LuLu Hypermarkets, the region’s largest hypermarket chain, is hosting its annual food festival, “World Food,” across its stores in the Kingdom. The two-week event, running from Oct. 21 to Nov. 3, is a celebration of flavors and cultures, bringing together foodies and shoppers in a gastronomic experience comprising global cuisines from more than 25 countries. The festival also includes the Kingdom’s first virtual food art competition — “Pancake Challenge,” in addition to a range of in-store product offers, and the participation of Saudi celebrity chef Abdulrahman bin Kasem.
Some of the themes of the World Food 2020 include: Biryani Mela — authentic savory rice favorites; Asian Food — Filipino, Thai, Japanese and Far Eastern delicacies; BBQ Festival, bringing the taste of outdoors to every plate; Malabar Thakkaaram — the taste of Kerala; Arabian Delights — Middle East cuisines; Dhaba Wala — the best of North Indian cuisine; Bakes and Sweets — cakes, bakes and desserts; and Continental Cuisines — flavors from Europe.
Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets in Saudi Arabia, said: “We have been organizing our food festival for more than 11 years now, but this is our biggest celebration yet. Despite the current pandemic limitations for hosting physical events, we have received extensive support from different embassies, trade promotion councils, various community organizations, the hotel and tourism sector, celebrity chefs and social media influencers. Our aim is to showcase the wide range of global flavors that we offer, which truly makes us ‘where the world comes to shop.’”
The Pancake Challenge will gather food enthusiasts to showcase their knack for food plating and recipe video editing for TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. The videos will be posted with the hashtag #LuLuWorldFoodKSA.
The first and second prize winners will receive SR3,000 ($800) and SR2,000, respectively. Moreover, LuLu will give away 1,000 free trolleys every hour. The festival also spotlights food trucks and local ice cream carts.
With 193 stores operating worldwide, LuLu aims to provide and sustain the supply of global products at the best rates.
