GASTRO-YOUTH project aims to create a meaningful space where young people can meet, live, cook, reflect, and learn together through a shared experience built around food, culture, and everyday life. The idea of the project was developed collectively by young people from the partner organisations through personal stories, expectations, and challenges before the application was submitted. The main objective of the project is to use gastronomy as a practical and accessible tool to strengthen intercultural understanding, reduce social and cultural barriers, and encourage young people to reflect on identity, belonging, and inclusion. Food is something every participant brings with them, regardless of background, language level, or previous international experience. By cooking together, sharing food stories, and exploring the meanings behind recipes, young people can connect on a human level and discover both similarities and differences in a natural and respectful way. The daily programme is built around non-formal methods such as group work, storytelling, creative activities, reflection circles, peer discussions, and hands-on cooking sessions. These methods allow participants to learn from each other, rather than from experts, and to actively shape the content and atmosphere of the exchange. Another key objective is to strengthen young people’s sense of agency and active participation. Participants are not only involved during the mobility itself, but also before and after the exchange. The preparation phase allowed young people to influence the programme, contribute ideas, and prepare cultural and food-related inputs. During the exchange, they take responsibility in sessions, lead parts of the activities, and work in international teams. After the exchange, they are encouraged to use the results such as the collected recipes, stories, and social media content to organise follow-up actions in their local communities. The project also aims to support young people facing cultural and social barriers by offering a supportive structure throughout all phases. Clear communication, gradual group building, regular reflection spaces, and strong cooperation between group leaders ensure that participants feel safe, respected, and supported. Differences in language skills, confidence, or background are treated as strengths rather than obstacles. Our project seeks to leave a lasting impact beyond the exchange itself. Through the creation of shared recipes, digital storytelling, and social media content produced by the participants, the project results remain visible and usable after the mobility. These outputs, together with the personal learning recognised through Youthpass, support young people in continuing their engagement with intercultural dialogue, cultural heritage, and creative youth work in their everyday lives. In summary, this project aims to empower young people to connect across cultures, reflect on social and cultural divides, and recognise food as a powerful tool for dialogue, creativity, and inclusion while strengthening their confidence, participation, and sense of belonging within Europe.