RIYADH: In every part of the Arab world, people have long argued about to whom certain traditional dishes belong, each wanting to claim the “correct” recipe and origin as their own, a contention that stands true across the Kingdom’s cities as well — and that might not be such a bad thing.
One of its most historically and religiously significant cities, Madinah, is a perfect example of how culinary diversity actually lends itself to culinary connection between different homes and cultures.
Chef Heba Ramadan, raised in Riyadh but originally from Madinah, spoke to Arab News about the city’s unique culinary character, which earned it the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in November 2025.
To Ramadan, Madinah embodies nostalgic childhood memories, family gatherings and joyful moments — especially those centered around food.
As long as you get to the right flavor, it does not matter how you got there.
