The Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai celebrated the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World with a rich program of initiatives. The guest of honour was Michelin star Chef Giancarlo Morelli, one of the leading figures of contemporary haute cuisine, whose restaurants and projects have made him a point of reference at international level.
Consul General Walter Ferrara opened the week by speaking at the gelato masterclass organised by the Italian Trade Agency in New Delhi. The guest was Carlotta Fabbri, President of Products category for gelato at Unione Italiana Food and Master of the art of gelato, who illustrated to the audience the unique characteristics of Italian gelato. This was followed by a live gelato‑making demonstration by Chef Fanny Lopez Ruano and gelato tasting.
Beyond gelato, the Consulate General of Italy, in collaboration with the Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management, organised a masterclass with Chef Giancarlo Morelli. In front of an audience of students and aspiring chefs, the Chef and his assistants prepared risotto and ravioli, two dishes in which Morelli has distinguished himself internationally, symbols of a cuisine that renews itself without forgetting its roots.
To conclude, Consul General Ferrara hosted a gala dinner in the unique setting of the restaurant Vetro, with a menu created for the occasion by Chef Morelli. Distinguished guests were able to enjoy the Chef’s creations, on an evening made even more special by the nomination of Italian cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The week was also enthusiastically welcomed by more than 30 Italian pizzerias across Mumbai, which created special pizzas for the occasion.
The Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, now in its tenth edition, is one of the longest‑running thematic events promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Over the years, more than 10,000 events have been organised in over 100 countries, promoting the excellence of Italian food abroad. “Italian cuisine between culture, health and innovation” is this year’s theme, made even more significant by the final vote that will take place in New Delhi on 10 December. If the outcome is positive, Italian cuisine will be the first in the world to obtain recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
