This six-day series celebrates the extraordinary variety of EU food and drink products - from regional cheeses and robust wines to delicate pastries, cured meats, aromatic herbs and olive oils. Each session introduces a different theme, showcasing how these products can be enjoyed in new ways in Japan.
Deep Dives
22 May – Cheese: A European Classic
With flavours ranging from sharp to creamy and pairings that span from spicy to sweet, European cheeses are as diverse as the regions they come from. This session offers a chance to explore traditional and contemporary combinations using cheeses from Denmark, Cyprus, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Italy.
23 May – Wines from the EU
From fresh, floral whites to bold, structured reds, Europe’s wines represent a spectrum of styles rooted in regional tradition. Pairings are tailored to Japanese tastes and include options like wines from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Portugal, France, and Germany.
24 May – Sweet Moments: EU Pastries & Teatime
Europe’s pastry culture is all about small pleasures, from a buttery biscuit to a spoonful of jam. This session highlights comforting treats and teatime favourites, including organic speculoos from Belgium, chocolate chip cookies from Denmark, lingonberry jam from Sweden, strawberry jam from Poland, Hunaja honey from Finland, and honey with blueberries from Estonia. Learn how these delicacies can be part of your everyday routine or a special afternoon break.
25 May – Savoury Selections: EU Ham, Sausages & Herbs
Europe’s savoury traditions are brought to life in this session exploring cured meats, salts, and herbs. Sample the aromatic cured ham from Spain and Portugal; and discover how seasoning like parsley from Austria, dried chamomile from Hungary, Malta sea salt, and salt with black truffle from Croatia can elevate any dish.
26 May - Cheese: A Taste of Europe’s Finest
From creamy to bold, smoky to sharp, European cheeses bring centuries of tradition and regional character to every bite. In this session, discover the unique stories and flavours behind some of the continent’s most celebrated cheeses. Featured varieties include cheese from Lithuania, France, Cyprus, Netherlands, Germany, and Slovakia.
27 May – Olive Oils of Europe
Explore olive oils from across the EU and learn how they can enhance both Japanese and European dishes - from a simple salad to complex sauces.
Products featured include oil from Italy, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus.
Product Tastings
Visit the EU Food Festival on Wheels to enjoy a rotating menu of tastings that highlight creative flavour pairings between EU and Japanese ingredients.
Meet Tane-Chan!
Back by popular demand, Tane-Chan will host an EU-themed food quiz for curious minds of all ages. Stop by, take part, and test your foodie knowledge!
Detailed programme
Activities and Programme:
May 22
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU cheese: Explore regional varieties and characteristics through comparative tasting.
- 13:00–13:20 - Spice & sweetness: Discover the taste of EU cheeses paired with pepper, jam, honey and more.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - Seasonal fruit pairings: Enjoy delightful combinations such as muscat grapes or peaches with your favourite EU cheeses.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
May 23
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU wines: Learn about the wide variety and special characteristics of EU wines.
- 13:00–13:20 - How to enjoy EU red wines in season – delicious red wines paired with Japanese snacks
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - How to enjoy EU white wines in season – crisp white wines paired with Japanese snacks.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
May 24
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s enjoy European teatime: Delight in crumbly cookies, delicious biscuits and other sweet delights from the EU.
- 13:00–13:20 – A perfect start to the day: Elevate your breakfasts and daytime snacks with EU jam.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 – Make your life sweeter: Discover the subtle flavours of delicious natural honey from the EU.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
May 25
- 11:30–11:50 – Savoury delights: Discover the varieties of EU ham and sausage at a comparative tasting.
- 13:00–13:20 – Spice Masterclass: Top tips from an expert on how to get the best from spices and herbs.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 – Subtle seasoning; an introduction to truffle sale, sea salt and other EU seasonings.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
May 26
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU cheese: Discover the unique qualities of each region by sampling and comparing a variety of traditional cheeses.
- 13:00–13:20 - Spice & sweetness: Experience how the flavours of EU cheeses are enhanced when paired with ingredients like pepper, jam, honey and other accompaniments.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - Seasonal fruit pairings: Enjoy delightful combinations such as muscat grapes or peaches with your favourite EU cheeses.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
May 27
- 11:30–11:50 - Let’s travel in the EU with EU olive oils: Discover the wide range of delicious olive oils from Europe’s sun-drenched olive groves.
- 13:00–13:20 - A little more olive oil: Add a touch of Europe to Japanese dishes like tofu and miso soup.
- 14:00 – 14:20 – First Tane Chan quiz.
- 15:00–15:20 - Crafting dressings: Create flavourful fusion dressings by blending EU olive oils with bold Japanese ingredients like yuzu kosho, wasabi and soy sauce.
- 16:00 – 16:20 - Second Tane Chan quiz.
- 17:00 – 17:20 – Third Tane Chan quiz.
- Perfect Match tastings: 50-minute sessions beginning at 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, with a final simple tasting at 19:30.
*Please note that quantities are limited, and tastings will conclude once the allotted servings for each session have been distributed.
Meet our experts!
Japanese Sommelier Association (JSA)
Founded in 1969, the JSA is a major professional organisation in the Japanese wine industry. With the growing popularity of wine in the archipelago, it has established itself as the leading authority in training its professionals. All certified Japanese sommeliers must pass its sommelier exam. It has a network of approximately 15,000 certified members (sommeliers, wine experts/advisors, and members*). And in a country where all business relies on networking, its influence lends significant weight to its decisions and statements.
Cheese Professional Association (CPA)
Founded in 2000, the Cheese Professional Association is a leading Japanese trade organisation dedicated to promoting cheese culture throughout Japan. It brings together experts, distributors, restaurateurs, and cheese enthusiasts with the aim of raising awareness and appreciation for cheese. The CPA organises events, competitions, and professional training — most notably the prestigious Cheese Professional certification exam — helping to elevate standards of knowledge and expertise among both professionals and the general public .
Japanese Olive Oil Taster’s Association (JOOTA)
JOOTA is the Japan Olive Oil Taster Association, a professional organisation in Japan that promotes olive oil quality and culture. They also host the JOOTA Awards, a Tokyo International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition. The awards recognise excellence in extra virgin olive oils from around the world, with judging by professional tasters according to international standards.
A number of recognised experts in categories such as confectionery and meat will be on hand to share their insights. They will delve into the unique qualities of European ingredients and explore how these can be incorporated into the everyday practice of Japanese cuisine. Through their guidance, participants will gain a deeper understanding of flavour profiles, culinary applications, and the added value these ingredients bring to home cooking.
Check out our recipes!
Amazake and cheese sauce (with vegetables) (Italy): Link
Cheese marinated in rice koji (Lithuania): Link
Cooked Rice with Luncheon Meat and Hijiki Seaweed (Denmark): Link
Deep-Fried Hanpen Sandwich with Halloumi PDO Cheese (Cyprus): Link
Fresh fish carpaccio (Slovenia): Link
Grilled duck with wasabi sauce (Hungary): Link
Grilled Eggplant with Comté PDO Cheese (France): Link
Grilled Spinach with Grated Yam (Belgium): Link
Houjicha scones with organic fig jam (Croatia): Link
Marinated tomatoes with Chania Kritis PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Greece): Link
Oats milk and green tea pudding (Finland): Link
Orange Pain de Gênes (Germany): Link
Red bean paste flavored with botrytised wine (Slovakia): Link
Red Potato Salad (Sweden): Link
Rolled omelet with porcini sauce (Poland): Link
Rose Jam (Bulgaria): Link
Sake flavored fresh organic chocolate (Estonia): Link
Somen noodles with Tomato mentsuyu (noodle soup base) (Malta): Link
Soy milk no-bake cheese cake (Austria): Link
Pickled myoga with organic honey (Romania): Link
Pickled sliced radish and Gouda Holland PGI (Holland): Link
Pizza made with dumpling skin (Spain): Link
Port wine jelly (Portugal): Link
Practical information
EU Pavilion, Saving Live Zone, World Expo Site
