Saudi Culinary Boutiques (SCB) - Celebrating Madinah’s Culinary Heritage
Objectives
Madinah, a historic crossroads of diverse cultures and traditions, is home to a vibrant community of chefs, cooks, and productive families, all of whom play a vital role in the local gastronomy value chain. This dynamic network, encompassing thousands of individuals, thrives on the rich culinary heritage of the region. The Saudi Culinary Boutique (SCB) project positions Madinah as a hub of cultural authenticity by celebrating traditional recipes and locally sourced products. It provides guidance for culinary talents to experiment and innovate within the framework of tradition while fostering the next generation of Madinah’s Food Ambassadors through tailored training and education.
Scope and key Action
The SCB project collaborates with local authorities, professional associations, and the Culinary Art Commission (CaC) to elevate Madinah’s gastronomy. Key priorities include increasing access to culinary training, meeting international quality standards, and fostering entrepreneurship to drive innovation within the local food ecosystem.
The project develops in two main initiatives:
- Irth (Heritage) is an innovative space that serves as a collaborative platform for chefs, local food producers, and industry specialists. It is designed to blend traditional Madinah architecture with contemporary design elements, offering an inspiring environment for experimentation, innovation, and the preservation of culinary traditions.
Sard (Storytelling) introduces a certification and labeling system to ensure authenticity and quality in products and services. Leveraging advanced technological platforms, Sard highlights the unique stories of producers and their connections to Madinah’s heritage. This initiative also empowers the creative community by providing tools to effectively market and sell their offerings.
Stakeholders
The City of Madinah, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture, ensures the program’s long-term success through a strategic vision that aligns with national and international priorities, including Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Multiple other stakeholders involve in the project involves: the Culinary Art Commission, professional associations, culinary talents, chefs, and local food producers and the broader creative community, including educators and industry specialists.
Expected Outcomes
The SCB project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
- Empowerment of culinary talents through access to training and education.
- Preservation and promotion of Madinah’s culinary heritage.
- Increased global recognition of Madinah as a center of gastronomy.
- Creation of new entrepreneurial opportunities within the local gastronomy sector.
- Establishment of quality standards and certifications for authentic products and services.
Impact
The SCB project envisions Madinah as a global hub for culinary and cultural excellence. By expanding access to training and fostering entrepreneurship, it empowers future culinary talents to innovate while preserving Madinah’s rich traditions. These efforts create a sustainable gastronomy ecosystem that strengthens local identity, aligns with Vision 2030, and contributes to cultural and economic growth for future generations.
