Promoted by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), the Al-Riyadh Food Festival is a two-week long culinary and cultural event, aimed at showcasing the Kingdom as part of world tourism.
For this year's event, participating hotels will present cultural themes in cuisines from around the world.
Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya will be taking local, regional and international visitors to the Kingdom on an American journey, exploring the varying flavors and culinary traditions from the different regions of the US.
"This food festival celebrates the United States' remarkable culinary history and culture while showcasing the distinctive regional flavors from the Northeast to the Southwest of the US," said Tawhid Al-Saffy, director, Agricultural Trade Office, US Embassy, Riyadh.
Central to the American theme, the hotel has organized the muffin bake-off to showcase a quintessential American tradition.
The hotel has invited aspiring cooks from around the Kingdom to participate in its search for the best muffin in the Kingdom.
A judging panel including will select the five best recipes.
The finalists will be invited to make a final presentation to the judges on Feb. 1 when the winner will be chosen.
"We are thrilled to be part of the Riyadh Food Festival and to be bringing a delicious slice of American cuisine to the Kingdom," said Haakon Gaarder-Larsen, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya.
“With the muffin bake-off, we have a chance to interact with local budding chefs and champion their culinary creations.”
The winning muffin will also be sold at the Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Olaya for a whole year, with a percentage of the profits going to a charity of the winner's choice.
