Guests in Yuzhong | Nicola, an Italian Chef: Yuzhong–a Place That Always Inspires Hope and Expectation

“If you want to understand the Chinese market and do good business, you might as well start in Yuzhong District.” These are the words of Nicola Sangiovanni, a chef from Naples, Italy. In 2015, he came to Chongqing with a one-month cooperation plan. Little did he expect that this short trip would turn into a long-lasting love affair—from working for others to starting his own business, he has made Yuzhong his home and has even become the“lively, cheerful guy” among his friends. He said,“Yuzhong is a a Place That Always Inspires Hope and Expectation.”

△ Nicola is cooking a dish.

“Life in Yuzhong gives you a promising future and career.”

When Nicola first arrived in Chongqing, he felt a strange sense of familiarity."People from Naples are straightforward, warm-hearted, lively, loud, and know how to enjoy life. In that regard, they are very similar to the people of Chongqing." He remarked that the people of both cities share a passionate and unrestrained character, and their temperaments are especially well-matched."Naples is one of the most soulful cities in the world, and Chongqing is also a city with profound depth."

△ Participated in the"Smile Project" event.

Nicola recalls that when he first arrived, the Cuntan area was still under large-scale construction, but he could clearly sense its enormous development potential. He keenly seized the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative, established a base in Chongqing, introduced Italian wines and food products to the Chinese market, and tried to expand his business through the China-Europe Railway Express.

After moving to Yuzhong, he became increasingly drawn to its energy and charm, resolving to put down roots there."At first, I was just an employee, but later I started my own business and delved deep into the catering industry. Even though the early days were tough, I never wavered." He often advises those around him:"If you really want to understand the Chinese market, you might as well start in Yuzhong District."

As days turned into years, he came to regard this place as his true home."I deeply love this landscape of mountains and rivers, and these neighborhoods. Every morning when I wake up, I feel that life has a promising future and my career has direction—my heart is filled with happiness. This is a city that always holds promise."

"Differences in cuisine bring a unique kind of joy, constantly offering fresh experiences."

In Chongqing's food scene, Nicola has a wellknown story: In 2019, he took part in the Chongqing Noodle (Xiaomian) category of the"Bayu Craftsman" – the 6th China • Chongqing Vocational Skills Competition, as the only foreign contestant."Everyone gathered around curiously to watch me, as if I were a panda – it was quite a scene." At the competition, he witnessed the superb skills of top noodle masters from across the country, describing the event as"a rare learning opportunity and also a personal challenge."

△ Participated in the International Chef Invitational Competition.

A fan of Chongqing's dry-tossed noodles (ganliu mian), Nicola traveled all over Sichuan and Chongqing to sample the signature noodle dishes from various shops. He then developed a creative pasta dish of his own—using local Chongqing ingredients paired with Italian ingredients, preserving the flavors of Chongqing while incorporating Italian cooking techniques."Italian cuisine is a culinary philosophy and a way of life. As long as you master authentic cooking methods and maintain a genuine attitude toward food, you can create an authentic flavor using local ingredients." He takes great delight in this kind of fusion creation.

△ Sharing Italian culinary culture.

Nicola believes that the biggest commonality between Italian cuisine and Chongqing cuisine is that food has long been integrated into the daily lives of people in both places, becoming an indispensable part of life."Many important moments in life are inseparable from good food. Although the flavors are vastly different, it is precisely these differences that bring a unique joy and keep offering fresh experiences."

"Choosing Yuzhong back then now feels absolutely right."

From serving as Food & Beverage Director of the Bonded Port Italian Pavilion to founding his own culinary consulting company, Nicola has completed the transformation from chef to entrepreneur."These 11 years have seen tremendous changes. Yuzhong has evolved from a tourist check-in spot into a core urban area, with commercial development advancing rapidly here. You can quickly grasp business trends, receive entrepreneurial guidance, and seize opportunities here. Choosing Yuzhong back then now feels absolutely right."

△ Participating in an Italian pizza culture tasting event.

In recent years, he has been deeply involved in Yuzhong's cultural exchanges, becoming a folk ambassador connecting the culinary cultures of the two sides."What makes me happiest is seeing the audience full of curiosity about Italian food culture and listening attentively. Standing on stage and sharing food with others is a relaxing and wonderful thing."

△ Making a 10-meter-long giant pizza at the 2017 Italian Culture Festival.

Speaking about the International Friendship City Food Street, which once again welcomed guests during the 2026 Chongqing International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, Nicola said:"Street food is a warm carrier of culture and the most direct way to bring people closer together and promote cultural exchange. Chongqing's snacks rank among the best in China, and this platform allows friends from around the world to easily experience and fall in love with Chongqing."

Currently, Nicola is preparing a new Italian fast-food project, planning to launch it in Yuzhong. He also hopes to make professional pizza competitions a regular event and promote authentic Western cuisine."Chongqing already has the capability to create a genuine Western food culture and is fully qualified to become a truly international metropolis."（Contributors: Foreign Affairs Office of Yuzhong District Government）