Your Guide to the Qatar International Food Festival
By Dipti Nair
Calling all foodies! The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is back and its bigger and better than ever with loads of mouth-watering gourmet and street food offerings from local and international restaurants. But wait, there's more than just food - you can also enjoy live entertainment, fireworks and plenty of family-friendly activities. It's not just an event, its where culinary trends are born and followed. Are you ready to savor a world of flavors? Keep reading to find out more.
When:
February 7 – 17, 2024
Where:
EXPO 2023 Doha, Family Zone
What to expect?
Food Food Food!
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary extravaganza at the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF). With over 100 food and drink kiosks, this event is a food lover's paradise. Explore cuisines from every corner of the globe, from tantalizing street food to exquisite gourmet delights. Whether you're a vegan enthusiast or a devoted carnivore, there's something for everyone, including finger-licking finger foods, tantalizing desserts, refreshing drinks, and hearty main courses. With foods galore and flavors waiting to be discovered, QIFF promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey for all.
Cooking Shows & Competitions
Enjoy some unique culinary experiences at QIFF with a dynamic cooking theatre featuring a diverse array of captivating shows and competitions. Each day brings a fresh theme, from sumptuous seafood and sizzling grills to wholesome veggies and delectable desserts. Watch the experts battle it out in thrilling competitions like ice and fruit carving, blind tasting challenges, burger battles, and Qatari and Mediterranean cooking showdowns. Plus, savor a variety of entertaining shows including mixology performances, mesmerizing bottle juggling, and captivating barista displays. Definitely not to be missed.
Meet the Maestros
Get masterclasses from masterchefs at the culinary studio. More than 10 international chefs along with celebrities and bloggers will be making daily appearances.Delve into the world of gastronomy alongside renowned international and local chefs, including the talents of Chef Eric Lanlard, Chef Thomas Graham, Chef Faycal Bettioui, Chef Abir El Saghir, Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, and esteemed local maestros such as Chef Noor AlMazroei, Chef Noof Almarri, Chef Lorena Loriato, and more. Witness their culinary prowess firsthand as they showcase their specialties and share their experiences.
Interactive Workshops
Experience the ultimate culinary adventure at QIFF with a variety of fun and interactive workshops designed for both kids and adults. Kids can unleash their imagination with bento cake decoration sessions, while adults can master the art of Moroccan sweets or shake things up with mixology workshops. Explore the vibrant flavors of Asian street food or indulge in the decadence of vegan chocolate creations. The best part? These workshops are completely free throughout the festival, offering everyone the chance to learn and enjoy.
Fireworks
Qatar has some spectacular fireworks shows and you can watch the magic unfold at QIFF as the skies are illuminated with a breathtaking Paramotor Fireworks show. Held daily, this free show, will delight and dazzle audiences of all ages. Enjoy the beauty of fireworks with the paramotors for a spectacular show like never before.
Entertainment
Get ready for an abundance of family-friendly entertainment options at QIFF that are sure to delight all ages. With colorful parades featuring larger-than-life burger and pizza slice mascots, face painting and engaging art activities, the children are sure to feel entertained. And for those seeking cinematic thrills, a state-of-the-art 4K screen will screen children’s movies like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Pinocchio: A True Story, Peter Rabbit, Angry Birds Movie and so many more.
Live Entertainment
As the sun sets, QIFF's open-air stage comes alive with a lineup of live music performances and specially designed entertaining shows for kids. But the fun doesn’t end there, adults are in for a treat with live DJ performances a little later into the night. From 5pm onwards every day of the event, the stage at QIFF will host a variety of performances suitable for all ages.
Dinner in the Sky
Looking for something exquisite and elevated? Then you must try the Dinner in the Sky VIP experience at least once. Get lifted 40 meters into the air while enjoying a 5 star meal. You have the option to choose from High Tea or a Sunset Flight of sandwiches and pastries, a Dinner In The Sky 3-course meal or a Moonlight Flight of snacks and soft drinks. It’s perfect for a romantic date, family occasion or just to have a memorable experience with friends. Prizes start at QAR 190. One flight only seats 22 people so you need to book now or be left out.
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