Celebrating Italian and South African Culinary Heritage
23–28 November 2026 | Pretoria & Johannesburg
The tastiest time of the year is here!
From 23 to 28 November, we celebrate the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, an annual celebration of the flavours, traditions and stories that make Italian cuisine so extraordinary.
This year marks a particularly special occasion: the first edition following the recognition of Italian cuisine as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Under the official theme, “Italian Cuisine as UNESCO Heritage: Territories and Outstanding Food Supply Chains”, this edition celebrates the richness of Italy’s local products, culinary traditions and regional excellence, while exploring how Italian cuisine continues to evolve and inspire cultures around the world.
To mark this special occasion, the Italian Cultural Institute in Pretoria invites you to three events exploring the fascinating connections between Italian and South African food cultures. From an engaging seminar in Johannesburg to a culinary masterclass and an exclusive dinner in Pretoria, discover how migration, cultural exchange and local ingredients have shaped Italian cuisine beyond Italy.
Thursday, 26 November | Johannesburg
Seminar: Italian Cuisine in the World and the South African Evolution of Italian Cuisine
Discover the journey of Italian cuisine across the world and explore how Italian culinary traditions have evolved in South Africa, adapting to local ingredients, tastes and cultural influences.
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Venue: Italian Sporting Club, Johannesburg
- Admission: Free, with prior registration
- Special guest: Professor Simone Cinotto
The seminar will be followed by light refreshments and drinks, offering an opportunity to continue the conversation and connect with fellow food and culture enthusiasts.
Register for the seminar here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/italian-cuisines-of-the-world-italian-food-in-america-and-africa-tickets-2004360321678?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday, 27 November | Pretoria
- Masterclass: The Global Journey of Italian Cuisine
Explore the evolution of Italian cuisine across continents and its special relationship with South African food culture.
- Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Venue: Prue Leith Culinary Institute, Pretoria
- Admission: Free, with prior registration
- Guest speakers: Professor Simone Cinotto, Dr Anna Trapido and Adele Stiehler-van der Westhuizen
Registration: Contact info@prueleith.co.za by 25 November.
Places are limited.
- A Dinner of Heritage, Flavour & Cultural Exchange
An exclusive culinary experience celebrating the meeting of Italian traditions and South Africa’s unique ingredients.
Discover how migration and cultural exchange have shaped Italian cuisine in South Africa through an exceptional five-course dinner with wine pairings.
- Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Venue: Prue Leith Culinary Institute, Pretoria
- Price: R850 per person, including five courses and wine pairings
- Special guest: Professor Simone Cinotto
Reservations: Contact restaurant@prueleith.co.za.
Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking.
Join us around the table!
Food is much more than what we eat: it is history, identity, tradition and a wonderful way of bringing cultures together.
This November, celebrate with us the flavours of Italy and the special bond between Italian and South African culinary heritage.
We look forward to welcoming you!