Japanese chef educates Saudis on nutrition, healthy eating

Japanese chef educates Saudis on nutrition, healthy eating
Chef Sato Taki, a renowned Japanese Food Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East since 2019, shared his three decades of culinary knowledge. (Hashim Nadeem)
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Updated 23 September 2023
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Japanese chef educates Saudis on nutrition, healthy eating

Japanese chef educates Saudis on nutrition, healthy eating

JEDDAH: The Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah recently hosted a lecture at its library on nutrition education, as part of its efforts to promote Japanese culinary traditions and cultural exchange with the Saudi community.

Chef Sato Taki, a renowned Japanese Food Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East since 2019, shared his three decades of culinary knowledge.

During the lecture, the chef focused on “shokuiku,” the Japanese term for nutrition education, and highlighted growing concerns about children’s health, including imbalanced nutrition, irregular eating patterns such as skipping breakfast, and issues related to obesity and weight loss.

Shokuiku nurtures children’s understanding of food, promotes informed dietary choices, and instills healthy eating habits through diverse experiences.

In an interview with Arab News, Sato highlighted the need for a change in Saudi food culture to combat rising diabetes rates. He emphasized the importance of promoting healthier eating habits and suggested that Japan’s culinary traditions could assist in adopting better and more flavorful dietary choices.

He also discussed umami, one of the five basic tastes alongside sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Umami is a savory or meaty taste that enhances the flavor of food and is a significant aspect of Japanese cuisine.

Japanese cuisine is famous for its rich umami flavors achieved through ingredients such as kombu, bonito flakes, soy sauce, miso, seaweed and aged ingredients, as well as grilling and broiling techniques.

When discussing his culinary philosophy, Sato said that food serves as a means of connecting people, acting as a tool for communication and interaction. He sees food as a two-way channel, emphasizing its significance in his approach to cooking.

The chef began his culinary journey in Saudi Arabia in 2016. His work goes beyond simply introducing Japanese cuisine; instead, he focuses on exploring and creating flavors that cater to the preferences of Saudi diners.

His unwavering dedication lies in incorporating Saudi tastes into traditional Japanese dishes as much as possible. His efforts in crafting a distinctive fusion cuisine have played a pivotal role in sparking the interest of many Saudis in Japanese food and, more broadly, Japanese culture.

Izuru Shimmura, consul general of Japan in Jeddah, expressed his gratitude to the chef and the audience for coming together. He also extended his congratulations to the Saudi leadership and people on the occasion of the 93rd Saudi National Day.

“Chef Sato Taki has been very active in promoting Japanese food culture in the Kingdom. I hope this will be a very good opportunity to deepen and widen knowledge and understanding of the Japanese food culture,” Shimmura said.

At a packed venue, the diverse audience shared a common passion for exploring different cultures.

Nawal Al-Khair, a Syrian resident and polyglot cultural enthusiast, expressed her eagerness to explore Japanese culture beyond watching anime and learning the language.

“I was eager to delve deeper into Japanese culture beyond watching anime and learning the language. I yearned for more,” she said. “When I heard that the chef was hosting this seminar, I saw it as an opportunity, and I’m thrilled that I took it.”


Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrives in Riyadh for official visit

Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrives in Riyadh for official visit
Updated 9 sec ago
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Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrives in Riyadh for official visit

Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrives in Riyadh for official visit
  • The two countries enjoy a robust trade partnership

RIYADH: Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for an official visit to the Kingdom.

Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region, welcome the Brazilian leader and his accompanying delegation upon their arrival at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

The two countries enjoy a robust trade partnership, with Brazilian exports to Saudi Arabia during the first seven months of the year reaching $1.87 billion, the highest amongst all Arab countries.

Brazilian imports from the Kingdom were also the highest among Arab countries, standing at $1.98 billion.


Symposium on fatwas to be held at Prophet’s Mosque

Symposium on fatwas to be held at Prophet’s Mosque
Updated 28 November 2023
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Symposium on fatwas to be held at Prophet’s Mosque

Symposium on fatwas to be held at Prophet’s Mosque
  • A fatwa is a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law

RIYADH: The head of religious affairs at the two holy mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais announced that royal approval had been issued to hold a symposium on fatwas at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.

A fatwa is a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law, and the symposium will focus on rulings at the two holy mosques and their impacts on facilitating visitors to the religious sites.

Al-Sudais said the symposium is an extension of the efforts of the Saudi government to serve the two holy mosques and conveying their message to the world in accordance with the Kingdom’s moderate approach based on the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.

He explained that the approval to hold this symposium supports the shift in methods of issuing fatwas and their digitalization in a way that suits and meets the religious needs of the visitors of the mosques, while helping them perform their rituals.

Al-Sudais added that the approval of King Salman to hold the symposium reflected the Kingdom’s concern for fatwas, given their direct impact on the pilgrims to the Two Holy Mosques.


Saudi crown prince, Ukrainian president discuss Ukraine-Russia conflict

Saudi crown prince, Ukrainian president discuss Ukraine-Russia conflict
Updated 28 November 2023
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Saudi crown prince, Ukrainian president discuss Ukraine-Russia conflict

Saudi crown prince, Ukrainian president discuss Ukraine-Russia conflict
  • Crown prince affirmed the Kingdom's commitment and support for all international efforts aimed at resolving crisis

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman received a phone call on Monday from the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the crown prince affirmed the Kingdom's commitment and support for all international efforts aimed at resolving the Ukrainian-Russian crisis.

President Zelensky, in turn, acknowledged the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom in this regard.

The conversation also included a review of the bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as a discussion on various issues of mutual interest.


Greek Embassy hosts agri-food event in Riyadh on eve of Saudi Horeca exhibition

Greek Embassy hosts agri-food event in Riyadh on eve of Saudi Horeca exhibition
Updated 27 November 2023
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Greek Embassy hosts agri-food event in Riyadh on eve of Saudi Horeca exhibition

Greek Embassy hosts agri-food event in Riyadh on eve of Saudi Horeca exhibition
  • Attica Sense showcases Greek products with aim of enhancing Saudi-Greek cooperation and highlighting investment opportunities in the Kingdom and wider region
  • It takes place the day before the start of Saudi Horeca 2023, a 3-day annual international exhibition for food, beverage and hospitality companies

RIYADH: An event in Riyadh on Sunday offered visitors the chance to learn more about agri-food products from Greece and the history behind the flavors of Athens.

Attica Sense, presented by the Greek embassy and the government of the Hellenic Republic Region of Attica, took place the day before the start of Saudi Horeca 2023, a three-day, annual international exhibition that aims to encourage cooperation between food, beverage and hospitality companies around the world and businesses in Saudi Arabia.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities that you will see in the days to come; there is much more we can do together,” said Alexis Konstantopoulos, the Greek ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who hosted Attica Sense at the Radisson Blu Hotel Convention Center with Giorgios Patoulis, the regional governor of Attica.

The aim of the event on Sunday was to showcase Greek products and enhance Saudi-Greek cooperation by highlighting investment opportunities in the Kingdom and the wider Middle East region.

“Our countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations; our prime minister was here twice in the past few years,” said Konstantopoulos. “His royal highness the crown prince visited Athens in July 2022 and together established the Higher Strategic Council, which has different subcommittees.”

One of those subcommittees, the ambassador added, focuses on the commercial field with the aim of encouraging businesses from the two countries to work together, so that they can benefit from the support available from Saudi and Greek authorities, and help achieve ambitious bilateral commercial targets.

Some of the Greek companies that took part in Attica Sense gave presentations about their histories, operations and products. They included: the Greek Nut Company, which was established in 1952; Leo’s House of Bagels, which in addition to Greece delivers its products to France and now Saudi Arabia; Oliva Boutique, a producer of honey and oil products; Stalia, a manufacturer of extra virgin olive oil; and Kakias Dairy, which was established in 1935.

Saudi Horeca began on Monday, the day after Attica Sense, and continues until Wednesday at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.


Saudi foreign minister meets Latvian, Cypriot counterparts

Saudi foreign minister meets Latvian, Cypriot counterparts
Updated 27 November 2023
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Saudi foreign minister meets Latvian, Cypriot counterparts

Saudi foreign minister meets Latvian, Cypriot counterparts
  • Officials discuss need for ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian aid efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Latvian counterpart, Krisjanis Karins, on Monday on the sidelines of the Union for the Mediterranean Regional Forum in Barcelona.

The officials discussed the latest developments in Gaza, international efforts to provide humanitarian and medical aid, and the need to agree a ceasefire to protect civilians and prevent the situation from worsening.

Prince Faisal stressed the need for the international community to accept moral and ethical responsibility for upholding international legitimacy, including the UN Security Council resolution issued last week, in a way that achieves peace and security and prevents extremism and violence.

The ministers also discussed issues of mutual interest, including ways to boost relations between their countries.

Prince Faisal also held similar talks with Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Monday.

Saudi Ambassador to Spain Azzam Al-Qain attended the meeting.