Top Italian chefs host heritage dinner in Riyadh

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The chefs with their culinary efforts in the kitchen at Cucina. (Khalil Alazwari/AN Photo)
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A live cooking demonstration featuring Ambassador Baldocci, Chef Derflingher, and the culinary team at Cucina. (Khalil Alazwari/AN Photo)
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An Italian organetto player entertained guests throughout the evening. (Khalil Alazwari/AN Photo)
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Italian Ambassador Carlo Baldocci. (Khalil Alazwari/AN Photo)
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Chef Enrico Derflingher. (Khalil Alazwari/AN Photo)
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Updated 08 December 2025
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Top Italian chefs host heritage dinner in Riyadh

  • Cucina hosted the event, backed by the Italian Embassy, the Italian Trade Agency, and Euro Toques Italia
  • Italian Ambassador Carlo Baldocci: Culinary diplomacy is very important for Italy

RIYADH: An Italian heritage dinner in Riyadh brought together leading chefs with Michelin-starred restaurants to the Kingdom, aiming to highlight food as a strategic instrument of Italian soft power.

Cucina hosted the event, backed by the Italian Embassy, the Italian Trade Agency, and Euro Toques Italia.

Italian Ambassador Carlo Baldocci spoke to Arab News about how the evening reflects the two countries’ expanding cultural and economic ties.

“Culinary diplomacy is very important for Italy. It shows how Italy is moving through traditions to go into the future of our capacity and our sensibility in many areas of the food world,” he said.

He added that Saudi Arabia’s own food heritage strengthens the relationship between the two nations.

“This creates a very strong connection with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has a huge tradition of food and capacity of bringing the culinary recipes of the past towards the present and the future,” he explained.

Baldocci said the Italian side sees growing potential for wider collaboration. “There are huge opportunities. I am sure that we will succeed in arriving to a very high level of collaboration. There is strong interest on the Italian side, and I see great interest on the Kingdom’s side,” he said.

The dinner presented a curated menu prepared by a lineup of internationally recognized chefs, using products flown in from Italy for the occasion.

In attendance were Vincenzo Guarino, a chef whose restaurants have garnered a total of four Michelin stars; Germano Pisano, Euro Toques member; Enrico Derflingher, president of Euro Toques Italy and former chef of Prince Charles and the White House; Daniele Chiari, culinary director of royal protocol; Daniele Valente, executive chef of Cucina; Massimo Tavoletta, master chocolatier chef; and Vincenzo de Simone, baker chef.

The dishes showcased Italy’s regional identity through ingredients such as Mazara del Vallo red prawns, Parmigiano Reggiano, gorgonzola, black truffle, and specialty sourdough preparations.

Derflingher spoke to Arab News about how he was pleased to return to the Kingdom.

“I’m very proud to be here. It was a fantastic dinner. We are very proud to bring all these products from Italy and to cook such a fantastic dinner for such a beautiful clientele,” he said.


Riyadh Ramadan tents illuminate festive traditions

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Riyadh Ramadan tents illuminate festive traditions

  • As the sun sets, Ramadan tents open for guests to enjoy sumptuous meals

Riyadh: The much-anticipated tradition of Ramadan tents in Riyadh draws hundreds of daily for lavish iftar and suhoor menus, surrounded by sophisticated and luxurious decor.

One of the largest Ramadan gatherings in the capital, Fawanees at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, has over the years become a benchmark for the seasonal experience.

Named after the traditional lantern used to decorate homes during the holy month, Fawanees immerses guests in a traditional Saudi iftar, attracting people from around the Kingdom and abroad.

“Like the glow of fawanees lighting the night, Ramadan is the time to share our blessings with others. This year’s Fawanees brings togetherness and generosity,” Andrew Abram, general manager of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, told Arab News.

“May we carry this light in our hearts throughout the holy month and extend it to everyone around us.”

The buffet comprises a wide variety of dishes and beverages with lanterns decorating the venue and oud music echoing through the hall.

The Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh hosts a Ramadan tent and majlis celebrating “Hikayat Ramadan,” inspired by the timeless art of storytelling.

Cafe Boulud has a French-inspired iftar menu, with a signature Ramadan cake crafted by pastry chef Wael Elsherif Ahmed El-Sherif, and there is a special Ramadan high tea experience at Obaya Lounge.

Families and young guests are also welcome, with dedicated childrens’ activities ensuring a festive experience for all.

“Every detail is designed to create meaningful experiences that connect families, celebrate heritage and leave lasting memories year after year,” Shadi Suleman, regional vice president and general manager at Four Seasons Riyadh, told Arab News.

The Ramadan tent and majlis have been designed with oriental-inspired decor, blending tradition with contemporary touches.

Guests can enjoy live oud music in a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families, friends and corporate gatherings.

“Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to surprise and delight our guests,” Suleman said.

At the heart of the culinary offerings is the signature Ramadan cake, inspired by the Arabian desert and made with Saudi dates, crisp kunafa, malt-infused white chocolate, pistachio cream and honey.

Fairmont Riyadh offers seasonal celebrations centered around the Al Thuraya Ramadan Tent with generous iftar buffets, intimate chef’s tables, and serene suhoor under the stars.

Set within the Al Thuraya Ballroom which extends into an outdoor tent, the inviting sanctuary captures the warmth of Ramadan and authentic Arabian hospitality.

In addition to hosting sophisticated iftars after sunset, the venue is home to a lively Ramadan bazaar, where guests can explore a selection of handcrafted jewelry, premium perfumes and traditional garments.

Younger guests can enjoy a dedicated children’s area, with engaging activities and a dedicated buffet.

With the holy month being a festive occasion, guests enjoy extensive menus at Ramadan tents catering to every preference in the nation’s capital.