*LuLu Turns Saudi Arabia into a Global Kitchen with the World Food Festival 2025* From Street Eats to Global Treats : October 29 to November 11

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

LuLu Hypermarket, the region’s leading retail chain, is set to transform its stores across Saudi Arabia into vibrant culinary destinations with the World Food Festival 2025, running from October 29 to November 11. The festival brings together global flavors, interactive cooking experiences, and cultural showcases, offering shoppers a feast for the senses.

Adding a local twist to the celebrations, a lively Saudi cooking face-off will take place at LuLu Yarmouk, Riyadh, where influencer Abdulrahman Alshehri will challenge his friend Koaib to prepare the traditional dish Marqoug, with Chef Abdulmalik serving as judge. The festival will also feature star-studded inaugurations across the Kingdom, led by Saudi personalities and social media influencers, bringing authentic local flavor and excitement to the event. In Jeddah, influencer Hadeel will inaugurate the celebrations at LuLu Amir Fawaz on October 29, while the Eastern Province will host a grand culinary showcase featuring over 30 top food bloggers and influencers, along with a tasting table presenting nine signature dishes from around the world.

Speaking about the festival, Mohammed Harris, Director – LuLu Saudi Arabia, said: “The LuLu World Food Festival has grown into a much-awaited celebration of culinary diversity, creativity, and community. Every year, we aim to bring together the world’s most loved flavors and present them in ways that inspire and delight our shoppers. This festival reflects LuLu’s commitment to enriching the shopping experience through culture, taste, and togetherness — truly making our stores a global kitchen for everyone.”

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the Anime Food theme, inspired by popular Japanese cuisine, featuring favorites like ramen, sushi, and mochi. Visitors can also look forward to live kitchen shows such as Cheesy Pasta Live, interactive challenges including the Noodles Contest, and the popular Best Khaliyeh Sweet Competition, celebrating one of Saudi Arabia’s most cherished desserts.

Beyond its events, the festival will immerse shoppers in themed experiences that highlight the diversity of flavors from around the globe. Tastes of Saudi invites customers on a flavorful journey through local cuisine, while World Flavors acts as a passport to international dishes. Premium Meat and Gourmet Slices celebrate quality cuts and fine layers of taste, while Sushi Stop captures the therapeutic joy of good food.

Health-conscious visitors can explore Super Foods, offering wholesome and energy-packed options, while coffee lovers can experience Brew Magic and Brew Your Moment, featuring the finest blends and coffee-making essentials. For home cooks, Chef’s Tools, Smart Appliances, and Oven Fresh showcase innovative ways to make every meal creative, convenient, and delicious.

Adding to the excitement, Mexita will attempt to set a record with the Longest Nachos Plate in Saudi Arabia — a three-metre spread of crispy nachos layered with cheese and toppings for shoppers to enjoy. The festival will also host an exciting line-up of interactive contests, including Kids Sandwich-Making Challenge, Kids & Mom Cake Icing Challenge, Mystery Box Challenge, Samosa Folding Competition, Kids Healthy Salad-Making Challenge, and Biryani Cooking Contests. In addition, popular Saudi influencer chefs will conduct live cooking demonstrations and interactive sessions with shoppers, sharing culinary tips, regional recipes, and engaging food stories that bring the spirit of the festival to life.

Chef Live Cooking sessions across LuLu stores will further showcase traditional regional dishes such as Harees, Jareesh, Hasawi Rice Kabsah, and Mashkhoul Shrimp, bringing authentic flavors from across the Kingdom to the table.

Throughout the festival, every LuLu store will turn into a culinary hub featuring Biryani Fests, BBQ Corners, and Healthy Food Weeks, complemented by exciting in-store promotions, discounts, exclusive deals, and daily prizes for shoppers.