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RIYADH: Denmark’s Embassy in Riyadh celebrated gastronomy on Wednesday by hosting “an evening of Danish flavors with a Saudi twist,” highlighting the best of the country’s cuisine, from cheeses to chocolate.

Liselotte Plesner, Denmark’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, thanked Jacob Jensen, Danish minister for food, agriculture and fisheries, who is on a visit to Saudi Arabia; the Danish Agriculture and Food Council; and the business delegation accompanying the minister, along with Food Nation Denmark, for their support.

Plesner said that the evening was the third celebration of Danish gastronomy over the past two decades.

She said: “When I was young, finding a restaurant serving Danish food in Denmark was near to impossible. You could get Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Only a few restaurants in Denmark would serve traditional open sandwiches.”

Then, in 2004, a group of chefs and foodies decided to turn the table. They crafted the New Nordic Cuisine Manifesto, setting out principles for a culinary revolution rooted in local and sustainable ingredients.

Plesner added: “Two of the chefs founded Noma. Fast forward, and five times Noma has won the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

“In 2021 Noma earned its third Michelin star. The year after, another Danish restaurant, Geranium, took the top spot of best restaurant in the world. Inspiration spread like ripples in the water. Who would have thought that Denmark would become a world-class food nation?”

The evening intended to inspire Saudi Arabia on its culinary journey as it bids to increase tourism and offer guests dishes to delight, said Plesner.

Cheeses took centre stage this year as the buffet featured 12 exquisite choices from Denmark. Cheese expert Rasmus Holmgard curated a feast of flavors.

Sana, a Saudi cheesemaker that produces burrata, introduced a local twist for the evening.

Jensen said: “I have been here for a day and I am full of impressions already. This evening we have gathered not only to taste the flavor of Denmark, but also to explore how culinary traditions can inspire innovation … and build bridges between nations.

“Denmark is proud to be recognized as a global food nation known for our high-quality, safe and sustainable food production.

“I am also pleased to see the Saudi cheesemaker Sana here, Danish-Saudi food diplomacy in action.”

The minister added: “Denmark’s contribution to the world of food goes far beyond gastronomy. We have major exports of advanced machinery and know-how solutions that enable efficiency and sustainable food production worldwide.”