ISLAMABAD: Pakistani restaurants showcased their culinary expertise and artistic creativity during the five-day Riyadh Food Festival in Saudi Arabia, a statement from Pakistan’s embassy in the Kingdom said on Sunday, offering visitors from across the world a taste of the country’s cuisines and delicacies. 

The festival, which was held from Feb. 5-9 under the patronage of the Culinary Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, brought together diverse culinary traditions and cultural experiences from around the world, with Pakistan making a significant impact through its rich flavors and vibrant artistic heritage, the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh said. 

Among other outlets, Pakistan was represented at the festival by three prominent restaurants--Zouq Nihari, Lahore Village and Tikka Masala. 

“Visitors had the opportunity to indulge in traditional delicacies and an array of delectable Pakistani street food, all of which received an enthusiastic response from food lovers in Riyadh,” the embassy said. 

It said Pakistan’s pavilion at the festival also featured two dedicated retail kiosks showcasing the country’s culinary and artistic brilliance. Mehran Foods, a leading name in Pakistani spices, set up a display of its premium spice range, offering visitors a chance to experience Pakistan’s “bold and aromatic flavors.” 

A special kiosk dedicated to Pakistan’s iconic truck art was also set up at the festival. It featured intricately designed truck art wares such as hand-painted decorative pieces, household items and souvenirs. 

“A live painting demonstration by skilled Pakistani truck artists further captivated audiences, allowing visitors to witness the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural storytelling embedded in this unique art form,” it said. 

“The enthusiastic response from visitors underscores the growing appreciation for Pakistani cuisine and craftsmanship in Saudi Arabia,” Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia said in a statement. 

The embassy said the festival provided an excellent opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its cultural ties with Saudi Arabia while promoting its food industry and artistic heritage to a wider audience. 

“The Embassy of Pakistan remains committed to fostering deeper cultural exchanges between the two nations and looks forward to future collaborations that showcase Pakistan’s rich traditions on the international stage,” it said.