Help Shape a Possible International Day at the 2027 Beach Volleyball World Championships

Help Shape a Possible International Day at the 2027 Beach Volleyball World Championships

Community Contribution by Lorenzo Maddalena, student at The Hague University of Applied Sciences

From 13 to 22 August 2027, the Beach Volleyball World Championships will take place in the Netherlands, bringing international sport to The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Apeldoorn.

The Hague will host the opening match and final weekend, with beach volleyball returning to the Hofvijver following the success of the 2015 Championships.

For a city with such a large and diverse international community, the event raises an interesting question: could the Championships also provide an opportunity to involve international residents more directly?

That question is at the centre of my graduation research.

My name is Lorenzo Maddalena, and I am an International Sport Management student at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. In collaboration with Nevobo, the Dutch Volleyball Federation, I am exploring the feasibility of a possible International Day during the 2027 Beach Volleyball World Championships.

Having worked at major international sporting events, including the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games and the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games, I have become particularly interested in spectator experience and how sport can engage international communities. That interest led me to this research.

Why focus on international residents?

The Hague is home to people from many different countries and backgrounds. International professionals, students, families, entrepreneurs, diplomats, researchers and employees of international organisations all contribute to the character of the city.

However, living in an international city does not automatically mean feeling connected to its sporting events. The purpose of this research is therefore to hear directly from international residents.

Would the opportunity to support a particular country or team make attendance more attractive? Would people be more likely to attend with friends, family or colleagues? Could ticket prices, work schedules, transport or childcare become barriers? Would a social or networking element add value—and where would international residents expect to find information about the event?

These practical questions can help determine whether an International Day would be worthwhile and, if so, what could make it successful.

You do not need to be a volleyball fan

You do not need to play volleyball, follow beach volleyball or regularly attend live sporting events to participate in the research.

Responses from people who would not normally attend a volleyball event are especially valuable. If an International Day is intended to reach a wider audience, understanding what could attract new visitors is just as important as hearing from existing sports fans.

The survey is open to international residents living in the Netherlands, with particular interest in people who live, work, study or regularly spend time in The Hague and nearby cities.

From assumptions to evidence

The survey has been developed with input from Nevobo, The Hague International Centre and ACCESS NL.

The results will form part of my graduation research and will be used to make recommendations to Nevobo about the feasibility of an International Day and the factors that could support its successful implementation.

The aim is to base those recommendations on what international residents actually say—not on assumptions about what they might want.

How to take part

The short survey takes approximately three to four minutes to complete and will remain open until 20 October 2026.

Complete the International Residents and the 2027 Beach Volleyball World Championships survey.

You are also welcome to share it with other international residents in your network. Every additional response helps build a clearer picture of what people would value from an event like this.

If an International Day is eventually developed during the Championships, this research aims to ensure that international residents have a voice in shaping what it could look like.

About the author

Lorenzo Maddalena is an International Sport Management student at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. His interests include event management, spectator experience and engaging international communities through sport.

Questions about the research can be sent to 22030581@student.hhs.nl.

Image: Nevobo (AI-generated)

Summer @ Pathé

Summer @ Pathé

In August, Pathé remains the top destination for a summer full of cinematic experiences. From the blood-curdling horror of Insidious 6: Out of the Further to the dino adventure of PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie , complemented by spectacular action films, concert recordings, and timeless classics: there is something for every film lover to enjoy this month. Whether you are looking to cool off during hot summer days or want to end your vacation in style, Pathé brings the finest stories to the big screen and to Pathé Thuis.

Action and adventure fans will be fully satisfied with The End of Oak Street, The Dog Stars, and the explosive action film Mutiny . Additionally, Pathé shines a spotlight on remarkable stories with the In the Picture selection, including the compelling dramas Resurrection and Omaha.

Beyond regular film releases, Pathé is offering a wide program of special events and film experiences this month. Music lovers can enjoy André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht or be swept away by Opera Encore: Aida . Additionally, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone returns to cinemas for the last time for the time being in honor of the film’s 25th anniversary, while the beloved classic Catch Me If You Can is also back on the big screen during the Best of Leonardo DiCaprio Month.

Film lovers at home won’t miss out either. This month, horror films such as Obsession and Backrooms are appearing on Pathé Thuis, as well as the much-discussed biopic Michael.

With a varied selection of new releases, special screenings, and home premieres, Pathé offers everything for an unforgettable summer of movies in August, both in the cinema and at home.

Pathé Specials

Opera Encore: Aida – August 9

Soprano Angel Blue stars as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and homeland in Michael Mayer’s 2025 production of Verdi’s Aida, which transports the audience to the pyramids and tombs of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and animations.

NT Live: The Audience – August 13 and 16

This National Theatre Production returns to the big screen for the first time in over 10 years, starring Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II in the Olivier and Tony Award®-winning hit production directed by Stephen Daldry. For sixty years, Queen Elizabeth II held a weekly private meeting with all twelve of her Prime Ministers. The name of these conversations: The Audience . From Winston Churchill to Margaret Thatcher and David Cameron, the Queen advised her Prime Ministers on both public and personal matters. Through these private conversations, we catch glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that made a human being a monarch.

NT Live 2026 – The Audience @2026 POM Benelux. All rights reserved.

Harry Potter returns for the last time for now: Pathé celebrates 25th anniversary with 24-hour marathon

To mark the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film, Pathé is pulling out all the stops. A special screening week is scheduled from Wednesday, August 26 to Wednesday, September 2, culminating in a 24-hour marathon on the night of Saturday, August 29 to Sunday, August 30 in ten selected Pathé cinemas. During this unique marathon, fans will experience all eight Harry Potter films back-to-back, complete with a film quiz, an exclusive festival wristband, and breakfast, which, true to tradition, is served before the final film. According to distributor Warner Bros., this is the last chance for the time being to experience the complete film series on the big screen.

André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht! – August 29 and 30

This year, André Rieu celebrates a tremendous milestone – the 20th anniversary of his iconic summer concerts at the beautiful Vrijthof in Maastricht. The concert was recorded live in his beloved hometown, and this new cinematic event marks two decades of music and unforgettable magical summer nights.

Best of Leonardo DiCaprio month

During the Best of Leonardo DiCaprio month, you will see five of DiCaprio’s greatest films as they were meant to be seen. Big screen, spectacular sound, and maximum enjoyment! For example, on August 6, you can see the exciting action thriller Catch Me If You Can . You can also enjoy films such as Shutter Island, Blood Diamond , and The Departed.

In the Picture

No standard blockbusters, but absolute must-sees. With the In the Picture label, we put the spotlight, especially for you, on the most special, compelling, or impressive films that our experts believe you shouldn’t miss on the big screen. Under this label, our team selects the finest (crossover) films that border on the art-house genre, especially for you. Barrier-free, accessible, and with one clear promise: these are films you don’t want to miss.

Resurrection – August

A tormented monster wanders through various chapters of cinematic history in search of the truth amidst the most beautiful deception in the world. Until a woman appears who possesses the rare talent to see through his illusions. She decides to enter the monster’s dreams and is determined to uncover the truth hidden within.

Omaha – August

In the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, a father desperately tries to protect his children in a world that has taken virtually everything from him. One morning, he unexpectedly wakes his children, Ella and Charlie, to take them on a road trip through the Midwest. The children experience the journey as a great adventure and discover a world they have never seen before. Until Ella begins to understand the reason for the trip.

New Top Movies this month at Pathé

The End Of Oak Street – August 13 (IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, Atmos)

The members of the Platt family living on Oak Street discover that their neighborhood has been transported to an unknown location by a mysterious cosmic event. It soon dawns on them that they can only survive in this now unrecognizable environment if they work together.

The End of Oak Street @2026 Warner Bros. Pictures International Holland. All rights reserved.

One Night Only – August 13

Recently dumped Owen and hopeful romantic Allie might just be the only two singles in town looking for more than a one-night stand. They both felt a spark the first time they met, but due to a series of misunderstandings and complications, they just can’t seem to see each other again. As they constantly run into each other in town, they discover that what they want most might be closer than they think.

Insidious 6: Out of The Further – August 20 (Dolby Cinema, Dolby Atmos, 4DX)

In Insidious: Out of the Further, Amelia Eve (The Haunting of Bly Manor) stars as Gemma, a young mother living with her daughter in the house where she grew up. She discovers that she can enter The Further, a purgatory full of lost souls that is central to the Insidious universe. When something malevolent comes after her, Gemma discovers she has a gift that changes everything: she is not only able to enter The Further, but she can bring what lives there back to the real world. But as soon as the demons discover her gift, they turn our world into their playground.

Mutiny – August 20
When Cole Reed (Jason Statham) is accused of the murder of his wealthy employer, he goes on the run. His search for the truth leads him to a freighter in the middle of the sea, but it soon becomes apparent that there is more going on there than he could have imagined. As tension mounts on board and the enemy closes in, Cole becomes entangled in a ruthless conspiracy in which no one can be trusted.

The Dog Stars – August 27 (IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, ScreenX, Atmos)

The Dog Stars tells the story of Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot who, together with military man and survival expert Bangley (Josh Brolin), has built an isolated but functioning shelter in a ruthless post-apocalyptic world. When Hig picks up a mysterious radio message one day, he decides to venture into the unknown. During his search for the source of the signal, he goes in search of the hope and humanity he believes still exist.

The Dog Stars @2026 The Walt Disney Company Benelux. All rights reserved.

KIDS movies at Pathé

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie – August 6

After their ship is caught in a mysterious storm, the PAW Patrol pups must make an emergency landing on an undiscovered tropical island full of dinosaurs. There they meet Rex, a pup who was stranded on the island years ago and is now an expert on everything related to dinos. When their great rival, Mayor Humdinger, plans to mine the island’s natural resources, he accidentally awakens a massive dormant volcano. The eruption leaves the PAW Patrol pups facing a dinosaur-sized rescue mission, and they will have to stop Humdinger before everything on the island goes extinct.

Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie @2026 Paramount Pictures (via Universal). All rights reserved.

Ted and the Magic Lamp – August 27

Since Ted had Oli, his fearless two-year-old daughter, he has become an overprotective father, and Mummy feels ignored by the attention she receives. When they find the magic lamp at Buckingham Palace, Mummy asks it to send him back to Paititi in Peru in the year 1502. Ted, Sara, and the entire team will have to follow Mummy into the past before he changes history. Their journey takes them across the Atlantic Ocean, from Peru to Greece, and from there far into the Middle East, all the way to the Cave of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

New movies on Pathé Thuis

Michael
Michael is the cinematic portrait of the life and artistic legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life outside of music, following his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as frontman of the Jackson Five to the visionary artist who, driven by creative ambition, was determined to become the world’s greatest entertainer.

Michael @2026 Universal Pictures International. All rights reserved.

Backrooms – August 20

When furniture salesman Clark discovers a hidden portal in the basement of his shop, he becomes trapped in another reality: the so-called Backrooms. His therapist tries to save him and discovers a mysterious labyrinth of abandoned office spaces that not only seem infinite but are also constantly changing. As time fades, something inhuman turns out to be lurking just out of sight as well.

Obsession – August 26

After the mysterious ‘One Wish Willow’ is broken to win the heart of his crush, a hopeless romantic gets exactly what he asked for. But he soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.

Tickets

For more information on show times and tickets, visit: https://www.pathe.nl/en

About Pathé

Pathé is the first and largest cinema brand in the Netherlands, founded in Paris in 1896 by true pioneers of film: the Pathé brothers. Their aim was to share the wonderful world of film with as many people as possible. Throughout the Netherlands, Pathé has 30 locations, 253 screens and 1,900 employees. Through its wide range of films, livestreams of opera, sports and gaming, among others, the latest techniques such as IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and ScreenX, and business events, Pathé creates special and unforgettable cinema stories for all.

Disclaimer & Copyright notice

Pathé is a partner of The Hague Online, and we receive cinema tickets in exchange for sharing monthly updates and links on our website and in our enewsletter. Text is provided by Pathé in Dutch and translated into English by The Hague Online. Images are provided by Pathé. Text and images may not be copied and shared without written permission. 

https://www.pathe.nl/en

Featured image: One Night Only @2026 Universal Pictures International. All rights reserved.

Community Story: How I became a “morning person”: Creative Mornings The Hague

Community Story: How I became a “morning person”: Creative Mornings The Hague

This community story is from The Hague Online editor, Renée Tentori.

I am not a morning person.

When CreativeMornings launched in The Hague last year, I was very happy to promote its events through The Hague Online. A free breakfast, an interesting speaker and the chance to meet creative people from across the city all sounded wonderful.

There was just one problem as far as I was concerned: the morning part.

The events begin at 8.30am. That is hardly dawn, but it was early enough for me to appreciate CreativeMornings from a safe distance. I could share the announcements, support the initiative and tell any “morning people” who may be interested, without actually setting my own alarm to fit this in before my workday started.

Eventually, however, curiosity won…and I’m now a CreativeMornings morning person. Are you?

My first CreativeMornings, at THUAS (12 June 2026)

My first CreativeMornings event featured Bente Bak speaking on the theme of “Curate”.

It was held at THUAS (The Hague University of Applied Sciences), where I work. I found out after I registered that it was actually taking place within my own Faculty of IT & Design, though connected via another programme (I’m in ACS, this was via UxD). A nice coincidence.

Bente’s talk explored curation as an active creative process. It is not simply about collecting things, but about choosing, shaping and bringing ideas together in a way that creates meaning. She complemented this with her own creative artwork and personal stories.

You can watch her talk online here:

https://creativemornings.com/talks/bente-bak-on-curate/1

Much of what she said resonated with me, particularly in a world where we are surrounded by more information, tools and content than we could ever fully absorb.

I like how these personal talks also help us self-reflect. I have contributed to this overload myself as well, via a lot of content creation over the years! However, I am glad I had already started seeing myself as a “curator”, rather than always being a “creator”. I believe it’s about discernment: deciding what deserves our attention, how different elements connect and what we want to share with others. More than a decade ago, I wrote an article that I’ve been thinking more about lately: Frenzy, Fatigue, Focus.

It was really great to hear Bente’s take on this topic. She gave us some great tips and I bought her book to take home. A good read! I was particularly inspired by her courage to find her own path – and share that with others.

The CreativeMornings event locations change each month, and this location also added something unexpected to the morning. I met colleagues from my own faculty whom I recognised but did not yet know well. We work within the same organisation, but it took an external community event in our own building to give us the opportunity to (re)connect.

That is one of the valuable things about community events. They not only introduce us to entirely new people. They can also help us connect more meaningfully with people who were already nearby.

And, importantly, I discovered that 8.30am was not quite as frightening as I had imagined. Especially when it came with a great breakfast spread, a fantastically diverse group of people and a lot of inspiration.

Returning to The Social Hub (10 July 2026)

My second CreativeMornings event featured the amazing animator and visual artist Vera van Wolferen, speaking on the theme of “Competition”. Vera used her own creative work and experiences to explore competition, comparison and ambition. The theme opened up questions not only about competing with other people, but also about creative identity, expectations and the pressure we place on ourselves. You can watch her talk and see her impressive work here:

https://creativemornings.com/talks/vera-van-wolferen-on-competition/1

The event took place at one of my favourite venues in The Hague – The Social Hub regularly brings together internationals, local residents, entrepreneurs, students, creatives and organisations through talks, workshops, networking events and cultural activities. As always, it was good to catch up with community connector Pawl.

The Social Hub is also where the first CreativeMornings The Hague gathering had been held a year earlier. I had heard about the initiative there when the local chapter first launched, but had not persuaded myself to attend that original morning event, sadly. But at least I didn’t wait any longer!

One year of CreativeMornings The Hague

At the July event, CreativeMornings The Hague celebrated its first anniversary. Ana Moreno reflected on the journey and gave credit to the team of volunteers and community members who have helped grow this community. Then we shared cake! I mean of all the things I was missing out on by not getting up earlier, I didn’t realise cake could be one of them.

During its first year, the chapter has organised free monthly events at different locations around the city, with speakers interpreting a shared global theme through their own work, experiences and perspectives.

The changing venues are part of the appeal. Each event provides an opportunity not only to hear from a new speaker, but also to discover various organisations, workplaces and creative spaces in The Hague. The August event will be held at the Make In Space on 14 August 2026.

The local chapter is organised by volunteers and is part of a much larger international network. CreativeMornings began in New York in 2008, when designer Tina Roth Eisenberg created a simple format for the city’s creative community: a free breakfast and a short talk, held on a Friday morning.

The idea has since developed into a global movement, with chapters in cities around the world. Each month, participating chapters explore the same theme while selecting local speakers who can bring their own interpretation to it. Community members also have an opportunity to book a short slot to share their initiatives as well.

Although the word “creative” is in the name, the events are not only for artists or designers. Creativity can be found in education, technology, business, community building, communication and many other fields.

The CreativeMornings manifesto begins with the belief that everyone is creative and everyone is welcome. That open approach is reflected in the variety of people, professions and perspectives brought together at the events.

More than a monthly breakfast

The live events are only one part of CreativeMornings.

Presentations are recorded and made available online afterwards, which means people can watch talks from The Hague as well as thousands of talks from chapters around the world.

That also means missing an event does not necessarily mean missing the speaker, although watching afterwards cannot fully reproduce the conversations and connections that happen in the room.

CreativeMornings also organises online FieldTrips. These are interactive virtual sessions that can include workshops, practical activities, conversations and opportunities to learn from people based in different parts of the world.

The combination of local gatherings and international online resources makes CreativeMornings more than a monthly event series. It is also a large and accessible archive of ideas, stories and creative practices.

Worth setting the alarm for

After attending two events, I still would not describe myself as a natural morning person. But I may now be a CreativeMornings morning person.

The start time is not actually as early as I had convinced myself it was. It is a little easier in the summer than the winter…but most importantly, the events offer something that is increasingly difficult to reproduce online: a reason to enter a room, meet people outside your usual circle and begin the day with a new idea.

At THUAS, that meant getting to know colleagues better at a fun and friendly event before our work day “really” began – thanks Wendy and Thijs!

At The Social Hub, it meant returning to the place where I had first heard about CreativeMornings The Hague and again experiencing the community I had been promoting for the past year.

Apparently, all it takes to get me out of bed earlier in the morning – and actually enjoy it – is coffee, creativity and community. And sometimes cake. See you there?

More information

CreativeMornings main website: https://creativemornings.com

CreativeMornings The Hague
https://creativemornings.com/cities/thg

CreativeMornings FieldTrips
https://creativemornings.com/events

AI Use disclosure: ChatGPT Plus assisted with some editing and research for this article. The final article was written and reviewed by a human editor (Renée Tentori)

Images: Renée Tentori

Conductor Vacancy – Cecilia International Choir, The Hague

Conductor Vacancy – Cecilia International Choir, The Hague

The Cecilia International Choir is seeking an inspiring and enthusiastic conductor to lead our choir from January 2027.
We invite experienced choral conductors to apply to work with our friendly and ambitious SATB choir based in The Hague.

About Cecilia:
Founded in 1976, Cecilia International Choir is a mixed-voice (SATB) choir of around 75 singers from many nationalities. Our members include both Dutch and international singers who enjoy making high-quality music in a welcoming, English-speaking environment.

Who We Are Looking For:
• Has strong choral conducting experience and musical leadership
• Is confident rehearsing and conducting in English
• Inspires singers with mixed abilities to perform at their best
• Enjoys working collaboratively with an active and supportive committee
• Is well organised, reliable, and fully prepared for rehearsals and performances
• Brings enthusiasm, humour and musical imagination to rehearsals

This is a paid position. For more information and to apply (by 7 September 2026):

www.cecilia-choir.com

Summer Holidays in The Hague

Summer Holidays in The Hague

Hi, Renée here. I’m the editor, owner and community manager here at The Hague Online (THOL). I’m also a university lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. It’s been quite an intense academic year! But from 17 July until 24 August I have a lovely, long and much-needed holiday.

This summer is the first in several years that I plan to stay here in The Hague. For the last 2 years, I’ve gone to visit my family in Australia and hope to do that again in the next year or two. However for the summer of 2026, I’ll explore my own city, get some things done at home, catch up with family and friends and just…RELAX!

I’m going to take a few weeks offline and won’t be updating this site as regularly. However I am still “around”. Are you also staying in The Hague this summer? There is plenty to do. Check out our calendar or browse our highlighted events. As there is always so much happening in our great city, I can’t always get everything online. So you can also explore more yourself. Find something great? Share it with us!

Revisit some of Sherika’s great Behind The Menu series over in our feature articles. You may like to grab some gelato if it’s hot, and do a world tour of flavours right here in The Hague with the fabulous range of restaurants and cafes: from Japanese to Palestinian and so much more.

Especially if you have kids to entertain, you can also take a look at this article from The Hague International Centre for ideas:

https://www.thehagueinternationalcentre.nl/summer-holidays-in-the-netherlands

See you back online sometime soon….meanwhile, wishing you a WONDERFUL summer.

Renée

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneetentori

Images: The Hague Online

Behind The Menu: Baytna Café and the Palestinian Table That Feels Like Home

Behind The Menu: Baytna Café and the Palestinian Table That Feels Like Home

Venue provided complimentary drinks during Sherika’s visit for this feature. The Hague Online retained editorial control, and the views expressed are the writer’s own

There is an Arabic word — baytna — that means our home. It is the kind of word that carries weight: not just four walls and a roof, but the smell of something slow-cooking, the sound of family, the feeling of being truly welcome. For the owner of Baytna Café, Tatjana Sharif, that feeling has a very specific geography. Every summer of her childhood, no matter where life had taken her, she would return to Palestine, the country of her father and his family – and every time, she was reminded of something she has never forgotten. “No one hosts like Palestinians,” she says.

She is right. Palestinian hospitality even has its own name: karam. It is not merely a social custom but a deeply held moral value — the idea that a guest must be offered food and drink before any other conversation takes place, and that turning someone away unfed is simply unthinkable. Walk into Baytna and you will understand immediately that this is not a concept she has left behind. Baytna’s owner is half German, half Palestinian, and has spent much of her life moving between cultures and countries. She studied in the UK, worked in human rights, and carried Palestine with her everywhere she went — in memory, in identity, and eventually, in food. As a child, she was a tomboy and didn’t particularly love cooking. What she loved was eating. Her grandmother made sure of that, quietly and consistently ensuring she was always well fed, always at a full table. It was only later, as a student navigating life abroad, that she began to find her way into the kitchen herself. Cooking, she discovered, was grounding. A way to slow down. A way to feel at home even when home was far away. “It became something that helped me relax,” she says.

Tatjana believes strongly that you shouldn’t force life to move in a particular direction; that when something is right, it finds its shape on its own. The café is proof of that philosophy. What began as a desire to share Palestinian food and culture with her community in The Hague has become something far more alive than a menu. Regulars now message her directly to ask what’s available that day. There’s a warmth to it, a neighbourliness – the kind of relationship between a cook and her community that used to be common and is now rare. Karam, alive and well, in the heart of The Hague.

Step inside Baytna and you are not simply walking into a café – you are walking into someone’s story. On the walls hang tapestries from the Tatjana’s parents’ home: rich, tactile pieces that carry the particular warmth of a family house, the kind of objects that hold memory in their threads. They are not decorative in the conventional sense. They are personal, and that is precisely what makes them so affecting.

It is a small but significant detail. In a city full of beautifully designed spaces, Baytna feels different. The kind of place where the décor has a history and the person who hung it could tell you exactly what it means.

Palestinian cuisine is one of the oldest continuous food cultures in the world, rooted in the Levant and shaped by thousands of years of trade, agriculture, and migration. It is a cuisine of the land — built around olive oil, sumac, slow-cooked meats, and grains — and deeply communal by nature.

At Baytna, the menu draws from this tradition while also reaching across the broader Arab world —the flavours that travel across borders because good food always does. Everything is made with care and intention, and the weekend brunches in particular have become something of a quiet institution. Expect dishes that are rich with spice, slow with flavour, and generous in portion — food that, as she puts it, is for the soul.

Her cooking style is intuitive, shaped by memory and instinct rather than strict recipe, which is reflected in her popular cooking classes. The goal isn’t to follow instructions to the letter but to understand ingredients, trust your senses, and cook the way her grandmother did: from feeling.

The seasonal menu shifts with what’s available and what feels right, which means there is always a reason to return — and her regulars certainly do. The space designed for people to linger. Book clubs meet here. Workshops are hosted here. Companies looking for a warm, characterful venue for team events or off-sites can hire the space, with Baytna providing the food and drinks. The events calendar reflects the owner’s background in community and human rights: thoughtful, inclusive, and always centred on bringing people together. “I love hosting,” she says, and you believe her entirely.

It would be impossible to write about Baytna without acknowledging the weight of this moment in history. Tatjana has lost family in the war. She carries that with her every day. And yet, she remains — extraordinarily — positive and hopeful. What she wants people to understand is this: Palestinian identity is so much richer and deeper than what the news cycle reflects. A people reduced in the global conversation to conflict alone lose something essential — their food, their laughter, their legendary hospitality, their culture of gathering and feeding and welcoming strangers as family. A quiet, delicious act of reclamation. A reminder that Palestinians are warm and loving people with a food culture worth celebrating — one plate, one gathering, one shared meal at a time. And on the walls, the tapestries from her parents’ home bear quiet witness to all of it. Every dish served here is a small piece of that story.

Baytna Café is located on Piet Heinstraat 112 and is open for weekend brunches as well as private events, workshops, and community gatherings. Follow them on Instagram for updates on seasonal menus, upcoming events, and daily specials.

Images: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers and provided by Baytna cafe

Do you have a story about your own café, restaurant or bar in the city? Reach out to sherika@thehagueonline.com to possibly be featured.

Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city. 

Connect with Sherika here