A highlight of the Dubai Food Festival, the popular series of culinary adventures will run until 12 May.
The Dubai Food Festival is now in full swing, its 11th edition bringing with it the long-awaited return of Foodie Experiences, running until 12 May. A highlight on the roster, the series spans an array of culinary adventures ranging from exclusive experiential dining and masterclasses to tasting menus, culinary collaborations between local and international chefs, and more — that’s three weeks worth of palate-pleasing offerings to consider.
Week one (19 to 26 April) is when you can indulge in fine dining experiences featuring renowned chefs from acclaimed venues. Highlights include Four Hands Dinners featuring a fusion of Greek and Arabesque cuisines at Asil, as well as an eight-course dinner showcasing Mediterranean and Lebanese flavours by Executive Chef Sonu Koithara x Chef Greg Malouf at Raia Restaurant & Lounge. Elsewhere, a Chef’s Table at Alici features the finest caviar selections, while the Tasting Menus at Belcanto and Il Borro Tuscan Bistro come complete with exclusive wine pairings. For vegetarians, an eight-course secret menu of mushrooms and South American flavours designed by Chef Kiki awaits at the plant-based Seva Table.
Week two (27 April to 4 May) is when you’ll want to gather your loved ones for eight days of family-friendly dining adventures including kids’ experiences, like a pastry masterclass at Accents Restaurant and Terrace featuring cookie decoration and energy ball lollipop making. The Experiential Dining Event at Gourmet by Design will showcase diverse flavours of Africa, while the Tasting Menus at Mirzam will integrate the finest of coffee and chocolate. As for an unmissable culinary collaboration? Chef Dragan and Chef Milan are joining forces to host a Balkan feast at 21 Grams.
The culinary scene will shift its focus to couples and friends during week three (5 to 12 May), offering plenty more foodie experiences to choose from. Enjoy Experiential Dining Events at 11 Woodfire featuring a four-course menu and a kitchen tour of the restaurant, Girl & The Goose showcasing a five-course culinary journey through Central America, Hoi An featuring succulent crab dishes, and Koko Bay hosting a serene beachfront culinary experience. Over in Old Dubai, food tours in Karama from Chef Dragon and Chef Haya in both Karama and Deira will make for flavourful journeys that showcase an oft-overlooked city of the city. There’s also a series of masterclasses to mark on your schedules — dim sum creation at The Noodle House, Thai cooking at The Thai Kitchen, coffee masterclasses at Southpour, and kimchi-making at Hoe Lee Kow.
Elsewhere, the Dubai Food Festival continues to host a citywide programme of activations, special menus, events, competitions, and promotions that have brought to life the diversity and liveliness of the local food scene. In addition to Foodie Experiences, the 23-day event features returning favourites such as Dubai Restaurant Week, e& Beach Canteen, and 10 Dirham Dish alongside the all-new Chef’s Menu and Gault&Millau’s inaugural Culinary Innovators. Bon appétit.
DSCVR: Foodie Experiences. Dubai Food Festival, citywide, Dubai. @dubaieats
