Latest news with #CulinaryArtsCommission
Arab News
2 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Heritage festival serves up Baha's beloved muqana bread
RIYADH: Each region of the Kingdom preserves customs passed down through generations. Muqana bread is a staple of Baha's traditional cuisine, and local artisans prepare the dish at markets and heritage festivals, 'drawing large crowds,' according to a Saudi Press Agency report. Recognized as the region's official dish by Saudi Arabia's Culinary Arts Commission, muqana bread is prized for its distinctive flavor. At the recent eighth Alatawelah Heritage Festival there was a muqana pavilion, at which visitors could watch the bread being made. Traditional bread maker Ahmed Al-Shuyukh explained that the dough, made from wheat flour, is flattened into a circle, baked on a heated rock, then covered with a clay or metal lid and buried in hot ash and embers until cooked. This traditional method gives the bread a distinct smoky flavor and crisp texture, and it is often served with ghee, honey, or yogurt, Al-Shuyukh told the SPA. The festival 'supports local artisans in the preservation of folk heritage, and promotes cultural tourism,' according to the SPA. Another section of the festival 'celebrated the traditional work of women, showcasing their historic contributions to family and community life,' by featuring presentations of food preparation, wool spinning, basket and mat weaving, and firewood collection. 'Young girls demonstrated these skills for visitors, offering a glimpse into rural life of the past,' the SPA added.
Leaders
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Saudi Coffee Celebrates Tradition at Esports World Cup 2025
At the heart of the Street Food Festival—held alongside the Esports World Cup 2025 in Boulevard City, Riyadh—Saudi coffee took center stage, offering visitors a warm welcome rooted in centuries-old hospitality traditions. Saudi coffee stations quickly became a crowd favorite, attracting attendees from around the world. Guests were treated to a variety of regional blends, each served with dates—an essential symbol of Saudi generosity. These immersive stations also featured educational segments on the coffee's unique ingredients, traditional brewing methods, and the cultural significance of its preparation and presentation. Live demonstrations by hospitality experts captivated visitors, offering deeper insight into the social customs and values expressed through Saudi coffee culture. The experience not only delighted the senses but also offered a meaningful glimpse into the Kingdom's rich heritage. This initiative reflects the Culinary Arts Commission's ongoing mission to showcase authentic aspects of Saudi culture at global events. By sharing this distinctive coffee tradition in a dynamic, engaging environment, the Kingdom continues to celebrate and promote its national identity on the world stage. Related Topics: Saudi Coffee Festival in Rijal Almaa Captures Several Visitors Al-Kharj Festival of Saudi Dates and Coffee Reaches $2.6 mln in Sales Saudi Coffee Company Launches New Competition in Southern Region Short link : Post Views: 9 Related Stories
Arab News
12-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia makes space for freelancers to thrive in culinary sector
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Culinary Arts Commission has launched a freelance license for chefs via the Abde'a Cultural Licenses Platform. The commission's CEO, Mayada Badr, told Arab News: 'The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom's culinary sector.' Abde'a, an e-platform developed to strengthen partnerships with the private sector, is operated under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture. The newly introduced license will enable Saudi nationals aged 18 and above — and who hold certified culinary training and valid food safety or health certifications — to legally provide freelance culinary services, paving the way for wider freelance opportunities in diverse venues and events across the Kingdom. The freelance chef license is a major milestone in empowering Saudi culinary talent, as it is opening the door for chefs to innovate and succeed independently while contributing to the Kingdom's culinary sector. Mayada Badr, Saudi Culinary Arts Commission CEO The initiative will 'support skill development and career growth in the sector, as well as recognition and credibility by reinforcing adherence to professional standards in the culinary field,' according to a statement. Chef Rawan Al-Harthi, a Jeddah-based pastry chef, said: 'This license gives us the freedom to showcase our culinary identity while working independently and legally. It's a dream come true for chefs who want to grow their brand without being tied to a restaurant.' Another chef, Faisal Al-Malki, echoed Al-Harthi's sentiments. 'Being recognized as a licensed freelance chef adds value to our profession and pushes us to raise the bar in terms of quality and creativity,' he said. The launch of this initiative 'underscores the commission's commitment to expanding opportunities for local culinary talent, while fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism,' a press release stated.
CairoScene
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Opens Registration for Top Culinary Competitions
Registration opens for Saudi chefs to compete in Bocuse d'Or and Pastry World Cup events during Sirha Arabia, aiming to spotlight national talent and lead to global finals in France in 2027. Saudi Arabia has opened registration for two of the world's most prestigious culinary competitions, the Bocuse d'Or and the Pastry World Cup. The events are set to take place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh this October. Organised by the Culinary Arts Commission in collaboration with Sirha Food, the competitions aim to identify and support top culinary talent across the Kingdom. Selected chefs will go on to represent Saudi Arabia in the Middle East qualifiers, which the Kingdom will host in 2026, ahead of the international finals in Lyon, France, in January 2027. The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote Saudi culinary excellence on the global stage, offering participants a platform to showcase local cuisine's richness and creativity. Contestants will undergo a selection process involving technical evaluations, creativity challenges, and interviews, with finalists receiving tailored training to prepare for future competition stages. To qualify for Bocuse d'Or, applicants must be Saudi nationals aged 23 or older and demonstrate expertise in either turned vegetable or brunoise techniques. For the Pastry World Cup, entries must revolve around the theme 'Elevating Saudi Dessert,' and while no age limit applies, non-Saudi applicants must disclose how long they have worked in the Kingdom.
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Registration opens for Bocuse d'Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October. The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027. The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally. The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom's cuisine. Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage. For Bocuse d'Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity. For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of 'Elevating Saudi Dessert.' There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom. Hopeful chefs can register at
