Explore the Taste of Saudi Arabia with The Saudi Table Preview: A Unique Culinary Experience in Gurugram Featuring Regional Dishes and Traditional Hospitality

Published on December 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, is now inviting the world to explore its modern food identity through a new and immersive culinary experience—The Saudi Table. Curated by renowned chef Kunal Kapur, this initiative by the Saudi Tourism Authority is designed to offer a cultural glimpse into the diverse and delicious world of Saudi Arabian cuisine. Held in Gurugram, the preview event celebrated the shared dining traditions and regional diversity of the Kingdom, showcasing the flavours and ingredients that have shaped Saudi food culture for centuries.

A New Culinary Journey in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Tourism Authority’s Saudi Table culinary preview serves as a bridge between Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage and the contemporary dining experience, blending traditional recipes with modern techniques. This special event in Gurugram, India, introduced food enthusiasts, journalists, and cultural commentators to the culinary treasures of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country’s rich history of hospitality and communal dining traditions.

The preview featured a carefully crafted menu by Chef Kunal Kapur, who brought his expertise and love for global cuisines to this event. His culinary approach mirrors Saudi Arabia’s philosophy of generosity and hospitality, embodied in the concept of Hafawa—the Saudi practice of treating guests with warmth, respect, and an open heart. The dishes presented were not only delicious but also a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s diverse regional flavours, influenced by ancient trade routes and local ingredients passed down through generations.

The Saudi Table: A Culinary Experience

The concept of The Saudi Table focuses on shared dining, allowing guests to experience the rich flavours of Saudi food in a communal setting. This format draws on the tradition of eating together, a common practice in Saudi households, where food is often served in large platters meant for sharing. The event featured traditional Saudi dishes, including rice, lamb, and a range of spices and herbs unique to the Kingdom.

Key Highlights of the Saudi Table Preview:

• Shared Dining Experience: Guests were treated to an interactive experience that encouraged communal dining, reflecting the essence of Saudi dining traditions.
• Regional Specialties: Dishes were carefully selected from various regions of Saudi Arabia, each showcasing the diverse flavours and culinary practices influenced by geography, climate, and culture.
• Ingredient Provenance: Emphasis was placed on the sourcing of ingredients, showcasing how local produce and spices contribute to the rich and unique flavours of Saudi cuisine.

The event at One8 Commune in Gurugram, India, drew food lovers and hospitality industry leaders who were treated to a truly special evening, celebrating not only the flavours of Saudi Arabia but also its cultural diversity and long-standing food traditions.

Saudi Culinary Itineraries for Indian Market

As part of its tourism promotion strategy, the Saudi Tourism Authority also introduced culinary-focused travel itineraries for the Indian market. These itineraries, priced at Rs 74,000, offer Indian travellers the chance to immerse themselves in the Kingdom’s food culture by visiting iconic culinary destinations and taking part in food experiences across Saudi Arabia. The curated tours will allow participants to explore Saudi’s rich gastronomic heritage while enjoying the warmth of local hospitality, making it an unforgettable journey for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

These travel packages are available through authorised travel partners and aim to attract food-focused travellers looking for new and exciting experiences in the Middle East. With Saudi Arabia rapidly emerging as a culinary hotspot in the region, this initiative is part of the country’s broader efforts to position itself as a leading destination for cultural and gastronomic tourism.

Why Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Scene is Worth Exploring

Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene is a reflection of the Kingdom’s cultural diversity and historical significance. The country’s cuisine is influenced by trade routes that have connected the East and West for centuries. The flavours found in Saudi food are diverse, blending elements from Arab, Persian, Indian, and African cuisines. Saudi food is also deeply tied to its historical roots, with many dishes passed down through generations.

In addition to its unique food offerings, Saudi Arabia is known for its incredible hospitality. The Kingdom’s culture of welcoming guests and sharing food with them is central to the experience of dining in Saudi Arabia. The practice of Hafawa, or treating everyone with unmatched generosity, mirrors India’s famous Atithi Devo Bhavah—the belief that “the guest is God.” This shared value of hospitality forms the foundation for the culinary experiences showcased at The Saudi Table.

Saudi Arabia’s recent efforts to promote food tourism come at a time when the country is opening its doors to international visitors. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan includes boosting the tourism sector, and food tourism is seen as an important part of this strategy. By showcasing its culinary heritage and food culture, Saudi Arabia hopes to attract a new wave of travellers, particularly from India, who are eager to explore the Kingdom’s rich traditions, flavours, and landmarks.

Saudi Table Experience: What to Expect

• Interactive Dining: Enjoy an immersive dining experience that brings Saudi Arabia’s culinary history to life through shared meals.
• Cultural Exploration: Discover how Saudi food reflects the country’s cultural diversity, from the spices of the desert to the coastal influences of the Red Sea.
• Authentic Flavours: Taste authentic dishes that have been passed down through generations, made with locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
• Engaging Atmosphere: Experience the warmth of Saudi hospitality, a key part of the Kingdom’s dining culture, in an intimate and communal setting.

Saudi Arabia: A Rising Culinary Destination

Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a culinary destination is part of its broader push to diversify its economy and attract international visitors. With a blend of ancient culinary traditions and modern innovation, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global leader in food tourism. The Saudi Table event, along with the culinary itineraries introduced for the Indian market, marks a new chapter in the Kingdom’s efforts to introduce international travellers to the flavours and stories that define Saudi food.

As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the Kingdom’s culinary offerings are becoming a key part of the travel experience. With its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and now, vibrant food scene, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for those interested in cultural tourism, gastronomy, and authentic travel experiences.

Conclusion: A Journey Through Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Landscape

The Saudi Tourism Authority’s Saudi Table culinary preview has set the stage for a new era in food tourism in Saudi Arabia. With a focus on shared dining traditions, ingredient provenance, and regional diversity, the event has offered a glimpse into the rich culinary culture of the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve as a travel destination, its culinary heritage will undoubtedly play a central role in its appeal. Through initiatives like The Saudi Table and curated travel itineraries, the Kingdom is making its mark on the global food tourism map, inviting travellers from around the world to experience the flavours, traditions, and hospitality that have made Saudi food a unique and cherished part of the country’s cultural fabric.