Almarai Launches "Taste of Saudi" on Shahid to Celebrate the Kingdom's Culinary Heritage

Almarai has launched its exclusive program, "Taste of Saudi", on the Shahid platform. It coincides with Saudi National Day celebrations. The program introduces viewers to the richness and diversity of Saudi cuisine by sharing the stories behind traditional dishes from the Kingdom's thirteen regions. Taking audiences on a cultural journey where geography meets history. The flavors of the table reflect the spirit of place and people, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals of preserving heritage and enhancing cultural life.
Hosted by Chef Hisham Ba'eshen, each episode of "Taste of Saudi" takes viewers to a different region to explore a signature Saudi dish officially recognized by the Culinary Arts Commission. The program highlights ingredients, cooking methods, and the human stories that give each dish its unique place in Saudi culture—from the mountain villages of the south to the coastal cities along the Red Sea, and through the northern deserts and central plains. Featured dishes include Margooq in Riyadh, Kleja in Al-Qassim, Keubaiba in Hail, Haneeth in Asir, Maghsh in Jazan, Sayadiyah in Tabuk, Saleeq in Taif, and Hassawi rice, among others, showcasing the diversity and richness of Saudi flavors.
Faisal Alfahadi, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Almarai, said:
"We are proud to launch this program, which reflects Almarai's commitment to strengthening national culture and promoting awareness of Saudi identity through the local culinary scene. Each dish in 'Taste of Saudi' tells a story from our history and embodies the values of generosity and hospitality that define our society. This initiative also highlights our role in portraying a positive image of the Kingdom through inspiring, high-quality content, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives to preserve heritage and develop cultural tourism."
The program was filmed over several months across multiple regions, including local markets, farms, and kitchens. It featured participation from local chefs and culinary experts who shared authentic regional recipes, alongside heritage and culture specialists. "Taste of Saudi" documents traditional cooking techniques, oral histories, and regional differences in dishes, contributing to the preservation and transmission of Saudi culinary heritage for future generations.
The launch of the program follows a year of continuous growth for Almarai, with the brand's value increasing by 20% to reach USD 4.68 billion, according to Brand Finance 2025. This growth reflects consumer trust, the company's commitment to innovation, and its focus on providing high-quality products both locally and regionally.
"Taste of Saudi" is available exclusively on Shahid, the leading Arabic streaming platform that offers a mix of original Arabic productions and global content in a seamless viewing experience. Viewers can enjoy episodes that combine documentation with visual entertainment, offering a unique experience that celebrates Saudi flavors and introduces the world to the diversity and richness of the Kingdom's culinary heritage.