https://arab.news/4zv83
- Dadan Culinary Arts Centre serves as a hub for eco-gastronomy, blending heritage with a sustainable food system
RIYADH: The slow food movement has a new home in the city of AlUla thanks to the opening of the Dadan Culinary Art Centre, which celebrates sustainable agriculture, local food traditions and mindful dining.
The global movement aims to foster a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources, advocating for the use of seasonal and local ingredients, and supporting all members of the community 鈥� values that have guided AlUla鈥檚 evolution as a sustainable destination.
The Dadan Culinary Arts Centre serves as a global hub for eco-gastronomy, blending the heritage of AlUla鈥檚 verdant oasis with the contemporary values of a fair and sustainable food system.
Located near the historic site of Dadan, the center offers dining, interactive workshops and a chance to meet AlUla鈥檚 farmers, all amid stunning natural landscapes.
A highlight is Dadan Farmers Market, which highlights the city鈥檚 agricultural riches every weekend with an array of fresh, seasonal produce.
Local families, whose livelihoods are deeply tied to oasis agriculture, show off their goods and invite guests to enjoy AlUla鈥檚 authentic flavors. Visitors can savor dishes prepared using traditional methods or select fresh foods to enjoy in the picnic area, embracing the oasis-to-table philosophy that is the heart of the center鈥檚 mission. Every purchase directly supports local farmers.
The Diyar Restaurant within the center, named after the Arabic word for 鈥渉ome,鈥� offers an unforgettable dining experience. Overlooking the majestic mountains, it is warm and inviting, serving dishes prepared with sustainably sourced, locally grown ingredients. Under the guidance of award-winning chef Sergio Rama, it redefines hospitality by transforming simple meals into a celebration of community and heritage.
Another way to learn about AlUla and its people is through the center鈥檚 workshops, which teach participants about sustainable practices and local traditions.
Whether learning the fundamentals of farm-to-table cooking, mastering the arts of pickling and fermentation, or exploring the versatile uses of moringa in oils and soaps, guests gain hands-on insights into multiple crafts and food practices.
Through the Dadan Culinary Arts Centre, AlUla invites the world to rediscover the pleasure of wholesome, traditional dining against the backdrop of its timeless oasis.