Riyadh’s First European Food Festival Takes Guests on a Gourmet Tour of Europe
Visitors to Riyadh’s first European Food Festival enjoyed authentic tastes and sensations from across Europe, which took place on March 16 and 17. The EU representative organized the event in Riyadh in partnership with the various embassies of EU member states, the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, and the Saudi Commission for Culinary Arts. Jaap Ora, project manager for the EU Embassy in Riyadh, on that day, opened the festival. In his opening remarks, Ora emphasized his happiness at the event’s planning, which brings together different European nations to introduce and showcase their culinary customs to their Saudi friends.
He thanked all the partners, including the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Arabian Chefs Association, for their kind support of the project. He appreciated them bringing a Saudi element, specifically Saudi coffee, to the event. He mentioned devoted hotel partners like the Hilton Hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel, and others. Ora also said that the idea for this festival came from the fact that Europeans and Saudis both enjoyed good food and wanted to show off the variety and excellence of European cuisine and share its richness and sophistication with Saudis.
From French Pastries to Italian Pasta: A Tour of Europe’s Culinary Art in Riyadh
Visitors enjoyed a variety of culinary delights from the festival’s participating nations. Visitors were charmed by the soft, lightly caramelized Liège waffles from Belgium. Denmark presented juice and cake with dried fruits, while the Czech Republic showcased the Ah Deer Bakery’s greatest cronuts in Prague. Dutch waffles, a favorite among kids, prepared by the Netherlands for festival attendees were also among the delights at the event. The menu at the French restaurant Chez Bruno included risotto, pasta, and pizza, in addition to refreshing lemonade with cucumbers and elderflower syrup. The broad selection at the Eataly stand certainly represented Italy well. Lasagnas, cannelloni, pizza, and outstanding gelato brought the taste of Italy to the Kingdom. The warm singing and the elegant dancing of a Flamenco ensemble, who performed a lively repertoire of Spanish music, also enhanced the festival’s atmosphere.
Yasser Jad, head of the Saudi Arabian Chefs Association and a consultant for the culinary hospitality sector, described the association’s competition which was in conjunction with the festival. He clarified that Tamimi Market and Qasr Al-Awani were the sponsors of the two-day competition. Since the materials for international food come from EU nations, there are two categories: traditional and modern Saudi cuisine and international cuisine. The chef/candidate must present an appetizer and a main, he continued. They have one hour to complete and deliver their cuisine. He continued by saying that a jury of two would determine a score based on previously established standards.
Takeaways
Riyadh’s First European Food Festival introduced a gourmet tour of Europe to Saudi Arabia. The festival offered a chance for Saudis and Europeans to connect over their shared appreciation of delectable cuisine while showcasing the complexity and wealth of European cuisine.
Last Updated on 9 months by News Editor
