The Dubai Food Festival is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The festival starts on February 25 going on until March 12.
Here are five events you should try at the Dubai Food festival 2016.
1. Eat the World DXB
With food trucks from as far as London, international chef demos, art installations and musical performances, Eat the World DXB should be on your list of places to go this weekend.
For sampling and purchase, the festival offers pasta, cheeses, artisan breads, oils, sauces, condiments, grains, pulses and cured meats. The line-up of international chefs includes Andy Bates, John Quilter and pastry expert Eric Lanlard.
The event will also feature demos by celebrity chef Suzanne Husseini and Izu Ani, head chef of La Serre. The relaxation zone features a Bedouin tent with Arabic coffee, falcons and henna, along with many kids' activities and competitions.
Location Burj Park, Downtown Dubai Dates February 25-27 Timings Day 12pm to 5pm Evening 6pm to 11pm Cost Day Standard Dh25 (Online) Dh30 (At the door) Evening Standard Dh35 (online) Dh40 (At the door) Details Eat the World DXB Get your tickets here
2. Fatafeat kitchen
From the first and only Arab food channel in the Middle East, the event aims to be a golden opportunity for food-enthusiasts and lovers of the Fatafeat channel to experience cooking demos, talks, tastings and much more from the much loved Fatafeat chefs.The event also has competitions and Q&A sessions.
Including international chefs Lidia Bastianich and Arda Turkuman, and famous Fatafeat chefs such as Mohamad Orfali, Tarek Ibrahim and Salma Sulaiman, the event will feature ten celebrity chefs.
Location Level 2, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall Date February 26, 27 Cost Free More details http://dubaifoodfestival.com/event/fatafeat-kitchen/ Channel website http://www.fatafeat.com/
3. Etisalat Beach Canteen
Each day, the Beach Canteen will host a different fitness class such as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), yoga (morning and evening), Pilates or you could go in for the ‘Workout Wednesdays’ by Physique TV. Bring your family together for sessions of storytelling by the sea every Thursday and Wednesday.
Try fresh local produce from the best of Dubai’s Farmers’ Market. Open mic nights, musical mocktail evenings and weekly movies (on Fridays), all come with inspiring and tasty dishes to try.
Location Kite Beach Date February 26 to March 12 Entry Free More details Beach Canteen
4. Dine with the stars
On February 25, enjoy an evening with renowned Arabic celebrity chef, Manal Al Alem as she presents you with a three-course Middle Eastern cuisine dinner along with her inspiring company for the evening.
Location Armani Pavilion, Armani Hotel Cost Dh549 per person Get your tickets here
Dine with the stars of the Australian cooking industry on February 26 with stunning views of the Dubai fountain and a five-course meal, each course contributed by a different chef. The celebrity chefs you will meet are Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Manu Feildel and Shannon Bennett.
Location Armani Pavilion, Armani Hotel Cost Dh849 per person Get your tickets here
5. Taste of Dubai
Now in its ninth edition, Taste of Dubai has become one of the most sought after culinary events of the region. This year’s line-up promises to be better than last year with great restaurants, food and beverage outlets, entertainment opportunities and much more.
Location Dubai Media City Amphitheatre Dates March 10-12 Cost Advance Standard Entry Dh75 Kids Free (Under 12) VIP Dh240 (with 3 food and 2 drink vouchers) At the door Standard entry Dh90 Kids Free VIP Dh260 (with 3 food and 2 drink vouchers) Website Taste of Dubai Get tickets here
The Dubai Food Festival also offers a list of amazing masterclasses featuring celebrity chefs as well as restaurants in Dubai. Watch out for our guide to all the masterclasses being offered this time around.
At over 50 restaurants participating in DFF, kids can dine free on Saturday, February 27. Click here for more details and participating restaurants.
DFF would not be complete without fine-dining restaurants and local eateries presenting their stellar dishes to the public. 30 restaurants offer their dishes at a standard rate of Dh189 per person. Book in advance and click here for details.
Other events to try include Street Nights (March 4-5), Raffles Garden Food & Fun Market (March 4-5), Chocolate Fiesta (February 25-27) and many more.
Check our Guides map below for venues of the mentioned events. For further details check the official DFF website.
