Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — To celebrate the diversity and richness of Indian food, a two-day festival was inaugurated on Friday on the Indian Consulate premises. The "Indian Food Festival-2016" is being organized the Consulate General of India in association with Saudi-Indian Business Network (SIBN). Consul General B.S. Mubarak inaugurated the event. The event showcases the variety, taste and flavor each of its regions provides to India. What was witnessed was a variety of fare that had its own style of cooking, range of flavors and unique taste. The opening session witnessed a gathering of diplomats from different Asian countries, prominent Indian and Saudi community members and food connoisseurs. Fourteen Indian restaurants, snacks and sweet makers based in Jeddah presented their fares. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Mubarak said, "We are trying to showcase a varied Indian cuisine here. Though Indian cuisine is famous, we do not know much about it, except for some popular dishes that are served at Indian restaurants. Today the variety of food here will give you a flavor of what Indian cuisine is really about. He added, "We at the Indian Consulate in association with SIBN have taken this opportunity to showcase Indian cuisine to the local people. The restaurants that were selected to display their cuisines are very representative of their taste. The audience too provided a good ambience and I think a large number of people will come and enjoy." While thanking SIBN and all the team members for working really hard for this, Mubarak specially thanked all participating restaurants for their cooperation. Appreciation awards were also given to all participating restaurants, sponsors and some SIBN members. Japan Consul General Matahiro Yamaguchi said, "I like Indian cuisine very much and this is a great opportunity to taste all flavors of India. This festival is a good effort to introduce different Indian taste. I personally like northern Indian food, which is little bit spicy." Indonesian Consul General Syailendra said: "This event is very great, for Indian food attracts everybody. I like Indian food and always participate in Indian food festivals. I am very pleased to be here today." Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki, SIBN executive secretary, said, "Indian food is like classical music raga — it takes time to build up to a crescendo. "We wanted to show Saudi nationals and others that people may or may not have experienced in the past the real taste of Indian food. For the power of Indian food is really spiritual." Zaki added, "Food festivals help us embrace various flavors bringing foodies from different places under one roof. So eat, cheer and cherish! For in India, a food festival is celebrated every day of the year." Restaurants participating in the festival are Shadab, Sea Gulls, The Village, Aryas, Spices, Khaana Khazana, Spice Garden, Daawat, Lazeez Chat Bhandar, and Masala Indian Restaurant. Rabea Tea is the main sponsor of the event, which is co-sponsored by Al-Kabeer, Eurostar, Luna, Memories and State Bank of India.
