RIYADH: Culinary delights from around Europe will be on offer at Saudi Arabia’s first-ever European Food Festival.
The festival has been organized by the EU Delegation to Riyadh in cooperation with the embassies of EU member states, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and the Diplomatic Quarter Office.
The free event will be held at Al-Kindi Plaza in the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, and will run from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on March 16-17.
Saudi festival-goers will discover the diversity of European cuisine, with specialities and food items available from European countries, including Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy live music, entertainment and special activities for children.
Live cooking shows, organized and sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Chefs’ Association, will feature leading Saudi chefs competing to prepare dishes with European ingredients.
Patrick Simonnet, EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said: “The European Food Festival aims to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Europe and showcase the diversity of our continent’s gastronomy. We hope this inaugural event will deepen our cooperation with the people of Saudi Arabia, and provide a platform for cultural exchange between Europe and the Kingdom. And what better way to do it than through our shared love for food?”
The event’s culinary partners include restaurants and brands present in Saudi Arabia, such as Eataly, Chez Bruno, Cova, L’Olivo, Crepe House and Lecomptoir Lounge.
Leading bakeries, such as Dolce Ragusa, Eric Kayser, Fareen, Aur, La Grenier a Pain, Breddy and Oh Deer Bakery, are also taking part.
The event will also feature chefs from the Hilton, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Intercontinental, and Radisson Blu Hotels preparing signature dishes.
Organic supermarket Rootura La Vie Claire, Green Cola, Delta Coffee, Dutch Stroopwafels, DAVA Farms, Loacker and FrieslandCampina will also sell popular products.
The event will also feature the popular juice bar and coffee shop Joe & the Juice.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will also be organizing a lottery among attendees to win free flight tickets.
Participants will also be able to have a taste of Saudi coffee, offered by the Culinary Arts Commission.
The festival is a cashless event, with the food and drinks at the event sold through card payments.
Interested attendees can register online on http://eufoodfest.com to ensure smooth access to the Diplomatic Quarter.
