By Nuzhat Abid Jaffri
RIYADH: Pakistan’s cultural and culinary heritage was placed in the global spotlight at the 2025 Gourmand Awards in Riyadh, where writers, chefs and cultural storytellers from around the world gathered to celebrate food as a reflection of identity and history.
Held annually for nearly three decades, the Gourmand Awards recognize outstanding food books and cultural narratives from across continents. This year’s ceremony brought together participants from dozens of countries, each presenting stories rooted in tradition, memory and national heritage.
Among them, Pakistani author Sayeeda Leghari received an award for her book Pakistan Heritage – A Food Story, a work that goes beyond recipes to explore the country’s traditions, aromas and collective memories. At the Riyadh ceremony, her book was honored as a representation of Pakistan’s rich food heritage and enduring cultural identity.
The recognition was described by attendees as a moment of national pride, acknowledging not only an individual achievement but also Pakistan’s generosity, diversity and deep-rooted food culture. Leghari’s work was praised for capturing the warmth of home kitchens and the cultural wisdom passed down through generations.
The event saw participation from countries including Australia, Cameroon, Djibouti, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa, alongside a strong Asian presence from Indonesia, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Tajikistan and Turkiye. Each nation presented its own culinary narrative, contributing to what organizers described as a celebration of shared humanity through food.
The Gourmand Awards are widely regarded as more than a literary competition. For 30 years, they have highlighted how food storytelling preserves heritage, connects generations and builds cultural bridges between nations.
Leghari’s award was seen as a reminder of the depth and vitality of Pakistan’s food traditions, carrying the fragrance of its soil, the knowledge of its elders and the love embedded in its kitchens. In Riyadh, Pakistan’s cultural story was acknowledged with respect and grace, marking a quiet but meaningful moment of pride on the international stage.
