Introduction to Diana Beltrán, a Mexican Culinary Ambassador in Italy
For over 25 years, Diana Beltrán has been a prominent and flavorful voice for Mexican cuisine in Italy. Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, Beltrán has made Rome her home and transformed Mexican small bites into a form of culinary diplomacy that has captivated both Italian diners and cardinals in the Vaticano.
From Necessity to Passion: The Beginning of Diana Beltrán’s Culinary Journey
Beltrán’s story began with necessity and passion. After a separation, she sought to thrive in a distant land through her culinary skills. “A friend asked me what I knew how to do, and I said ‘parties.’ I was the lady who organized everything with Mexican food, and that’s how it all started,” she recalls in an interview with Bistronomie.
With ingredients sometimes having to be shipped from Mexico in suitcases, she ventured into catering, cooking for the Embassy, Mexico’s Tourism, and eventually opening her first restaurant: La Cucaracha, just a block away from the Vaticano. “We had to improvise tamales using aluminum foil because we couldn’t find leaves; it was challenging, but worth it.”
Introducing Authentic Mexican Cuisine to Italy
Through La Cucaracha and other projects like El Tiburón, Beltrán has introduced typical dishes—many of them Guerrerense—to a country that once associated Mexican cuisine with Tex-Mex. “At first, Italians would ask for fajitas or chili con carne. I didn’t have those. I would tell them, ‘I’ll give you a tostada so you can taste what Mexico is.’”
Cooking for the Vaticano and Beyond
Her perseverance led her to cook at official dinners, charity events, and Christmas celebrations within the Vaticano. “I always said yes to every challenge, even if it seemed difficult. We couldn’t use gas or fryers; we only had electric ovens. But there we were, representing Mexico.”
She had the privilege of cooking for two popes: Benedict XVI and Francis. Of Pope Francis, she remembers, “Once he complimented me and said with a smile, ‘We need to eat Mexican.’”
Recognition and Continued Influence
Her story has transcended to become a public figure. She was invited as an international juror on MasterChef Italia and has given classes at the prestigious culinary channel Gambero Rosso. “A friend encouraged me to do it, saying it was trendy, and she was right. Since then, the restaurant has been full every day.”
In 2021, she received the Ohtli Recognition, an award given by the Mexican government to those promoting national culture abroad. “It was very emotional. I only cooked with my heart, never imagining it would lead me here.”
Promoting Guerrero’s Seafood Cuisine
Today, her son Gianluca collaborates in the digital operations of her restaurants, while Beltrán focuses on promoting Guerrero’s seafood cuisine, which is not well-known in Italy. “In Italy, there’s little knowledge of Mexican seafood cuisine. I’m from Acapulco, and I want people to know about it too.”
Diana Beltrán’s Commitment to Representing Mexico
Although she frequently visits Mexico, Beltrán is clear about her commitment: to stay in Rome and continue representing Mexico through her cooking. “I’ll remain here. My colleagues in Mexico are magnificent, I’m the smallest among them. But in Italy, I want the world to keep discovering the true flavors of Mexico.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Diana Beltrán? Diana Beltrán is a Mexican chef from Acapulco, Guerrero, who has been promoting Mexican cuisine in Italy for over 25 years, even cooking for the Vaticano.
- What challenges did she face initially? Beltrán faced the challenge of introducing authentic Mexican dishes to a country that was unfamiliar with them, sometimes having to improvise with limited ingredients.
- How has she impacted Italian perceptions of Mexican food? Through her dedication and perseverance, Beltrán has helped Italians appreciate the true flavors of Mexican cuisine, moving beyond Tex-Mex stereotypes.
- What recognition has she received? Beltrán has been honored with the Ohtli Recognition from the Mexican government for her efforts in promoting Mexican culture abroad.
- What is her current focus? Beltrán now focuses on promoting Guerrero’s seafood cuisine, which is not well-known in Italy.
- Why does she remain in Rome? Diana Beltrán is committed to staying in Rome and continuing to represent Mexico through her culinary artistry.
