diverse, blending Indigenous, Indian, Creole, Javanese, Chinese and European influences, each dish is infused with history. In the summer of 2022, Ferinho began conceptualizing Switi, and has officially launched today (delivery and pickup from 07.04.2024). Every Sunday, he and his team prepare a 3-course menu available for delivery from 6 pm to 9 pm or pickup from his kitchen in Friedrichshain. Orders can be placed up to four weeks in advance through the website. The menu begins with a Saoto soup — a light chicken broth infused with lemongrass and served with toppings such as boiled egg, tender chicken, and a fried mixture of potatoes, onions and rice noodles.

The main course, Roti Royal Fusion, features Surinamese roti made from spicy, ground split peas layered with dough and accompanied by a choice of chicken, lamb, prawns, tofu, jackfruit or chickpeas. The dish is served with a generous portion of vegetables, potatoes and egg. The meal is rounded out with Bojo cheesecake topped with passion fruit sauce. Bojo is no ordinary cheesecake, it combines grated cassava, coconut milk, cinnamon and vanilla to create a creamy texture like no other. The homemade passion fruit sauce allows diners to adjust the sweetness to their preference. In Suriname, ‘switi’ describes something delicious and enjoyable — a taste that is sweet or simply divine, and the Switi delivery concept perfectly embodies this sentiment.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Sophie Doering & Ferinho Jubitane

Switi

Switi is offering a 20 percent discount using the code “switi&ceecee” (valid until 05.04.2024).

@switi.berlin

Especially in the early days of parenthood, when days feel long, nights short, and intellectual exchange with like-minded people is rare. This is not just a statement, it’s a reality. It’s also true that moms, in particular, commonly lack space during this time to take a deep breath, recharge their batteries, and exchange ideas. With the seemingly never-ending days also come many questions, uncertainties, and doubts. It’s no wonder, because “When a baby is born, so is a mother,” and they too must learn how it all works! Yet, their needs and wishes are still too often overlooked. This is precisely how Lara Maria Gräfen felt when she became pregnant with the idea of founding Ocre. The platform for moms has since seen the light of day and presents a selection of events, mini-retreats and workshops in its first series “Motherhood,” which honor the unique process of motherhood and offer a safe space for moms to find themselves and mingle with others at herbal workshops, cocoa ceremonies, and pottery classes. And without the almost insurmountable challenge of finding trustworthy childcare. Babies are not only allowed at all events, they’re expressly welcome. In addition to events, Ocre also promises a curated selection of objects dealing with motherhood in the future. We can’t wait!

Text: Stephanie Johne / Photos: Nicki Sebastian, Maike Grimm & Annaroiii

Ocre

@thisisocre