About Us
We are international food lovers and activists who prepare sustainable, inclusive meals together at Torhaus in Tempelhof using rescued food.
Food Is Political
What we eat, the way we eat, and how we produce our food defines who we are as a society, as a species. We challenge destructive industrial farming and advocate for food practices that care for people, the planet, and all living beings.
Beginners Mind
This is where creativity lives — in the quiet moments of peeling, planning, dreaming. The collective helps us stay soft, open, and hopeful. No idea is too small. Everything begins with a beginner’s mind.
Open for All
For change to be effective, it must actively include as many diverse people as possible. Everyone is invited to take part, learn, and shape what we do. We grow stronger through openness, curiosity, and shared intention.
Shared Wisdom
We are always learning, and sharing: knowledge flows in every direction. From workshop to spontaneous kitchen conversations. We teach, question, and bring our skills forward.
© US Airforce, Berlin (Helga Th. Mellmann)
History
The Torhaus, originally the gatehouse to Tempelhof Airport, is a unique example of 1960s architecture under historic preservation. Once home to the airport gatekeepers, the Torhaus now welcomes people interested in shaping a more communal and creative city.
It’s location — a small building on Columbiadamm right in front of the large airport — invites passersby to knock, ask for directions, or just to say hello. A space dedicated to support creative urban participation and collective action.
Since 2020, the KochKollektiv has been part of the Torhaus Initiative. While the Building was undergoing renovations, we created a traveling KÜFA, connecting with communities at different locations. Now, we’re happy to be back home at the renovated Torhaus, where our cooking collective shares meals and ideas, contributing to a more sustainable city.
The Torhaus is a space for collectives and initiatives like ours to collaborate, experiment, and come together. If you have a project or an idea for a joint collaboration, get in touch!
Structure
The Torhaus KochKollektiv thrives on collaboration and shared responsibility. Our structure is designed to keep things organized while empowering everyone to contribute their unique skills. We coordinate our work through a Telegram group, which is divided into different teams and roles.
Teams
Working Groups
Ensuring everything runs smoothly, this team manages internal communication, finances, and collaboration with the Torhaus and the Westfeld Garden.
Responsible for how we present ourselves and connect with others, this team focuses on everything from visuals to IT and content creation.
Planning and running our gatherings, including our regular Küfa (kitchen for all) and collaborative cooking events.
A space for reflection and growth. This group explores what we can learn together and how we can share knowledge within our community. It’s more about ideas and planning than fixed tasks.
Ensuring everything runs smoothly, this team manages internal communication, finances, and collaboration with the Torhaus and the Westfeld Garden.
Responsible for how we present ourselves and connect with others, this team focuses on media – creating visuals for print and social media and organizes the IT behind it.
Planning and running our public gatherings, including our regular KÜFAs (kitchen for all) / collaborative cooking events.
A space for reflection and growth. This group explores what we can learn together and how we can share knowledge within our community. It’s more about ideas and planning than fixed tasks.
Resources
We offer practical information on sustainable nutrition, food rescue, and responsible consumption. This includes instructions, recipes, and more!
