When diplomacy meets dinner, every bite counts — especially when the guest of honor is former U.S. President Donald Trump.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025, the kingdom laid out a culinary red carpet that was equal parts extravagant, symbolic, and surprisingly personal. The food wasn’t just for nourishment — it was part of the message.

🍔 McDiplomacy: A Mobile McDonald’s at the Royal Court

The internet lit up with photos and commentary when a double-decker McDonald’s food truck appeared outside Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh.

Fully branded in both Arabic and English, the truck was more than just a meal stop — it was a diplomatic wink to Trump’s famously fast-food-friendly palate. Known for his love of Big Macs and Filet-O-Fish, Trump’s preferences were clearly taken to heart by his hosts. This lighthearted move earned praise for its personalization, and the term “McDiplomacy” began trending within hours.

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🥩 State Lunch: A Feast of Global Flair and Local Pride

In contrast to the casual charm of the food truck, the official state lunch inside the palace was a carefully curated three-course meal, blending Western flavors with high-end presentation.

The menu included:

  • Starter: Miso-glazed beef with fermented vegetables and crispy bacon bits

  • Main Course: Grilled Black Angus steak, served with silky mashed potatoes and fresh herb salad

  • Dessert: A delicate extra-virgin olive oil parfait with a sweet-and-sour strawberry compote

Lavish, yes — but still a nod to Trump’s known taste for hearty, familiar dishes.

☕ The Coffee That Wasn’t Sipped

One moment, however, stirred quiet controversy: video footage showed Trump politely declining a cup of traditional Saudi coffee (Gahwa), ceremonially offered by a host in traditional dress.

In Middle Eastern culture, offering coffee is a powerful gesture of respect, hospitality, and welcome. Refusing it — even gently — can be interpreted as culturally tone-deaf. Social media reacted swiftly, with some calling it a diplomatic oversight, while others brushed it off as a personal choice.

Presidential Palates Through the Years

Trump is far from the first U.S. president to be courted through cuisine:

  • Barack Obama dined on a minimalist yet profound sushi meal at Tokyo’s Sukiyabashi Jiro.

  • George W. Bush was served a traditional Chinese banquet with Peking Duck and cultural fanfare.

  • Bill Clinton embraced a fully vegetarian South Indian thali during a diplomatic stop in India.

Each dish, in every setting, was chosen to express not just generosity, but identity and intention.

✍️ Final Bites

Food has always been a universal language, and in the hands of skilled diplomats and hosts, it becomes a strategic tool.

Whether it’s a state dinner with fine cutlery or a fast-food truck parked at a palace, the choices speak volumes. In Trump’s case, the message was clear: We know what you like, and we’re willing to serve it — with flair.