ITALIAN FOOD WEEK HIGHLIGHTS LINK BETWEEN GASTRONOMY AND HEALTHY LIVING

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Italian cuisine is not merely about food. It is about celebrating life, culture, and the respect towards ingredients and community, says the Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia, Raffaele Langella.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of the 10th edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World 2025 at a prominent hotel here on Wednesday, Langella said the event underscores Italy’s deep connection between gastronomy, health and heritage.

“As you may know, Italy has been advocating for the inclusion of Italian cuisine in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. We see food not merely as sustenance, but as culture,” he said.

He noted that Italian food culture is a global phenomenon, with its influence felt in restaurants and kitchens around the world. 

“Wherever you go, you’ll find Italian techniques, ingredients, and a sense of authenticity that transcends borders,” he added.

Asked how this year’s theme links cuisine to healthier living, Langella said the answer lies in the Italian approach to food itself, from appreciation of the ingredients used to preparing the food itself. 

He said that food is also about fostering social connection and relationship among people and community.

“From this perspective, cuisine contributes not only to physical health but also to emotional balance and overall well-being,” he said.

Organised by the Italian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the Italian Trade Agency, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (ITALCHAM), the event will run until Nov 13 with some promotions extended until Dec 5.

Themed “Italian Cuisine: A Celebration of Health, Culture and Innovation”, this year’s promotion features a series of cooking demonstrations, public talks on nutrition, and special menus across 21 participating Italian restaurants.

-- BERNAMA