Saudi children’s cookbook series ‘Aklana’ wins global culinary literature award
13-volume project showcasing Saudi culinary and cultural heritage honored with Gourmand ‘Best in the World’ award in Portugal
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — The Saudi children’s cookbook series Aklana, which documents the Kingdom’s culinary and cultural heritage, has won the prestigious “Best in the World” Gourmand Cookbook Award for 2024 in Cascais, Portugal.
The award was presented to Layal Idriss, the series’ creative director, publisher, and visual storyteller, according to Arab News.
Idriss, who is also co-founder of Dar Waraqa and Radish House Agency, described the recognition as “truly overwhelming,” emphasizing her gratitude for the opportunity to represent Saudi culture on an international stage.
Aklana is a 13-volume series, with each book dedicated to one of Saudi Arabia’s provinces.
Developed in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture and published by Dar Waraqa, the project aims to engage young readers in a “holistic cultural journey” that explores local food, traditions, celebrations, and natural resources.
The series is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, making it accessible to global audiences.
Idriss led a team of four to five artists per volume, carefully selected to reflect the unique cultural and visual identities of each region. She also ensured consistency in design, directing the entire process from concept to final production.
“We believed a beautifully made book is the best cultural messenger,” she said, noting that high production standards were a priority throughout the project.
Idriss credited the collaborative efforts of her team, including project manager Mohammed Hasanain, for maintaining editorial and artistic cohesion across all 13 books.
What sets Aklana apart, she explained, is its combination of culinary education with deep cultural storytelling. “Unlike typical cookbooks, Aklana weaves recipes with the lifestyle, customs, and landscapes that shape regional cuisine.”
The award marks a milestone in Idriss’s lifelong mission to enrich Saudi children’s literature.
“This is a major step in building a golden age of books for children in the Kingdom,” she said, expressing hope that Aklana would inspire similar high-quality cultural publishing initiatives across the Arab world.
The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, founded in 1995, recognize excellence in food writing and publishing from over 220 countries and regions.
Each year, the ceremony is held in a city known for its culinary heritage, attracting global figures in the world of gastronomy.
Idriss concluded that Aklana’s global recognition strengthens the case for culturally rooted storytelling. “We’re committed to continuing this journey and sharing Saudi stories with the world.”
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