Culinary competition in Kenya showcases deepening China-Kenya cultural exchanges

Abstract : The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya.

A visitor takes photos of a Chinese dish during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

NAIROBI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya.

Senior government officials, diplomats, and industry executives attended the competition, where chefs from China, several African countries, the United States, and Australia showcased their prowess in preparing Chinese dishes.

John Ololtuaa, principal secretary for the State Department of Tourism in Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, said the championship underscored the fusion of Chinese and African cultures and the strong bonds of friendship between the two sides.

"Today's competition provides a greater opportunity to showcase Chinese gastronomy to the world," said Ololtuaa, noting that he looked forward to experiencing Chinese cuisine blended with Kenyan flavors.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan described the evolution of Chinese cuisine in Africa as a vivid story of cultural exchange and fusion.

"In today's arena, I am convinced we will see interpretations of classic Chinese dishes as well as creative fusions with African ingredients. This embodies the essence of Chinese culinary philosophy -- harmony in diversity, and reflects the spirit of China-Africa friendship -- beauty in mutual appreciation," said Guo.

"I believe this event will foster learning and mutual inspiration, allowing exchanges and cooperation in the catering industry between China and Africa to glow even more brightly on the African continent," she added.

Mark Ogendi, principal and chief executive officer of Kenya Utalii College, hailed the cuisine contest for providing a platform to boost cross-cultural exchanges between local and Chinese institutions.

As part of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season, the day-long event was jointly hosted by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry, the Kenya Chinese Cuisine and Culture Association, and Kenya Utalii College, the country's premier hospitality and tourism training institution.

Photo taken on Oct. 30, 2025 shows Chinese dishes prepared by contestants during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A contestant prepares ingredients during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A visitor offers food to a contestant with chopsticks during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Contestants prepare ingredients during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

A contestant prepares a dish during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Contestants sample Chinese dishes during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Visitors sample Chinese dishes during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

Visitors take photos of Chinese dishes prepared by contestants during the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine held in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 30, 2025. The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, the first of its kind on the continent, was held Thursday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges between China and Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)