Savoring flavors of Italy: culinary journey for well-being and taste

Italian homemade pizza with artichoke and olives / Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Seoul

As the aroma of freshly cooked pasta and the essence of Mediterranean spices fill the air, the Italian Embassy in Seoul is delighted to launch the annual Italian Cuisine Week, a celebration that has become a highly anticipated culinary event since its inception in 2016. Inspired by the themes of food security, healthy nutrition and quality, this event in November serves as a vibrant tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Italy.

The 2023 Italian Cuisine Week, themed "Dining with the Italian Cuisine: Well-being with Taste," promises a mouthwatering experience for food enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs alike. This annual event, running from Nov. 13 to 23, aims to explore the harmony between taste and well-being, with a focus on the renowned Mediterranean diet.

Classic Italian lasagna / Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Seoul

The extravaganza is not just a feast for the senses, thanks to the presence of four renowned Italian chefs, but also a cultural exchange between Italy and Korea. Under the guidance of Ambassador Emilia Gatto, the Italian Embassy, in collaboration with key players like the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT) and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ITCCK), has curated a program that transcends mere culinary delight.

The event will start with a step into the world of culinary craftsmanship as Italian chef Marco Ferrari will host “Settimana” cooking classes at the Italian Residence. Far beyond a cooking demonstration, these sessions promise to unravel the secrets and passion of Italian cuisine woven into every dish. In addition, chef Francesco Ghilardi will lead a cooking Master Class in collaboration with ALMA, or the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in High Street Italia, Italy’s hub in Seoul.

Pasta Fresca / Courtesy of Embassy of Italy in Seoul

A gala dinner featuring an Italian Michelin-starred chef is set to grace the town. The esteemed chef Piergiorgio Siviero from Restaurant Lazzaro 1915 will be showcasing his culinary expertise, offering the opportunity to savor the most exclusive culinary creations. This exquisite event will take place in the splendid setting of Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, with a carefully curated guestlist adding to the exclusivity of the evening.

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti dines in space. Courtesy of ESANASA

The uniqueness of the flavor of Italian cuisine has a secret, and this year they aim at uncovering it with two seminars on cheese, olive oil and herbs that will show how these simple ingredients can make a difference by combining special taste and healthy nutritional properties. Furthermore, the role of wine will be underlined — indulge in the delightful tasting sessions organized to pay homage to the diversity and heritage of Italian winemaking. These events aim at creating a sensory journey, in which the pleasure of fine dining is accentuated by its combination with the diversity of Italian vines — did you know that Italy has more than 2,000 grape varieties?

In a quest to merge traditions with the growing attention on well-being, a seminar on "Healthy Korean Cuisine with the Mediterranean Diet" by nutritionist Kim Hyung-mi, director of Medisola Research Institute, takes center stage. Beyond the palate, this session will explore the underlying factors that have made both the Italian and Korean cuisines two choices that allow for healthy lifestyles. In today's world, there is heightened emphasis on the selection of ingredients, a focal point underscored by the “Italian Hospitality certificates” awarded annually to Italian restaurants committed to preserving the authenticity of products and their ties to specific regions.

Space food / Courtesy of Roberto Sammartini for EAT freedom

Not only that — sustainability will also take the spotlight thanks to a seminar on “Sustainable urban farming practices” with farmer Lee Sang-lin, owner of Goyang Chanwoomull Farm and member of Slow Food Korea, another example of how food is not a superficial subject. This event aims to inspire a collective effort toward a greener, eco-friendlier future.

The grand finale unfolds at High Street Italia with a technological and futuristic culinary experience — the "Space Food for Mission Minerva" event. Beyond the boundaries of earthly gastronomy, this tasting event will showcase the process that lies behind the preparation of food for space activities. The idea is to create an event that feels like a space journey and brings guests from Earth to space. Participants will be able to taste real space cuisine prepared by chef Stefano Polato that needs to comply with three main goals, as in the words of the Italian space engineer Sara Rocci Denis, CEO and founder of Eat Freedom that together with Collectibus commercialize Italian space food: ensuring its shelf life for 18/24 months, protecting its nutritional value and maintaining its appearance, consistency and flavor.

Most events are open only to professionals, but from Nov. 14 to 19, the public is invited to High Street Italia, located in southern Seoul's Garosu-gil, to taste Italian espresso and gelato crafted using authentic production methods, as well as an array of other Italian delicious products from balsamic vinegar to olive oil, from fruit jams to other typical gourmet specialties.

Contact the Italian Embassy on Instagram (@ItalyinKorea_) or X (@ItalyinKorea) if you have any further questions or wish to be included in some of these activities.

This article was provided by the Italian Embassy in Korea.