Diplomats from several Asian countries got together on Thursday night for a treat of Indian cuisine at ‘The Essence of India,’ a 10-day long Indian food festival inaugurated at Makarim hotel in Riyadh.

Inaugurating the food festival, Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao appreciated the effort saying it reflected the popularity of the vast variety of authentic Indian cuisine in the Kingdom.

“We do hope the expatriates and the local community here in Riyadh will get to taste their favorite Indian dishes.”

He also lauded Joseph George, executive chef at Makarim, for the beautiful display of the lavish Indian cuisine.

Bangladesh ambassador in Riyadh Mohammad Shahid-ul-Islam, Sri Lankan Ambassador V Krishnamoorthy and Nepal Ambassador Uday Raj Pandey spoke highly of the Indian food, saying it truly reflected the rich food culture and tradition of India.

The Charge d’affairs of the Indonesian Embassy, Thailand Embassy, Myanmar Embassy and officials from some other Asian embassies were also present on the occasion.

The guests tasted the authentic Indian cuisine using the finest ingredients like spices and flavorings in Indian cuisine such as powdered chili pepper, black mustard seed, cardamom, cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon and clove to experience the aroma, according to Joseph George. Commenting on the food fest, Indian Embassy Charge d’Affairs Sibi George said, “Away from home, it is a great feeling to be at home and taste authentic Indian food.”

A large number of families had made reservations on day one.

Mohammad Imad from Hyderabad who works as area regional manager in Home Center, told Arab News: “It was wonderful to be here to taste Indian food away from home. One can experience a spectacular exhibition of authentic Indian cuisine prepared by the team of chefs.”

The food fest, being hosted from Jan. 16-26 in association with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), will have a spread of north and south Indian dishes.

It remains open between 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight for dinner and from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for lunch, organizers said.