Oriental Food Festival (Eataly Rome Ostiense)

Oriental Food Festival: Asia arrives at Eataly Rome Ostiense

In May 2026, Rome hosted the first edition of the Oriental Food Festival, a food and wine event that brought the aromas and tastes of the Far East to the second floor of Eataly Rome Ostiense, located in the former Air Terminal space at Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492. For two consecutive weekends, the large store in the Ostiense district of Rome (Lazio) transformed into a tasting journey through China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

A journey through the flavors of the Far East

The festival brought together brands and chefs specializing in Asian cuisines, each with their own themed stall. Chinese and Cantonese tradition was represented by SONG (Hong Kong) with dim sum: jiaozi, har gau, and duck or vegetable dumplings. Vietnam showcased its street food icons with VIÊTNÒM, from Bánh mì to ginger-marinated fried chicken, while Thailand, represented by Chef Pum, offered the famous pad thai with shrimp or vegetables.

Japan was a major highlight: the wagyu katsu sando from IE Koji Izakaya, onigiri and chirashi from Ramè, and the pastries from Hiromi Cake featuring matcha, azuki, or chocolate dorayaki, mochi, and green tea desserts. To complete the experience, a selection of oriental drinks was available: sake, signature cocktails, wines, and Japanese beer.

Show cooking, music, and atmosphere

Beyond the tastings, the program featured show cooking and entertainment. Chefs revealed the secrets of their signature dishes: one Saturday dedicated to Vietnamese Bánh mì and, the following week, the katsu sando by Chef Koji Nakai. In the background, DJ sets accompanied guests between dishes, giving the event the lively atmosphere of an Asian night market.

Free admission and token system

Admission was free: to eat and drink, visitors purchased tokens at the dedicated counters on the second floor, each worth €1.50. Promotional packages were also available for those wanting to sample more items. A formula designed to allow guests to freely explore the different stalls, creating a personal tasting path through the various cuisines of the East.

An event in the heart of Ostiense

With this first edition, Eataly Rome Ostiense confirmed its role as a hub for gastronomic events in the city of Rome, the capital of Lazio. The Ostiense district, with its blend of industrial archaeology and new cultural life, provided the ideal backdrop for a festival that combined curiosity for world cuisines with the conviviality typical of Italian dining.