Dinner Incredible KSA 2025: A Bold New Chapter for Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Scene

Interview with Chef Giorgio Diana

Dinner Incredible KSA 2025 promises to be an entirely renewed edition, fueled by an exciting collaboration currently being finalized with Sirha Arabia. This partnership will also bring the prestigious Bocuse d’Or into the concept of the special Dinner Incredible evening — a milestone that firmly cements Saudi Arabia’s place on the global gastronomic stage.

“Our concept for this year is bold and celebratory,” explains Chef Giorgio Diana, culinary director of the project. “Six internationally acclaimed chefs will join forces with six of Saudi Arabia’s most talented culinary figures to create an extraordinary menu. It will be a tribute to Saudi cuisine, yet elevated with elegant touches of international fusion. We want to blend local traditions with global artistry, creating a true cultural dialogue on the plate.”

An International–Local Synergy

Each chef pairing will reinterpret Saudi flavors using their own heritage and techniques. The confirmed international line-up so far includes:

 🇮🇹 Giorgio Diana

An Italian culinary innovator with a passion for refined Mediterranean flavors, Giorgio Diana is celebrated for his ability to blend traditional recipes with contemporary techniques. His global career has taken him from Europe to Asia and the Middle East, always focusing on precision, elegance, and cultural storytelling through food. As Culinary Director of Dinner Incredible, he shapes the creative vision for this unique dining experience.

🇮🇹 Daniele Chiari

With a career spanning luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants worldwide, Daniele Chiari is known for his sophisticated approach to Italian cuisine and his deep respect for ingredients. Based in Saudi Arabia for several years, he has been instrumental in shaping the Kingdom’s fine-dining scene, introducing innovative culinary concepts while preserving authentic Italian soul.

 🇳🇱 Jacob Jan Boerma

One of the Netherlands’ most celebrated chefs, Jacob Jan Boerma earned three Michelin stars at his restaurant De Leest. His cooking is marked by bright, pure flavors and a masterful balance of acidity and freshness. Boerma’s plates are both technically flawless and emotionally engaging, making him a true ambassador of modern European gastronomy.

🇫🇷 Bruno Ménard 

A French culinary icon with three Michelin stars, Bruno Ménard is admired for his mastery of French haute cuisine infused with international influences. With experience in Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, and beyond, he brings an elegant and globally inspired perspective to classic French cooking, always with a touch of playful creativity.

🇩🇪 Kay Baumgardt

German-born Kay Baumgardt has built an impressive career across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, blending modern European techniques with a love for global flavors. His cuisine often reflects a refined minimalism, allowing the quality of each ingredient to shine while weaving in unexpected flavor pairings.

🇻🇳🇺🇸 Michael Bao 

Renowned Vietnamese-American chef Michael Bao Huynh is celebrated for reimagining traditional Vietnamese flavors with a contemporary, cosmopolitan twist. A James Beard Award nominee and successful restaurateur, his cooking balances authenticity with bold innovation, creating dishes that are both comforting and excitingly fresh.

🇮🇹 Massimiliano Sena

Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred Il Lago at Geneva’s Four Seasons Hotel, Massimiliano Sena is a master of refined Italian cuisine. His style is rooted in the traditions of southern Italy, elevated by precise technique and an eye for modern presentation. Sena’s menus often pay tribute to the sea, showcasing exceptional seafood in imaginative ways.

The focus this year is on deepening the exploration of Saudi ingredients — from camel dairy products, loomi, and dates to the variety of local grains that are staples of the Kingdom’s daily meals. “We want to showcase these elements in innovative ways while still honoring their roots,” says Chef Diana.

Beyond the Dinner Table

Dinner Incredible is not just about the night itself. Over the course of five days, the guest chefs will immerse themselves in Saudi culture and gastronomy. The itinerary includes visits to Bujairi Terrace, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al-Turaif, and meetings with exceptional local producers whose work embodies the “Made in Saudi” movement.

“These encounters are essential,” Diana notes. “They give our guest chefs a real understanding of the Kingdom’s culinary identity — the flavors, the craftsmanship, the passion behind every ingredient.”

The chefs will also attend Sirha Arabia Expo and the regional phases of the Bocuse d’Or as VIP guests, witnessing the intensity and excellence of one of the world’s most celebrated culinary competitions.

A Culinary Renaissance in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of an extraordinary culinary renaissance. In just a few years, the Kingdom has evolved from a relatively undiscovered market into a destination attracting the world’s most respected culinary institutions.

“The arrival of the Michelin Guide has been a game changer,” Diana says. “It’s raising standards, encouraging creativity, and pushing restaurants to reach new heights. And now, with the Bocuse d’Or entering the scene, Saudi Arabia is truly stepping onto the global stage.”

What excites Diana most is the exchange of knowledge and culture this creates. “Local chefs are gaining international exposure, while visiting chefs are discovering the richness of Saudi flavors — from the sweetness of dates and the creaminess of camel milk to the intricate spice blends unique to each region. I believe this momentum will only grow, and Saudi cuisine will earn its place among the world’s most respected traditions, both in its purest form and through bold, contemporary interpretations.”