The Finnish Ambassador, H.E. Anu-Eerika Viljanen, hosted a delightful Scandinavian-style “Dinner under the Sky,” featuring a menu prepared by Finnish Chef Arto Rastas. Chef Arto, a prominent figure in the Finnish culinary scene and a dedicated ambassador of Finnish culinary culture, is notably recognized as a Young Chef World Champion (2005) and an Olympic Team Champion (2008).
Drawing inspiration from Finland, Chef Arto infused the evening with traditional Finnish flavors and culinary artistry in Saudi Arabia.
In an exclusive interview with DQ Living, Chef Arto shared his vision as a culinary ambassador: “I’ve traveled the world numerous times, and my goal has been to share Finnish culture and cuisine, paying tribute to our country. We have the cleanest water in the world and pristine groundwater – an excellent foundation for all things culinary.”
When discussing the significance of the dinner at the Finnish Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Chef Rastas stated: “This dinner and similar events provide a wonderful opportunity to highlight the Finnish people’s relationship with nature and how we honor its gifts with the utmost respect and care.”
When asked about the unique flavors that make Finnish cuisine special, Chef Arto remarked: “We gather many ingredients from the forest, including wild herbs that add distinctive flavors to our dishes. At today’s event, we’ll be serving a sauce made from pine needles and the wild herb Angelica archangelica, creating a unique dessert. My approach to creating dishes is inspired by the forest and its hidden treasures.”
In his later comments, Chef Arto acknowledged that during his previous visits to the Diplomatic Quarter and Saudi Arabia, he had become familiar with the rich palette of spices utilized in Saudi cuisine, particularly the significance of saffron. “Saudi cuisine generally employs very aromatic spices, like cardamom, which we typically use during Christmas. This approach to cooking in the Kingdom and the Middle East truly inspires me.”
The rich aromas of Saudi cuisine combined with the pure herbs from Finland have fostered a keen interest in experimenting with and creating new dishes for guests. The “Dinner under the Sky” was an exclusive evening that united Scandinavian gastronomy with the open skies of Saudi Arabia, further enhancing cultural diplomacy in the Diplomatic Quarter.
