Source Credit: Arab News
The Food Culture Festival is a worldwide spectacle that will take place in Jeddah's Wonder District from February 12–16. The event, which is being organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, features a diverse array of regional and global culinary experiences.
Date & Location
The much-anticipated Food Culture Festival is being held at Jeddah’s Wonder District from February 12 to 16, following successful editions in Alkhobar and Riyadh.
Organizers & Partners
The event is organized by the Culinary Arts Commission in partnership with the Quality of Life Program, showcasing a diverse blend of local and international culinary experiences.
Festival Highlights
Diverse Culinary Experiences
The festival is divided into four zones, each offering a unique aspect of the culinary world. The food exhibitors’ area features a variety of cuisines, from traditional Saudi dishes to global delicacies, providing visitors with a gastronomic journey without leaving Jeddah.
Leo Wen, CEO and co-founder of Whoa Tea, which serves authentic Chinese beverages and desserts, expressed excitement about introducing new flavors. “It’s thrilling to share the heritage behind our drinks and sweets with festival visitors,” he said.
Saudi entrepreneur Noura Abdullah, founder of Soma, emphasized the importance of the festival in expanding her brand. “The response to our signature grape leaves dish has been incredible, and it motivates me to consider franchising Soma,” she said.
Ahmed Imran, owner of Jeddah’s only Malaysian restaurant, My Makan, praised the festival’s cultural diversity. “Food is a powerful medium to unite people, and I’m delighted to introduce authentic Malaysian cuisine to a wider audience,” he said.
Workshops & Live Cooking Demonstrations
Visitors eager to develop their culinary skills can participate in hands-on workshops covering sushi-making, pasta crafting, food decoration, and food photography. Italian chef Sadellah Zakaria and Egyptian chef Mokhtar Mahdy lead pasta-making sessions, where guests learn to prepare fettuccine and ravioli from scratch.
Live cooking demonstrations provide an opportunity to see professional chefs in action, showcasing the artistry behind food preparation.
Entertainment & Cultural Activities
The festival offers more than just food. The theater area hosts live music performances, featuring Arabic bands, guitarists, and Indian Bharatanatyam dancers. Roaming acts, including living statues, interactive parades, and a Chinese dragon dance, add to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Engaging Experiences for Families & Kids
A dedicated kids’ area allows young visitors to engage in cooking workshops, farm activities, and friendly competitions, fostering creativity in a fun and educational environment.
Mohammed Hussein, a festival goer, highlighted the interactive nature of the event. “It’s fantastic that kids can participate in workshops and explore different cultures through food,” he said.
Ghadeer Abdullah, visiting from Makkah, appreciated the pleasant weather and engaging activities. “The kids’ zone kept my children entertained for hours. The festival has been an incredible experience,” she said.
Conclusion
The Food Culture Festival in Jeddah offers an immersive culinary and cultural experience, bringing together diverse flavors, engaging workshops, and live entertainment. With its vibrant mix of global cuisines and interactive events, the festival continues to celebrate the richness of food culture in Saudi Arabia.
