Embassy of India, Riyadh in collaboration with Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of India, organized a unique culinary event “Indian Mango Indulgence” at Tresor Modern Indian Restaurant in Al Yasmin, Riyadh on 16 July 2025. The event featured a canape’ service of specially curated mango dishes by an award-winning team led by celebrity Chef Sanjay Thakur, and an interactive video podcast on the theme of “Kheer Pe Charcha”.

2. Addressing the event, Ambassador of India, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan said that Indian mangoes are globally-renowned for its delectable varieties, and today’s event not only showcases the rich mango heritage of India, but also the culinary fusion of Indian and Saudi Arabia ingredients centered around the flavor of mangoes. He also highlighted that Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of Indian mangoes, and that Indian companies are ready to deliver the finest varieties to Saudi Arabia.

3. On the menu were the best of Indian cuisines, including mango butter chicken, Goan mango fish curry, mango lassi, among other signature dishes. The menu also brought together the best of Saudi and Indian culinary traditions blending prominent Saudi ingredients like dates, Madinah mint and hasawi lemon with mango dishes adding distinct flavors.

4. The “salad corner” segment of the event saw the fusion of mangoes with millets, which are gluten-free and nutrient rich resilient grains. The year 2023 was designated as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations. It was celebrated world-wide including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

5. India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes with over 1200 local varieties and 45 per cent of the global production. Indian mangoes are known for their rich and succulent taste, sweetness and aromatic complexity. The Alphonso mango is well-known to the Saudi market, along with other varieties from India. The event provided an opportunity to showcase different regional varieties of Indian mangoes including Ashwina, Arajanma, Brindabani, Amrapali, Chausa, Dashehri, Langra, Mallika, and GI-tagged varieties like Fazli and Rataul.

6. Separately, a week-long Indian Mango Festival was also inaugurated at Lulu Hypermarket (Murabba) on 16 July by the Embassy of India and APEDA showcasing the rich varieties of Indian mangoes to the local audience in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

7. APEDA delegation also participated in several B2B meetings with Saudi-based retail companies in Riyadh and Jeddah to explore opportunities for wider availability of premium Indian mangoes in the Kingdom. These retail entities include Tamimi Markets, Panda Hyper Market, Danube Supermarket, Al Jazeera Market, Al Raya Hypermarket, Othaim and Grandhyper.

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