Paris, France, 28th October 2024 – The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, one of 11 sector-specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, will participate in Salon du Chocolat in Paris, from October 30 to November 3, 2024. As the Guest of Honor at the international event for chocolate enthusiasts, Saudi Arabia will showcase its culinary arts heritage through interactive experiences and displays.
The “Taste of Saudi Culture” pavilion will allow visitors to embark on a culinary journey through Saudi Arabia, one bite at a time. Highlighting the Kingdom’s deep-rooted traditions and culinary talents, the pavilion will feature locally produced chocolate, live pastry making, a traditional Saudi coffee service with dates, an interactive cultural display and a special camel sculpture in celebration of “The Year of the Camel”.
Saudi chefs will participate in live pastry-making, demonstrating their skills and offering audiences a glimpse into the artistry of Saudi desserts. A Saudi pâtissier will also judge the amateur category of the “Trophée National de la Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Française” for which contestants will be tasked with incorporating Saudi dates into their creations in line with this year’s competition theme.
The Saudi display will present chocolates made by Saudi producers and introduce unique flavors and techniques of Saudi chocolatiers to an international audience. Visitors will also be able to explore the sights and scents of Saudi Arabia’s 13 different regions through an interactive multisensory display.
CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission Mayada Badr said: “This event highlights the transformative power of chocolate, not just as a treat, but as a medium for culinary expression, cultural exchange and sustainable practices. We are proud to support the talented chocolatiers and artisans who continue to push the boundaries of flavor and presentation.”
The pavilion will feature an impressive camel sculpture made of chocolate and created by a Saudi artist Budour AlAqidi in collaboration with a French chocolatier Jean-Luc Decluzeau in celebration of “The Year of the Camel”. Coinciding with the United Nations’ designation of 2024 as the International Year of the Camelids, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has designated 2024 as “The Year of the Camel” to celebrate the animal’s significance in Saudi history and culture. The artistic centerpiece represents cultural collaboration among both nations, conveying a creative synergy and shared appreciation for culinary arts.
Guests at the pavilion can further experience Saudi hospitality through a traditional Saudi coffee service alongside a chocolate fountain featuring dates sourced directly from the Kingdom.
The Salon du Chocolat unites visitors through a shared love of chocolate, offering a unique opportunity to explore how different countries have developed their own culinary traditions around this beloved treat. Saudi Arabia’s participation at the exhibition highlights the Culinary Arts Commission’s commitment to share and celebrate the Kingdom’s culinary heritage and foster cultural exchange through the universal language of food.
