Dubai’s food calendar has its big-ticket moments and Taste of Dubai is most definitely one of them. Returning from February 6 to 8, the much-loved festival once again takes over the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, transforming it into a buzzing playground of flavours, live music and chef-led experiences.
Part food fiesta, part music festival, part family-friendly day out, Taste of Dubai remains one of the city’s most accessible ways to sample its ever-evolving dining scene, all in one place.
So, what is Taste of Dubai?At its core, Taste of Dubai is a three-day celebration of food, beverages and music, built around tasting-sized dishes from some of the city’s most talked-about restaurants.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taste of Dubai (@tasteofdubai)
Instead of committing to a full meal, visitors graze their way through pop-up menus, pause for live cooking demos, and stay on for sunset DJs sets and performances. The result? A festival that works just as well for serious foodies as it does for families, groups of friends, and casual diners.
Drawing an estimated 27,000 visitors across the weekend, as per figures shared on the event’s social media handle, the event stands as one of the city’s largest foodie gatherings.
The food: what everyone really comes forAround 16 of Dubai’s top restaurants set up shop each year, each offering three to five tasting-sized dishes designed exclusively for the festival. The idea is to sample widely rather than settle in one place.
This year's edition will comprise eateries such as The Beam By Nick Alvis, Rhodes W1, Franky's Pizzeria, Indilight Turkey, The Guild, Lento, Ting Irie, Nama Yoso, Indya by Vineet, Maya by Richard Sandoval, among others.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Taste of Dubai (@tasteofdubai)
Expect a mix of global cuisines and Michelin-recognised concepts, often serving at least one dish you won’t find on the restaurant’s regular menu.
Chefs, cooking schools and live demosContrary to what you may have assumed, Taste of Dubai isn’t just about eating good food. Across the weekend, celebrity and high-profile chefs will host live demos, firepit sessions and hands-on workshops — many of which are free to attend with same-day sign-up.
Past line-ups have included culinary heavyweights such as Marco Pierre White, Dani García, Gino D’Acampo, Alvin Leung, and family food favourite Annabel Karmel, alongside regional chefs and homegrown talent.
Family-friendly, festival vibesFood may be the headline act, but music is the backbone of the festival atmosphere. Multiple stages run from afternoon into late evening, featuring DJs, live bands and acoustic sets. So, you can choose between high-energy beats or more relaxed, laid-back sounds.
One of Taste of Dubai’s biggest strengths is that it welcomes families. Kids’ cooking workshops, interactive play zones and creative activities run throughout the day, while restaurants are encouraged to offer family-friendly dishes.
Previous editions have also featured kids’ cook-along sessions, arts and crafts corners, balloon shows and more.
Tickets, vouchers and how spending worksEntry tickets are available both in advance and at the gate, with early-bird savings typically offered until February 5. Some ticket tiers include food and drink vouchers, while others are entry-only.
If you opt for an entry-only pass, food and drinks can be purchased per dish or drink on-site. Many workshops are free to attend but operate on a first-come, first-served or registration basis, with chef demos filling up quickly. VIP tickets usually include bundled vouchers, fast-track entry and access to dedicated lounge areas.
So, if you’re looking for a feel-good way to spend the weekend and are a foodie at heart, this one’s worth checking out. Just don’t forget to wear your comfy shoes (and pants)!
Things to do in the UAE this weekend: Concerts, escapes, dining, and desert adventures Dubai gears up for largest edition of Gulfood; commute, parking explainedContact to : xlf550402@gmail.com
Copyright © boyuanhulian 2020 - 2023. All Right Reserved.