Outline:
A New Era of Cultural Immersion: The Òríkí Dining Experience
For those who love adventure, culture, and food with a touch of entertainment, a new experience is set to take the world by storm. Tastes of Culture (TOC) Nigeria, an innovative immersive dining experience, has launched with the debut of the Òríkì Dining Experience. This groundbreaking event is curated by NovaRosta, an all-round tourism company and destination concierge, in collaboration with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR). The initiative aims to celebrate and promote Nigerian food culture while showcasing the country’s diverse heritage through a unique and unforgettable culinary journey.
The partnership between NovaRosta and NIHOTOUR was established to drive public-private partnerships within the tourism industry. This collaboration is spearheaded by the current Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NIHOTOUR, Aare (Dr) Abisoye Fagade, who envisions a future where Nigeria’s cultural and culinary excellence can be shared globally.
At the heart of the Tastes of Culture Nigeria concept lies the Òríkì Dining Experience, which centers around the promotion of Nigerian food culture. It brings together the glamour, pristine culture, and creativity of Nigerians from all regions and zones on one table—dubbed the “Longest Dining Table.” This event serves as a platform to appreciate the art of living and discover the beauty and diversity of each culture through the lens of Food, Lifestyle, Arts, Vibes, Origins, Roots, and Sounds (FLAVORS).
Geraldine Itoe, Chief Executive Officer of NovaRosta, emphasizes that this event offers an opportunity to inspire, educate, and delight individuals with exceptional, authentic experiences. She notes that the event will challenge perceptions, foster appreciation, understanding, and inclusivity while creating unforgettable memories.
A Multi-Sensory Royal Banquet
The Òríkì Dining Experience will debut as a groundbreaking multi-sensory royal banquet, celebrating Nigeria’s diverse heritage, cuisines, tourism, travel, and hospitality. According to Itoe, the vision behind this one-of-a-kind event is to create a unique, multi-sensory African dining experience where every participant feels connected to diverse cultures in meaningful ways.
This royal banquet, part of the multi-day NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival, will be held on December 6, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. It promises to be a historic event that will attract global attention. The banquet will feature the spread of the longest dining table globally, alongside the longest bar in Nigeria and West Africa.
Over 50 Nigerian local dishes, along with local drinks, beverages, and brews, will be served. Approximately 3,000 diners are expected to participate, including notable figures such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, royal guests, traditional rulers, governors, politicians, lawmakers, administrators, business moguls, diplomats, celebrities, foodies, cultural enthusiasts, and chefs from across Nigeria.
Unique Features of the Event
The event will include several unique features, such as Trado-Cultural Experiential Booths, where fashion, food, and entertainment meet culture. Cultural re-enactment performances, national ÒRÍKÌ praise singers, and the cutting of a larger-than-life sized National Cake will also be part of the celebration. These elements aim to foster a sense of unity among Nigerians and highlight the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Itoe explains that the Òríkì phenomenon is a fundamental part of Nigerian heritage, present in various forms across different cultures. The Òríkì Dining Experience celebrates the essence of Nigerian royalty through food, storytelling, and community engagement, using all five senses and a time-travel journey to explore the identity of Nigerians as a people.
Promoting Nigerian Excellence
The event will spotlight and promote Nigerian service excellence, championed by NIHOTOUR in this gastronomic feat. It will also showcase the best of the Nigerian local beverage industry, brands, and culinary businesses. Itoe adds that the event aims to celebrate and showcase Nigeria’s cultural pride and confidence through shared experiences, positioning the country as the Culinary Capital of Africa.
Tastes of Culture Nigeria will become a sanctuary for those seeking to discover the world through immersive experiences that engage all five senses—taste, sight, sound, and emotion. Through the expression pillars of FLAVORS, the event will provide a unique platform for cultural celebration, education, awareness, and sustainable innovation.
The key objectives of this pilot edition include creating a platform for cultural celebration and awareness, building bridges, and honoring Nigeria’s cultural legacies through an immersive dining experience that unites communities in a historic moment. This event will shine a global spotlight on Nigeria and bring recognition to the Longest Dining Table.