The Embassy of Italy in Nairobi and the Italian Institute for Culture on Wednesday launched the tenth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. This is done in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency
This year’s celebration, themed ‘Dining with Italy: 100 Years of Taste and Innovation,’ began with the unveiling of an exhibition that brought together art, culture and gastronomy.
The exhibition, the first of its kind in Africa, showcased 50 historic Italian menus, curated by the Biblioteca e Museo della Cucina “Garum” and Menu Associati, institutions renowned for preserving Italy’s culinary heritage.
The menus traced an arc from Italy’s post-unification era through the Monarchy and into the Republic, illustrating shifts in culinary traditions, cultural influences, ingredient evolution, and the growing modern emphasis on sustainability and regional identity.
The launch was hosted by the Ambassador-designate of Italy to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco.
In attendance was Maestro Tommaso Cascella, a world-renowned Italian painter and sculptor, who unveiled a specially crafted sculptural table titled ‘Arch, Bridge, Scale, Rainbow of Peace and Work.’
The artwork, designed and completed in Nairobi in collaboration with Kenyan artisans, will join the permanent collection of the Embassy of Italy.
It stems from a residency program promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute of Nairobi in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Kenya and the Saint Kizito Youth Training Institute.
Following the launch, the celebrations continued with four exclusive Italian Wine Tastings – two hosted in Nairobi, one in Watamu, and one in Malindi – each curated to showcase Italy’s regional diversity, craftsmanship, and a century of culinary
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, who was present, highlighted the vital link between gastronomy, tourism development, and cultural exchange.
She noted that Italy’s legacy of culinary excellence continued to inspire global admiration and acknowledged the importance of events such as the Culinary Week in strengthening cross-cultural understanding and boosting destination experiences within Kenya’s tourism sector.
“This exhibition is a testament to that collaboration, beautifully symbolised by Maestro Cascella’s sculptural table created alongside Kenyan artisans here in Nairobi,” said Miano.
The exhibition runs until December 10.