Riyadh is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s top culinary destinations. Renowned figures in the food and beverage industry are introducing their unique concepts to the Kingdom, and adding to Saudi Arabia’s enthusiastic embrace of its evolving culinary landscape. This influx of international restaurants, combined with local talent and a growing appreciation for innovation has positioned Riyadh at the forefront of the global culinary scene.
Having built his experience in Qatar, China, Singapore, and Germany, Marcus Winkler now leads the charge as Director of F&B at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. Regarding the evolution of Saudi restaurants, Winkler notes, “The convergence of local talent, international expertise, and a growing appreciation for culinary innovation has propelled Riyadh to the forefront of the global F&B scene.”
The hospitality industry plays a crucial role in the evolution and growth of Riyadh’s F&B sector by introducing innovative concepts and catering to both international travelers and the local community. Collaborations with local chefs, sourcing ingredients locally, and incorporating cultural elements into their offerings enhance the city’s dining experience. “This symbiotic relationship between the hospitality and F&B industries fosters creativity, drives competition, and ultimately elevates the culinary landscape of the city,” Winkler explains.
The culture in Riyadh significantly influences the offerings at Mandarin Oriental. Mandarin Oriental aligns with the cultural and culinary expectations of its guests by curating a dining experience that resonates with both international travelers and the local community. The hotel’s wide range of restaurants offers a blend of local flavors and international delights, ensuring a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. Winkler states, “Through a thoughtful blend of local flavors and international culinary delights, our diverse range of restaurants caters to the varied palates and preferences of our esteemed guests.” This led the hotel to recently launch the ’13 Regions Friday Brunch’ at La Brasserie, inspired by HRH Princess Noura Al Faisal’s vision, with Winkler stating, “Our culinary team created a special brunch concept featuring a curated selection of dishes using products from the 13 provinces of the Kingdom.” Additionally, the hotel has curated four new signature dishes using locally sourced camel meat and camel milk products to honor the ‘Year of the Camel.’
Events like food festivals and culinary competitions contribute significantly to Riyadh’s reputation as a premier culinary destination. “Through the celebration of culinary excellence and creativity, food festivals and competitions contribute significantly to positioning Riyadh as a distinguished culinary destination,” Winkler explains. These gatherings provide a platform for local talents to showcase their culinary prowess, fostering creativity and collaboration within the F&B industry.
Innovative technologies are poised to revolutionize the F&B sector, with Mandarin Oriental proactively preparing for these changes. The hotel recently implemented a cutting-edge online ordering system for In-Room Dining, enhancing service delivery and guest satisfaction. Despite this Winkler still maintains that the human element is key to any hospitality endeavor, saying, “While technology undoubtedly enhances operational processes, the Group firmly believes in the irreplaceable value of genuine human connections in the luxury hotel environment.”
