Get ready for fun, films and a whole lot of food.
Dubai’s culinary scene is nothing short of exceptional. From MICHELIN-starred dining destinations to street food, the city has plenty to offer. Plus, there’s no shortage of experience for foodies to try. And this time around, What The Food Festival is returning to Dubai, promising a feast for your taste buds.
Taking place from 26 to 27 October at Alserkal Avenue, the third edition of What The Food Festival will see some of the most delicious dishes of Dubai take centre stage. Expect a wide array of talks, discussions, exhibitions, workshops, screenings and much more. These will include discussions on how culture has shaped the staples in our diet, the essentials to creating a professional kitchen, how to make the best coffee and steak, food for nourishment and a whole lot more.
Conversations
At the heart of What The Food are deep discussions about food culture. Highlights include Keynote Talks with Chef Shaw of LILA Molino and Chef Soleman from Moonrise. The Matbakh series by afikra features Leen Al Zaben and Ziyad Ayass celebrating Arab culinary traditions, while Rotating Histories: Chutneys, Bread, and the Taste of Resilience with Akshita Garud and Saba Sheikh of Two-Odd, delves into food’s multicultural heritage. Other conversations include Food as Medicine with Health Nag, Homegrown Businesses featuring Chef JP of Kooya, and discussions on sustainable food practices with Below Farm.
Workshops & Walks
Chef Halawa will lead a Knafeh-Making masterclass, while Shannon Holden explores rice’s global significance in Do The Rice Thing. Ceramist Rania Jishi will guide a Tools and Tales of a Kitchen workshop, and Kuto Knives will present Edge Craft, a Japanese knife-sharpening session. CarniStore will host a Steak Workshop, and Tonique will offer a Mixology Workshop revealing ice-cutting secrets. Participants can also enjoy a Coffee Roastery Tour at Nightjar or a Foraging Workshop with Shereen Saif.
Chefs & Culinary Concepts
Ten leading chefs will showcase their cultural heritage through curated menus. Highlights include Chefs Isaac and Josue from Tacos Los Hermanos, bringing authentic Mexican flavours, Chef Shaw of LILA Molino teaming up with Carnistore for a tortilla-meat collaboration, and Chef Federico Bartoli of Monno serving handcrafted Italian dishes. Chef Reif Othman of Hoe Lee Kow will offer a contemporary twist on Korean cuisine, while Chef Brandos and Chef JP Anglo will highlight Colombian and Filipino flavours.
Films
Cinema Akil will screen two food-centric films: The Truffle Hunter (2020), chronicling the search for rare truffles in Italy, and Sweet Bean (2015), a heartwarming story about a bakery owner who forms a special bond with an elderly woman.
No festival would be complete without some live music which is why What The Food delivers with performances by Soli Y, Ammar Ashkar, Sandra Yvette and Gigi Milan. Enjoy their performances in The Yard as you sip your drink and savour the festival atmosphere.
Registration is open now for What The Food Festival in Dubai.
GO: Visit https://alserkal.online for more information.
