PH Embassy unveils 3rd Filipino Food Guide, highlights pili nut in Rome
ROME – Filipino cuisine took the spotlight in Italy as the Philippine Embassy launched the third edition of its Filipino Food and Restaurant Guide, titled “From Home to Rome: Filipino Cuisine in the Eternal City,” alongside a celebration of Filipino Food Month featuring the iconic pili nut.
Organized in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Tourism, the event showcased the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to promote its culinary heritage, culture, and entrepreneurship abroad through public diplomacy.
Held on April 17 at the FAO FoodS Lab, the gathering brought together key figures from the international community, including Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu, as well as representatives from the World Food Programme, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the private sector, and the Filipino community in Italy.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the updated food guide, which now features three additional Filipino-owned restaurants in Rome: Ka-Pamilya Filipino Restobar, Kusinang Capampangan, and Tambayan Filipino Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. More than a directory, the guide serves as a cultural platform that shares the stories of Filipino restaurateurs introducing authentic flavors to a global audience.
Philippine Ambassador Neal Imperial emphasized that food acts as a bridge between cultures and a powerful expression of identity. He also noted the growing global recognition of Filipino cuisine and encouraged both Italians and international visitors to explore the featured establishments.
The celebration also put a spotlight on the pili nut, a prized crop from the Bicol Region and parts of the Visayas, known for its rich nutritional value and versatility. The ingredient was presented as both a symbol of Filipino heritage and a product with strong agricultural potential.
Guests enjoyed tasting sessions and innovative gelato creations that combined Filipino ingredients with Italian craftsmanship. Featured flavors included chili vanilla with salted caramel pili nuts, pili with Sicilian tangerine, and a vegan pili gelato—demonstrating how local Philippine products can adapt to global culinary traditions.
In his message, Qu Dongyu highlighted food as a reflection of culture, biodiversity, and shared human experience, describing the pili nut as a representation of the Filipino character—resilient yet warm. He also underscored the importance of food diplomacy in fostering international understanding and cooperation.
A presentation on the pili industry further emphasized its role in supporting sustainable livelihoods for farming communities while raising global awareness of indigenous Philippine crops.
Beyond cuisine, the event underscored how food connects Filipinos abroad to their roots. For many in the diaspora, it serves as both nourishment and a link to home, preserving traditions while adapting to new environments.
As Filipino food continues to gain ground in Italy—a country renowned for its culinary heritage—the growing presence of Filipino restaurants reflects both cultural integration and entrepreneurial success.
Through the launch of the updated guide and the pili nut showcase, the Philippine Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural ties and promoting Filipino food, heritage, and innovation on the global stage.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
