Culinary caravan is a chance to savor Saudi Arabia’s food heritage

A flavor of Saudi’s rich culinary heritage is delighting tastebuds in Najran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Hosted by the Culinary Arts Commission, a mobile exhibition showcasing national dishes and desserts is currently offering visitors an immersive experience at King Fahd National Park, in the scenic Saqam Forest.

The event, which runs until April 20, puts two iconic delicacies — jareesh and maqshush — in the spotlight, presenting them in innovative and enticing ways. Jareesh is a savory dish of cracked wheat, cooked slowly with vegetables and tomato sauce. The addition of lamb is optional. Maqshush is a buckwheat dessert topped with ghee, honey, dates, molasses or sugar.

Visitors to the culinary arts caravan can explore the essence of Saudi cuisine through activities such as live cooking demonstrations, where they watch the dishes being prepared and then enjoy freshly cooked samples. The exhibition is part of the commission’s National and Regional Dishes Narratives initiative, which is dedicated to cataloging and celebrating local culinary gems. Designating jareesh and maqshush as national culinary treasures highlights their significance as part of the Kingdom’s dining culture.

The caravan embarked on its journey in November last year, starting in Riyadh and traversing Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Jouf,

the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim and the Eastern Province. Its stop in Najran marks another milestone, with upcoming visits to Jazan, Asir and Baha concluding the seven-month odyssey.

Its aim is to deepen appreciation of local heritage, forge stronger connections with Saudi culinary traditions across generations, and provide visitors with an unforgettable culinary experience while instilling pride in national dishes.