Riyadh rises as a global culinary destination

The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, is undergoing a culinary renaissance.

Riyadh's food scene, once dominated by traditional Saudi and Najdi dishes from the central region, is now bustling with international brands and rising local eateries, enriching the city's cultural fabric.

Previously, most of Riyadh's dishes were comforting stews, succulent meats, and regional specialties that have been local favorites for years.

This transformation took flight with introduction of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative in 2016. Starting in 2021, the post-pandemic period has further accelerated this change, ushering in global chefs and food establishments with the growing influx of tourists and expats.

Now, Riyadh is a culinary mosaic, offering global cuisines for various tastes and pockets, from high-end dining to street food.
Riyadh's evolution from a primarily administrative center to an energetic global city attracts worldwide culinary talent, positioning it as a critical player in the Middle Eastern food market.

With Vision 2030, there's a push to elevate household cultural and entertainment expenditure from 2.9% to 6%.

Recent international entrants include Spago by Wolfgang Puck, Flamingo Room by Tashas, and Mr. Chow, with authentic Beijing dishes, launching soon.

Other debuts are Ferdi Restaurant, known for its Parisian burgers, and LPM Restaurant & Cafe, bringing flavors from the Cote d'Azur.

Cool Inc., a Saudi lifestyle brand, has been instrumental in launching several eateries; more are on the horizon for 2023.
Natasha Sideris of Tashas Group applauds Riyadh's expanding culinary scene, highlighting the innovative fusion of international and local offerings.

Flamingo Room by Tashas, situated in lively Diriyah, provides a holistic experience with dining, retail, and rooftop spaces.
In June, Via Mercato, an opulent culinary venue in Via Riyadh, became the talk of the town, particularly with actress Sofia Vergara's visit. The establishment, known for its impressive design, offers many global gourmet products.

Managing Via Mercato, Matthew Lawson credits Riyadh's gastronomic rise to tourism growth, substantial investments, and a local populace craving diverse food experiences.

Via Mercato is a luxury food haven from artisanal foods to a specialized cheese shop. Riyadh's street food scene offers Saudi classics alongside international treats for those craving a more relaxed vibe.

Every month, Riyadh welcomes various global dining and street food outlets, emphasizing its allure for food enthusiasts everywhere.

The local enthusiasm is evident with the Culinary Arts Commission's inception under the Saudi Ministry of Culture. This organization aims to endorse, regulate, and globalize Saudi culinary practices.

Lawson stresses the value of culinary exchanges globally, pinpointing the shared expertise's role in positioning Riyadh as a leading food hub. This blend of local and global culinary influences is central to Riyadh's rise as a gastronomic powerhouse.