A Feast of Worlds: Omani Flavours Meet Michelin Stars at Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2025

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara proudly announces the return of the Al Baleed Culinary Festival, a month-long celebration of gastronomy taking place throughout November 2025 that continues to place Salalah on the global gourmet map. Building upon the acclaimed success of three editions, the 2025 festival unveils an exciting new format that shines a spotlight on the resort’s in-house culinary masters, paired with internationally renowned chefs from three-Michelin-starred venues. Supported by key sponsors including the Experience Oman, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Dhofar Municipality, and Amouage; This unique collaboration will present guests with experiences that seamlessly fuse world-class expertise with the distinctive flavours and traditions of Oman.

The 2025 edition embraces Al Baleed’s own experts, inviting guests to experience their creativity first-hand. Highlights include the Frankincense Experience, an immersive journey across the resort’s farm, spa and Al Mina restaurant a collaborative initiative led by the Spa, Recreation, and culinary teams. The programme features a guided farm tour with the resort’s Farm expert, a signature frankincense-inspired spa ritual, and a two-course harvest lunch prepared with the day’s freshest produce and catch. This distinctive experience blends indigenous knowledge with sustainable luxury, echoing the resort’s commitment to wellness and the environment.

This year, Al Baleed Resort is honoured to host two of Europe’s most celebrated chefs, both having represented three-Michelin-starred venues. Jacob Jan Boerma from the Netherlands will headline a Symphony of Taste on 12 November 2025, while Christian Jürgens from Germany takes the stage with the Pursuit of Excellence on 15 November 2025, both held at Mekong. Each evening will feature a four-course menu crafted exclusively for the festival, blending the chefs’ hallmark precision with the freshest Omani produce. Live entertainment will complement the dinners, ensuring an atmosphere as memorable as the cuisine.

From the resort’s talent, Chef Raveevan Kahawan curates a five-course Taste of Mekong set menu on 3, 10 and 17 November 2025 and leads the ever-popular Far East Night buffet on both 5 and 19 November 2025. Chef Sufian Akhtar celebrates exotic tastes of the subcontinent with a tantalising buffet and live stations at Sakalan through Flavours of the Spice Route from 4, 11 and 18 November 2025 respectively, while Chef Andrea Carrone honours the fruits of the sea with the Taste of the Arabian Ocean on both 6 and 20 November 2025, an à la carte showcase of the day’s catch paired with handmade pastas, autumn salads, and farm vegetables at Al Mina. On 7 and 21 November 2025, Omani Nights at Sakalan takes guests deeper into local culture with a four-course menu from Chef Ammar Al Harthi and Chef Khalood Abdullah Jamaan Khazana, enhanced by traditional Omani entertainment. Throughout the festival, Head Pastry Chef, Khin Hnin Aung will oversee the creation of all sweets, desserts, and pastries, ensuring every dining experience is complemented by exquisite finales that highlight both artistry and flavour.

Adding to this stellar line-up, Executive Chef Marco Van Rutten from Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam will join the festival, bringing cross-exposure within the Anantara family and showcasing his talents on a global stage. With a strong background in Michelin-starred venues, Chef Marco further elevates the international calibre of the event.

The festival’s pinnacle celebration, the Al Baleed Kitchen Party on 14 November 2025 at Al Mina, will unite an extraordinary line-up. Chefs Jacob Jan Boerma, Christian Jürgens, Marco Van Rutten and the resort’s own head chefs of varying dining venues including Chef Raveevan Kahawan, Chef Sufian Akhtar, Chef Andrea Carrone, and Chef Khin Hnin Aung; will transform Al Mina into a vibrant culinary stage. Guests can expect interactive dining, live stations, and entertainment in an atmosphere of conviviality and flair.

Throughout November 2025, guests will savour an ever-evolving calendar of dining experiences; whether an intimate Michelin-starred dinner, a cultural exploration of Oman’s flavours, or a spirited night of interactive gastronomy. Prices per person range from OMR 20 for themed dining experiences to OMR 69 for the frankincense experience, while Michelin-starred evenings are offered at OMR 55 per person with Full and half board supplements are also available for in-house guests.

The Al Baleed Culinary Festival 2025 promises to be a defining chapter in Salalah’s culinary story. With its blend of global excellence and local authenticity, the festival invites guests to indulge in a feast for the senses; where every dish tells a story, and every experience creates a lasting memory.

For reservations and more information, please contact Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara at +968 2322 8222 or visit the website at https://www.anantara.com/en/al-baleed-salalah/offers/al-baleed-culinary-festival-2024

A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara Hotels & Resorts connects guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest since 2001. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.

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