Al-Ahsa cuisine in historic Jeddah: Chef Issa Al-Hayek's journey
In a move reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, the Culinary Arts Commission launched the "National and Regional Dishes Cart" initiative in the heart of Jeddah's historic district (Al-Balad), offering an exceptional experience that blends the charm of history with the flavors of authenticity. This initiative is part of the Commission's strategy to document and promote Saudi cuisine both locally and internationally, transforming the alleyways of old Jeddah into a meeting point between the culture of the western coast and the culinary heritage of the eastern region.
A cultural bridge between Al-Ahsa and Jeddah
The food cart, nestled among the traditional Hijazi windows and old houses, created a unique cultural scene, acting as a bridge connecting visitors from the Red Sea coast to the palm oases of Al-Ahsa. More than just a food outlet, it transformed into a vibrant, interactive platform, telling the stories behind traditional dishes and presenting them to the public in a modern way that highlighted their history and nutritional value. Each dish became an open message, transcending time and place, connecting new generations to their ancestral heritage.
This event is of particular importance given Al-Ahsa’s status as a UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy, and the status of historic Jeddah as a World Heritage Site, which makes this meeting a reinforcement of the concept of cultural tourism in the Kingdom.
A quarter-century journey: from serving pilgrims to documenting heritage
This initiative highlighted the story of Saudi chef Issa Al-Hayek, from Al-Ahsa Governorate, who successfully transformed traditional dishes into artistic creations that speak volumes about identity. Al-Hayek's journey is built upon a rich career that began 25 years ago in his family kitchen, where he absorbed a love for local ingredients amidst the aromas of spices and the gentle crackling of a fire.
During his visit to Al-Balad, Al-Hayek reminisced about his deep connection to the culinary arts during the Hajj season, a profession he practiced for 15 years as a humanitarian service to the pilgrims. He gained unique experience in preparing large banquets and feeding the masses. He then used this extensive experience to bring the flavors of Al-Ahsa and the Eastern Province to the heart of the western coast, thus documenting the Kingdom's culinary diversity as a living testament to its rich heritage.
Dishes with the flavor of the land and history
Chef Issa presents his expertise in traditional Al-Ahsa recipes with a modern twist, most notably "Al-Ahsa rice," distinguished by its red color and high nutritional value, and "Harees," a dish considered a staple in the Arabian Gulf. Chef Issa emphasized the bounty of Saudi Arabia, noting that the Kingdom provides its citizens with all the necessary resources to create dishes that ensure food security and bring happiness.
This philosophy, which he believed in, became the cornerstone of his journey in transforming the bounty of the land, from dates, vegetables, and rare Hasawi rice, into a unique tasting experience that contributes to strengthening the local economy and supporting farmers.
Cultural and tourism impact of the initiative
The food truck has transcended its initial purpose of serving meals, becoming a roving ambassador for Saudi identity. Al-Hayek expressed his delight at seeing Saudi cuisine traveling through cities, introducing tourists and citizens to this rich heritage. These initiatives are a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global tourist destination by leveraging its cultural and heritage strengths and emphasizing that Saudi cuisine is a story to be told, an identity to be tasted, and an unforgettable memory.
