SIBF 2025 food frenzy: Burgers, chocolate and street bites steal the spotlight

It may be a book fair, but at this year’s Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the real plot twist unfolds in front of the food trucks lining the entrance of the 12-day annual fair. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling burgers, freshly brewed tea and the unmistakable allure of melted chocolate – a sensory reminder that storytelling isn’t confined to words alone.

If Wimbledon has strawberries and cream, SIBF has strawberries and couverture chocolate. At Chocolate Affair, the glossy red berries are hand-dipped in pure Belgian chocolate, a combination as elegant as it is indulgent. For pistachio lovers, there’s a green-tinted twist with a silky nutty coating that’s been drawing long queues all week.

“People come for the books but stay for the chocolate here,” says Adore Fuentes as he doles out cups full of premium strawberries drenched in pure chocolate.

However, the fair’s dessert scene reaches its climax at Heavenly Bakery, home of the Chocolate Kunafa, as it brings a modern twist on the Middle Eastern classic that’s equal parts gooey and golden. “It’s our bestseller,” said Katie, one of the stall’s servers, with a grin. “People come back for it the next day; sometimes the next hour.”

Nearby, Blend offers a different kind of indulgence. Artisanal drinks like Hibiscus and Classic Matcha, balancing health with refreshment.

Outside the main hall, the fair’s food trucks turn the walkway into a buzzing street market. One truck serves loaded fries topped with turkey, chicken, or even Cheetos – a hit among the youngest of visitors, while others fry up golden corn dogs.

Meanwhile, first-timer Queen Burger has quickly found its fans with its Truffle Burger, Beef Mushroom and the indulgent Double Beef Burger. “We wanted to bring something gourmet but fun,” said Ejaz Naik, a staff member making their SIBF debut. “People love that they can grab a great burger between panels.”

For seafood lovers, the Junior Seafood food truck is an unexpected delight. Serving fried shrimp, calamari, and even bouillabaisse soup, and a traditional Provençal seafood stew rarely spotted at book fairs anywhere in the world. “It’s our little surprise,” said the chef. “People don’t expect French flavours here.” The stall also serves Thai mussels and Mussel Thermidore, which is more likely to appear in fine dining than at a fair.

At PZ Pizza, Italian comfort food takes the stage. From Arancini Balls, Truffle Mushroom Rolls and an array of pizzas from Classic Margherita to Maple Buffalo Chicken. The menu even includes kids’ meals proving that this year’s food offering is as family friendly as the fair itself.

Not far away, Lokal serves up stacked signature burgers, flame-loaded doubles, and crispy chicken creations, each with its own house-made sauce. For a lighter bite, the Lokal Slider offers two mini versions of the same juicy indulgence.

The younger crowd has been flocking to the stall serving Korean coins that can be likened to small, crispy pancakes stuffed with cheese, zaatar, or even Oman chips. The cheese with Nutella is the star of the show, as teens snap selfies with the gooey, stretchy bites.

“We come here every day after our volunteer shift,” said Mariam, a university student. “It’s fun, fast, and delicious.”

Meanwhile at Shay Al Mulla, brothers Abdullah and Soud Al Mulla in pristine white kandouras have created a quiet corner of comfort where three kinds of tea rule the day: Iraqi tea, Habak mint tea, and the crowd-favourite Karak – a fragrant reminder that no book is best read without a cup in hand. “Tea is part of every story we tell in this region,” says Abdullah. “Whether it’s a long conversation or a quick meeting, tea connects people – just like books do.”

With everything from Belgian chocolate to bouillabaisse, SIBF’s culinary offerings prove that food – like books – can tell stories that span cultures, generations, and tastes. Whether you’re sipping Karak or biting into a truffle burger, the fair’s flavourful lineup will make sure that no visitor leaves this SIBF without a delicious memory.