By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The Consulate of Italy in Karachi organized the Italian Food Festival from 12-14 December in lieu of the 10th Edition of the World Week of Italian Cuisine “Italian Cooking: Culture, Health and Innovation.
Eminent dignitaries and officials attended the evening, the honorable Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori; Madam Faryal Talpur, President- Pakistan Peoples’ Party Women Wing, the Chief Secretary of Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah and other notable Ministers, Parliamentarians, Diplomats, Bureaucrats and distinguished authorities.
At the opening night of the Italian Food Festival, the Consul, Fabrizio Bielli welcomed all distinguished guests, dignitaries, officials and friends of Italy to an evening of extraordinary Italian gastronomical experience in Karachi. The event marked the milestone anniversary of the world week of Italian Cuisine as well the recognition of the Italian Cuisine- the first to be inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Out of the 21 traditions inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, nine are in fact attributable to the agri-food sector: Italian cuisine, the art of Neapolitan pizza makers, transhumance, the construction of dry-stone walls in agriculture, the cultivation of the Pantelleria, Zibibbo vine, the Mediterranean diet, truffle hunting and quarrying, the traditional irrigation system, and the breeding of Lipizzaner horses.
Italian gastronomy is admired worldwide for its refined simplicity and timeless charm. At its core lie pure, organic ingredients—sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the finest olive oil.
These elements, humble yet exceptional, come together to create dishes of remarkable depth and elegance. Italian cuisine reminds us that true culinary excellence begins with respect for nature’s gifts.
It is a tradition built on quality, authenticity, and a profound love for the land.
The evening honored the heritage behind these cherished recipes and celebrated the cultural bridge that brings Italy and Karachi closer through shared appreciation of good food.
