From November 18 to 24, 2024, the ninth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World (SCIM 2024) will take place in Kosovo. This year, the event focuses on the theme: “Mediterranean Diet and the Recipes from Our Roots: Health and Tradition” organized by the Embassy of Italy in Pristina in collaboration with the ITA Agency in Tirana.
The initiative aims to promote Italian cuisine by highlighting its traditional roots and the essential role of the Mediterranean Diet in fostering a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.
For SCIM 2024, we will welcome professors and students from the Domenico Modugno Vocational Institute in Polignano a Mare, a center of excellence in the field of gastronomy and culinary arts.
With their invaluable contribution, we will offer a week rich in culinary and educational experiences that showcase the Mediterranean Diet and traditional Italian cuisine as a healthy and adaptable dietary model suitable for diverse contexts.
Two invitation-only gala dinners will take place during the week: November 18 at the Swiss Diamond Hotel in Pristina and November 20 at the Dukagjini Hotel in Peja.
The common thread of both dinners will be the celebration of shared origins between traditional Italian and Arbëreshë cuisine. The menus, curated and prepared by the Domenico Modugno Institute, will feature traditional Italian dishes influenced by the culinary heritage of the historic and deeply rooted Arbëreshë community in Italy, particularly present in southern regions.
The gala dinner in Peja will also include an extensive Italian wine tasting organized by the ITA Agency and the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) – Albania Club.
Two show cooking sessions open to the public will also be held at the two largest shopping malls in Pristina: November 19 at Albi Mall and November 23 at Prishtina Mall. During these sessions, professors and students from the Domenico Modugno Institute will present iconic Italian pasta dishes, offering a taste of the country’s rich culinary tradition.
a third show cooking session will take place on November 22 at the headquarters of the company “Frigo Deluxe”, which specializes in catering equipment. This event will be directed towards a professional audience.
The program also includes an educational segment featuring a conference at UBT University in Pristina, titled “Nutraceuticals and Gastroceuticals: Allies for a New Format in Food and Beverage Service – Ristoceutica,” led by Professor Innocente Galluzzi from the Domenico Modugno Institute.
Following the conference, a culinary demonstration will showcase the preparation of Cialedda Pugliese 2.0.
For the third consecutive year, selected restaurants in Pristina will offer special Italian menus at a fixed price of €10 throughout the Week. This year, participation has grown to 17 establishments, including: Bagolina, Capvin13, Delish-Telinda, Don Napoletano, Extrafish Pejton, Fishop, Il Gusto Ristorante Italiano, Jana Napoletana, La Napoletana, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele, Pastatore, Perla Ristorante, Ponte Vecchio, Rita’s, Sette Ristorante Italiano, Sospiro Ristorante, and Tutto Vino.
We invite you to follow the Week’s events on our social media channels – #SCIM2024.
Please find the program of initiatives organized in Kosovo attached.