Paris, France, 6 November 2024 – The Saudi Culinary Arts Commission, one of 11 sector specific commissions under the Ministry of Culture, has successfully concluded its participation as the Guest of Honor at Salon Du Chocolat, the world’s largest chocolate exhibition. This year’s event highlighted the unique flavors, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Saudi chocolate, further fostering cultural exchange and drawing attention from chocolate enthusiasts.
The Taste of Saudi Culture allowed guests to discover the culinary landscape of Saudi Arabia through live pastry-making, a display of local chocolatiers, traditional Saudi coffee and date service, a multisensory experience to explore the Kingdom’s 13 regions scents and sights, and a special camel sculpture in celebration of “The Year of the Camel”.
Saudi chefs Sultan Alarifi and Abdualltef Alrashoudi demonstrated their culinary craft live at the event, preparing traditional pastries and Saudi treats. Baker and founder of Lâm, Abdualltef Alrashoudi presented Fleurs of the South, an intricate dessert made of white chocolate with petal-like detail paying homage to floral crowns worn by men in southern Saudi Arabia. Chef Sultan Alarifi created Gianduja Cardamom Kunafa which elegantly combined classic flavors with exotic touches, providing visitors with a glimpse into the artistry of Saudi desserts.
Saudi chocolatiers presented their products for purchase including local brands Levo, Ganache, Hanoverian, Chocolate Corner Bonum, Miss Feionkah, Chocomize, T. elements, Lam Mirrors and Musa and Palm. Saudi pâtissier Abdualltef Alrashoudi judged the amateur category of the “Trophée National de la Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Française”. This year’s task was to incorporate Saudi dates with the winning contestant assembling an impressive cake.
Saudi artist Budour AlAqidi and French chocolatier Jean-Luc Decluzeau came together to create a stunning camel sculpture made entirely of chocolate. The centerpiece highlighted Saudi-French collaboration and both nations’ shared appreciation for culinary arts while celebrating “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.
Guests had the opportunity to discover Saudi hospitality through a traditional Saudi coffee service alongside a chocolate fountain featuring an assortment of dates from the Kingdom. An interactive multisensory display allowed visitors to explore sights and scents across Saudi Arabia’s 13 different regions, including an immersive tunnel with screens displaying the different landscapes from across the Kingdom. Attendees discovered spices and ingredients unique to Saudi Arabia including Sirar Hail, Khawlani coffee beans, Taif Rose, Aljouf olives and Lumie Hassawi. They had the chance to use a traditional mortar, known as “Najr” to grind these ingredients into their final forms.
The Salon du Chocolat brought together chocolate enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions countries have developed around this cherished treat. The Taste of Saudi Culture celebrated the Kingdom’s culinary heritage, underscoring the Culinary Arts Commission’s commitment to cultural exchange and supporting the sector by providing platforms to showcase the nation’s talent.
