PROLOGUE

Ancestral knowledge associated with cooking and eating, as well as exploration and innovation, constitutes a diversity of culinary cultures. That knowledge is part of the ‘gastronomic luggage’ that thousands of Colombian cooks take to different parts of the world, in this case, as part of the Plan for the Promotion of Colombia Abroad, one of the most valuable tools of Colombian public diplomacy.

This book summarizes extraordinary experiences that have been, and are still being promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia to show the world what we are and what we eat. The planning behind all of this has been made possible by traditional knowledge-bearers, cultural entrepreneurs, researchers, and chefs, who are in constant dialogue with the land and its produce. All of them are passionate about their craft and their motherland, which offers them so much abundance.

Our culinary heritage is incredibly diverse and has many opportunities to multiply thanks to creative work. There is also a growing movement in Colombia that is focused on protecting our ecosystems and our intangible cultural heritage, fair trade, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Readers will have the opportunity to travel around a country full of contrasts. They will come into contact with different practices and flavors through the stories told by those who have been key actors of our culinary diplomacy strategy. Some traveled to Manila, Ankara, Quito, Accra, Paris, Argel, Beirut, Canberra… Not just to prepare a dish, but to share and teach culinary techniques and knowledge associated with these recipes. Also to learn from other culinary cultures that can mix, thereby enriching themselves and our culture as well.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions have convoked in more than 60 countries, workshops, tastings, master classes, visits to farmers markets, innovation labs, and, of course, dinners inspired by the purpose of promoting conversations, supporting negotiations, or celebrating the friendship and solidarity that unites us with the world.

Thank you for joining us on this journey and taking an interest in the memory and talent of our country.

Álvaro Leyva Durán Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia