Saudi Arabia hosted the first-ever “European Food Festival Riyadh”, taking people through an amazing culinary journey across Europe. The two-day event was organized by the EU delegation in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Culinary Arts Commission, the Embassies of EU Member States, and the Diplomatic Quarter Office.
Jaap Ora, project manager of the EU Embassy in Riyadh, said the food festival brings together several European countries to share their culinary traditions with their Saudi friends. He explained that the idea for the food festival emerged from the mutual love shared by Europeans and Saudis for good food, and desire to show diversity and quality, richness and refinement of European cuisine. Ora highlighted that countries share their culture among themselves. “Those who come to Saudi Arabia from abroad admire the Saudi culinary traditions and hospitality.”
Chez Bruno, a French restaurant, presented risotto, pasta and pizza, cool lemonade with cucumbers, and elderflower syrup, which taste a bit like litchi, and is regarded for its medicinal properties. Participants took advantage of the offerings, like madeleines, croissants, meringues, brioche and macrons, from prominent French bakeries. There were Belgium delights to be enjoyed, like caramelized Liege waffles. Festival participants tasted the best cronuts in Prague from the Oh Deer Bakery, as well as juice and cake with dried fruits from Denmark, and Dutch waffles from The Netherlands.
There were lasagnas, cannelloni, pizza and gelato from Italy, and Azura Tour de Espana from Spain. Participants were also entertained by the Flamenco group who performed a lively repertoire of Spanish songs. English and Arabic songs were sung by Pam, including a live performance.
Moreover, the Saudi Arabian Chefs Association competition was held in conjunction with the festival. Yasser Jad, the association’s president, said the two-day competition had two categories – one for traditional and modern Saudi cuisine, and the other for international cuisine since the ingredients for it came from the EU countries. He explained the chef (candidate) had to present a starter and a main. They had one hour to finalize and present their dishes.
The food festival was held on March 16 and 17 at Al Kindi Plaza in the Diplomatic Quarter.
