Denmark is home to some of the best restaurants and chefs in the world. What better way to prove this alluring statement than by organizing an extraordinary culinary event?
On March 7, the Royal Danish Embassy hosted one of the most delicious events in the Diplomatic Quarter, where guests were welcome to taste “A Bite of World Class Danish Gastronomy.”
The event was organized to celebrate the achievements of Danish cuisine over the past decades. H.E. Ambassador Liselotte Plesner delivered an ambient speech to walk guests through Denmark’s path to becoming one of the most Michelin-starred countries in the world.
“A few years ago, it was almost impossible to find a Danish restaurant in the entire Kingdom of Denmark. Italian, Chinese, Mexican and all kinds of foreign cuisines were represented, and only a few restaurants served traditional Danish food. In 2004, a group of enthusiastic chefs turned the table and released the Nordic Cuisine Manifesto. Since then, inspiration has spread like ripples in water.”
The manifesto promoted an innovative approach to traditional foods, combined with a strong focus on health and an ethical manufacturing philosophy. It aimed to create and inspire the joy of food, taste and diversity at a national and international level.
As a result of nearly two decades of persistence, perseverance and sustainable use of the best of nature, the Kingdom of Denmark has 28 Michelin-starred restaurants, and outstanding Danish chefs cultivate cleaner, greener and healthier culinary tradition. Moreover, one of the best restaurants in the world, with three Michelin stars, Noma is considered the best and most iconic Danish restaurant, serving world-class cuisine without neglecting care for nature and people. While the number of Danish Michelin-starred restaurants is on the rise, retailers and farmers also rethink the way food is produced and harvested to contribute to the gastronomy chain that brings joy.
“Good food brings us together. I am confident you will enjoy this evening. I also hope that this evening will bring some inspiration from Denmark to Saudi Arabia, from one kingdom to another,” emphasized H.E. Plesner.
This thought was particularly meaningful as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the active phase of its transformation into a tourist destination, where Denmark’s experience in culinary and service can serve as a model to mirror in Saudi Arabia. To this end, the Royal Danish Embassy invited one of the top chefs and sous-chefs, Per and August, who prepared and served evening delicacies in the best tradition without any compromise on the quality of the food.
A rich menu, accompanied by gourmet starters and Danish cheeses, became an unforgettable experience to the local guests, partners, influencers and foodies. Indeed, the food brought people together, discovered Danish cuisine from a new angle, and served as the basis for a future beneficial cooperation between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
