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Nairobi’s cultural scene came alive as the Embassy of Italy launched the tenth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World with a stunning exhibition titled “Dining with Italy: 100 Years of Taste and Innovation.” Hosted at the Nairobi National Museum’s Hall of Kenya, the event marked a major milestone: the first-ever showcase of historic Italian menus in Africa.

The exhibition features 50 beautifully preserved menus curated by Italy’s top culinary heritage institutions. Together, they tell the story of how Italian cuisine has evolved—from post-unification dishes to modern sustainable cooking—highlighting the country’s deep love for food, culture, and innovation.

The opening night brought together an impressive mix of Kenyan and Italian dignitaries. CS Rebecca Miano, the chief guest, celebrated the long-standing friendship between the two nations and spoke passionately about the power of food to shape tourism and cultural exchange. She encouraged Kenya to build on its already vibrant farm experiences—like Fairview Coffee Estate and Kiambethu Tea Farm—to create world-class agro-tourism products inspired by Italy’s famous wine routes.

Guests were also treated to a special artistic moment as Italian maestro Tommaso Cascella unveiled a sculptural table crafted in Nairobi with the help of Kenyan artisans—a symbolic “bridge of peace and work” between the two cultures. Olympic marathon medalist Benson Kipruto added to the star power in the room.

Italian Ambassador-designate Vincenzo Del Monaco highlighted how themes like biodiversity, innovation, and culinary heritage align with ongoing Italy–Kenya cooperation, including support for thousands of Kenyan coffee farmers under the Mattei Plan for Africa.

The exhibition runs until 10 December 2025, giving visitors plenty of time to immerse themselves in Italy’s gastronomic history. The celebration continues with exclusive Italian wine tastings in Nairobi, Malindi, and Watamu—each offering a delicious journey through Italy’s regional flavors.

With this year’s edition, the Embassy of Italy once again reinforces the strong cultural ties between the two countries and celebrates the timeless beauty of Italian cuisine.