Kenya hosts first Africa Championship of Chinese and African Cuisine

The competition, held at Kenya Utalii College in Nairobi, aims to strengthen cultural ties between China and Africa through the art of cooking.

According to organisers, the event featured 40 competing teams from different African countries, showcasing both traditional Chinese dishes and creative fusions that blend African flavours with Asian culinary techniques.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, said the championship represents a milestone in China–Africa cultural exchange.

“The 40 competing teams bring with them not only superb culinary skills, but also the rich and diversified cultures of their countries. I believe this event will foster learning and mutual inspiration, allowing cooperation in the catering industry between China and Africa to glow even more brightly across the continent,” she said.

Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, commended the collaboration, noting that it supports tourism and education in the hospitality sector.

“I’m happy with the growing number of Chinese visitors coming to Kenya. This collaboration, and the choice of Kenya Utalii College as host, is highly welcome. It’s an important step to ensure that as we promote our Kenyan cuisine, we also learn from Chinese cuisine,” he said.

Millicent Onditi, one of the event judges from Utalii College, said food remains a universal language that connects people.

“It’s food that brings people from different countries together at the table — it’s about culture. China has unique traditions when it comes to presentation, and even the plates tell a story of its heritage,” she explained.

The championship also marks the launch of the China–Kenya Culture and Tourism Season 2025, an initiative aimed at promoting people-to-people exchanges and showcasing the power of cuisine as a tool of cultural diplomacy.

Organisers say they hope to make the championship an annual event, rotating across different African countries to encourage cultural dialogue through food.