Saudi Tourism Authority Showcases ‘The Saudi Table’ Culinary Residency in Delhi
Saudi Tourism Authority Showcases ‘The Saudi Table’ Culinary Residency in Delhi
The Saudi Tourism Authority’s consumer brand Saudi, Welcome to Arabia concluded an exclusive preview of The Saudi Table, an immersive culinary residency curated by celebrated chef Kunal Kapur at One8 Commune, Golf Course Road. Designed as a strategic cultural introduction to Saudi Arabia’s evolving food landscape, the experience highlighted the Kingdom’s deep-rooted culinary traditions through a modern, thoughtfully curated lens.
The preview brought together senior editors, food journalists, cultural commentators, digital creators and hospitality leaders, including Shivesh Bhatia, Niki Mehra Madan, Ashna Sharma, Chef Afshan, and several prominent culinary voices from the Delhi-NCR region.
Chef Kunal Kapur on Shared Food Cultures and Hospitality
Speaking about the culinary crossover, Chef Kunal Kapur reflected on the cultural parallels between India and Saudi Arabia. “Saudi is a land of many wonders. From the coral reefs in the Saudi Red Sea to the snow-dusted peaks of Tabuk, every corner has a story to tell, of adventure, heritage and especially of food that’s been passed on quietly like an heirloom, generation after generation. And in many ways, this is where India and Saudi meet in a shared appreciation for food, culture and traditions. The warmth in India’s “Atithi Devo Bhavah” finds its reflection in the Saudi terminology of “Hafawa”, a practice of treating everyone with unmatched hospitality, generosity and warmth. The Saudi Table is a celebration of this connection. We invite you to enjoy a spread that is familiar and yet, truly Spectacular!”
A Communal Dining Experience Rooted in Provenance
At its core, The Saudi Table was designed as a relaxed, communal dining experience that foregrounded ingredient integrity and Indo–Arab culinary exchange. Rather than leaning on spectacle, the preview focused on provenance, regional diversity and context presenting Saudi cuisine as both ancient and ascendant.
The format encouraged shared eating, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s long-standing tradition of community-driven hospitality.
A Grazing Table Inspired by Saudi Dining Traditions
The experience opened with an expansive grazing table inspired by traditional Saudi dining customs. Guests sampled a variety of dips, grains, greens and breads, offering a layered introduction to the Kingdom’s agricultural heritage.
Highlights included kareef salad, Hijazi-style tabbouleh, wild za’atar labneh, baba ganoush, roasted carrot and date salad, along with date-led bites that reflected Saudi Arabia’s rich relationship with dates and regional produce.
From Everyday Plates to Ceremonial Feasts
As the evening unfolded, everyday Saudi flavours were presented through small plates, followed by generous ceremonial mains that reflected the cuisine’s celebratory nature. The meal concluded with lightly sweet desserts that showcased Saudi cuisine’s signature balance never excessive, always considered.
This progression mirrored the rhythm of Saudi meals, moving seamlessly from daily comfort dishes to communal feasts.
A Disciplined Curation True to Saudi Culinary Roots
Chef Kunal Kapur’s curation stood out for its discipline and fidelity to source. Instead of reinterpreting Saudi dishes to suit a cosmopolitan palate, the focus remained on the architecture of the cuisine itself its preference for spice over heat, its balance of acidity and sweetness, its emphasis on texture rather than ornamentation, and its commitment to shared dining.
This approach allowed Saudi cuisine to speak authentically, without dilution or reinvention.
Experiencing Jeddah, Riyadh and AlUla Through Food
The culinary journey also offered a food-first lens into Saudi Arabia’s key destinations. Jeddah revealed a coastal rhythm shaped by fish markets, historic bakeries and Corniche evenings. Riyadh explored Najdi hospitality through heritage quarters, souks and contemporary chef-led dining. Meanwhile, AlUla emerged as a farm-to-table destination, where meals unfold amid oasis farms and dramatic sandstone landscapes.
Together, these narratives positioned Saudi Arabia as a destination where travel, culture and cuisine intersect seamlessly.
Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Story as a Gateway to Travel
With The Saudi Table, the Saudi Tourism Authority reinforced food as a powerful gateway to cultural discovery. The residency preview not only introduced Saudi Arabia’s contemporary culinary identity but also invited Indian travellers to engage with the Kingdom through its shared values of warmth, generosity and storytelling around the table.
