Saudi Culinary Arts Commission Launches 2nd ‘Our Culinary Legacy’ Edition

The Culinary Arts Commission of Saudi Arabia announced today that the second edition of its ‘Our Culinary Legacy’ initiative will take place in July 2024. This initiative, which aims to preserve and share traditional Saudi recipes while enriching the local cuisine and cultural heritage, was unveiled through the Saudi Press Agency on May 8, 2024. The commission is building on the success of its first edition, which produced the award-winning cookbook ‘Sufra, Saudi Feast’.

Context and Background

The first edition of ‘Our Culinary Legacy’ proved highly successful, culminating in the publication of ‘Sufra, Saudi Feast’, which received the Gourmand Award in two categories: ‘Best Hospitality’ and ‘Best Arab Cuisine Cookbook’. This recognition underscored the initiative’s commitment to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich culinary traditions on an international stage. Building on this momentum, the second edition focuses on documenting more traditional recipes, with a special emphasis on seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Key Details

The commission will release two new books as part of this edition: ‘Sufra: Seafood’ and ‘Sufra: Vegetarian Cuisine’. The seafood focus is inspired by Saudi Arabia’s extensive coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, which offers a diverse array of marine life. Coastal communities have developed unique culinary traditions, and through methods like drying and refrigeration, these flavors have spread throughout the Kingdom. Similarly, the vegetarian focus highlights the Kingdom’s abundant indigenous plant-based dishes, showcasing regional produce and culinary practices.

Saudi residents and enthusiasts are invited to submit their traditional recipes online until June 30, 2024, through the official platform: https://engage.moc.gov.sa/culinary. Winners will be announced on July 25, 2024. The commission aims to create a comprehensive database of digital and printed Saudi recipes, ensuring these culinary customs are preserved for future generations.

Implications and Impact

This initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural preservation and global cultural exchange. By documenting and sharing traditional recipes, the commission not only safeguards intangible heritage but also promotes Saudi cuisine internationally. The emphasis on seafood and vegetarian dishes aligns with global trends toward healthier and sustainable eating, potentially attracting culinary tourism and enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a diverse gastronomic destination.

Vision 2030 Alignment

‘Our Culinary Legacy’ directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by highlighting the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and leveraging it for economic diversification and tourism growth. As the initiative expands, it contributes to the development of the cultural sector and enhances the Kingdom’s soft power, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for culinary excellence and cultural exchange, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the ‘Our Culinary Legacy’ initiative?

A1. The initiative is a program by Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission to preserve and share traditional Saudi recipes, aiming to enrich local cuisine and safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.

Q2. When will the second edition of ‘Our Culinary Legacy’ be held?

A2. The second edition is scheduled to take place in July 2024, with winners of the recipe submission announced on July 25, 2024.

Q3. What was the outcome of the first edition?

A3. The first edition resulted in the publication of the award-winning cookbook ‘Sufra, Saudi Feast’, which won Gourmand Awards in ‘Best Hospitality’ and ‘Best Arab Cuisine Cookbook’ categories.

Q4. What new books will be released in the second edition?

A4. Two new books will be released: ‘Sufra: Seafood’ and ‘Sufra: Vegetarian Cuisine’, focusing on recipes from these categories.

Q5. Why is the emphasis on seafood and vegetarian dishes?

A5. The emphasis reflects Saudi Arabia’s coastal location with rich marine life and its diverse indigenous plant-based dishes, highlighting the country’s culinary variety.

Q6. How can individuals participate in the initiative?

A6. Individuals can submit their traditional Saudi recipes online at https://engage.moc.gov.sa/culinary until June 30, 2024.

Q7. What is the goal of creating a database of recipes?

A7. The goal is to create a comprehensive digital and printed database of Saudi recipes to preserve and share culinary traditions globally.

Q8. What recognition did the first book receive?

A8. ‘Sufra, Saudi Feast’ received the Gourmand Award for ‘Best Hospitality’ and ‘Best Arab Cuisine Cookbook’ at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Q9. How does the initiative preserve cultural heritage?

A9. By documenting and sharing traditional recipes, customs, and cooking methods, the initiative ensures they are passed down through books and educational materials.

Q10. What is the role of the Culinary Arts Commission?

A10. The commission, part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector, leads initiatives to develop and preserve culinary arts, promoting Saudi cuisine locally and internationally.

Q11. What types of seafood dishes are included?

A11. The book ‘Sufra: Seafood’ will include traditional recipes from coastal communities, showcasing unique flavors and cooking styles.

Q12. How are vegetarian dishes highlighted?

A12. ‘Sufra: Vegetarian Cuisine’ focuses on indigenous plant-based dishes, emphasizing local produce and regional culinary practices.

Q13. Why is preserving culinary heritage important?

A13. Preserving culinary heritage maintains cultural identity, fosters national pride, and promotes understanding of Saudi Arabia’s diverse traditions globally.

Q14. Is the initiative aligned with Vision 2030?

A14. Yes, it aligns with Vision 2030 by enhancing cultural sectors, promoting tourism, and supporting economic diversification through cultural preservation.

Q15. How does the initiative support international cultural exchange?

A15. By publishing books and sharing recipes, the initiative introduces Saudi cuisine to global audiences, fostering cultural appreciation and exchange.

Q16. What is the timeline for the second edition?

A16. The second edition will run from now until the announcement of winners on July 25, 2024, with the release of new books afterward.

Q17. How did coastal communities influence Saudi cuisine?

A17. Coastal communities developed unique seafood-based dishes, and through preservation methods like drying, these flavors spread across the Kingdom.

Q18. What does the initiative mean for future generations?

A18. It ensures that traditional recipes and customs are documented and passed down, preserving Saudi Arabia’s culinary legacy for future generations.

Q19. Will the new books be available internationally?

A19. While details are not specified, the success of ‘Sufra, Saudi Feast’ suggests international distribution, potentially making the new books available globally.

Q20. Can anyone submit recipes, not just Saudis?

A20. The call is open to all, but recipes must be traditional Saudi recipes, whether submitted by Saudis or those with knowledge of such dishes.

Reader Feedback

We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.

Name *

Message *

Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.