Qatar International Food Festival Review
The 7th Qatar International Food Festival was held from 22-26 March 2016 at the Museum of Islamic Art Park on Doha’s Corniche, Katara and The Pearl-Qatar, a massive artificial island spanning nearly four million square meters.
The organizers have also revealed new additions to the annual culinary celebration, and for foodies, 12 food trucks from Qatar and around the region will be one of the features at QIFF2016.
A new area dubbed The Market Court will be introduced in which delicacies and unique ingredients will be sold to all visitors.
Qatar International Food Festival
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| QIFF 2016, get ready for a unique gastronomic experience. Image from www.qatareating.com. |
In addition to the new locations, QIFF 2016 will have new hours this year, extending its opening times from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM for school visits in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
The Qatar International Food Festival will open to the public between 1:00 PM and 10:30 PM and welcomes anyone to this gastronomical wonderland.
Activities and Events at Qatar International Food Festival
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| QIFF is the largest food festival in Qatar. |
Food Trucks
Food trucks from Qatar and across the region will be gathered at QIFF 2016 to serve a range of delicious treats, ideal for experienced foodies and visitors keen to try something new. If you are a serious foodie, this is a must check out the place.
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Beach Side Court at The Pearl-Qatar
Fine Cuisine at the Park
For those who indulge in excellence, Qatar’s five-star hotels will serve some of the festival’s finest foods at festive prices.
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Five Star Court
High Tea by the Bay
This section includes a double-deck tent with a shaded terrace, stunning views of the entire festival, and English, Chinese and Arabic tea on offer throughout the Festival.
There is no better pairing for a cup of tea than good scenery and great friends. Enjoy both at High Tea By the Bay, a QIFF signature offering.
Catered by: Katara Hospitality
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: High Tea Court
A Taste of Business Class
This year, Qatar Airways is excited to announce its lineup of international and national celebrity chefs set to perform live on the ever-popular Qatar Airways Cooking Theatre and invite visitors to experience their five-star hospitality at their signature Dinner in the Sky experience.
Catered by: Qatar Airways
Pricing: QAR 500 per person
Location: Dinner in the Sky Court
A Taste of Qatar & China
This year is the Qatar China Year of Culture, and the organizers are delighted to again be supporting QIFF and to offer visitors a wealth of Chinese and Qatari delicacies and cuisine to enjoy the cuisine of China and Qatar in celebration of the Qatar/China 2016 cultural partnership.
Presented by: Qatar Museums
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Qatar-China Court
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| The Market is one of the must-visit places during QIFF 2016. |
The Market
The Market will offer a variety of tasty treats, including confectionery, coffee, and tea. But who knows what else will be available if you visit The Market at QIFF.
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Market Court
Street Fare
Katara’s well-earned reputation as one of Doha’s top dining venues will be on show as a range of restaurants serves up delights for every palate along the promenade.
Location: Foodie Court at Katara
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| Enjoy beautiful views of Doha. |
Dinner on a Dhow
Experience Qatar’s age-old seafaring heritage aboard a traditional wooden dhow while enjoying a sumptuous buffet and a fabulous panoramic vista of Doha’s beautifully lit skyline.
Catered by Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Water Court
BBQ on the Bay
Enjoy a fun meal with friends and family on a floating ‘BBQ Donut’. Trained staff are in attendance to prepare and serve your meals on board this unique experience, or you can show off your own skills at the grill, too.
Catered by: The Diplomatic Club
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Water Court
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| Fine dining at QIFF 2016. |
All-Star Fare
Taste cuisine from around the world as Doha’s finest restaurants serve their best fare for those who want to experience some of these cuisines.
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: All-Star Court
InstaMarket
Last year’s hugely popular Instagram sellers’ market returns at QIFF 2016, featuring 12 kiosks from top Qatar-based entrepreneurs who are active on Instagram, preparing dishes in front of visitors. This is something exciting for social media foodie fans.
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Instagram Court
Evergreen Organics Café
Qatar Museums is also launching the Healthy Food Initiative – a program of activities designed to increase awareness among Qataris about leading a healthier lifestyle and to promote healthy eating.
Enjoy a healthier side of food and rediscover taste at a café ideated by QIFF Healthy Food advocate Ghanim Al Sulaiti.
Pricing: QAR 5-35
Location: Health Court
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| Shows at the Live Cooking Theatre will surely impress visitors. |
Live Cooking Theatre
The Live Cooking Theatre will feature Arab and international chefs giving live cooking demonstrations. It’s a show to be noticed during the food festival here.
Pricing: Free
Location: Cooking Theatre Court
Baraem TV Stage Shows
Live cartoon character stage performances courtesy of Baraem TV, Qatar’s top Arabic language preschool entertainment channel.
Presented by: Baraem TV
Pricing: Free
Location: Kids Court
Family Fun
Family and cultural entertainment will intrigue audiences with tasty meals at the entertainment court area. The lineup will be accompanied by daily fireworks, which are spectacular and to be noticed during the food festival at night.
Pricing: Free
Location: Entertainment Court
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| See you at the Qatar International Food Festival 2016. |
For those wanting to move around the food festival in Doha, Qatar, water taxis will be available to transport visitors between the different locations around here.
As for entertainment, singers, as well as regional and international music bands, will take part in the festival’s entertainment shows, which can be attended free of charge by all visitors.
And when night falls, a daily fireworks display will take place throughout the festival, bringing excitement to the night skies of Doha.
For more information, you can Google Qatar International Food Festival and get more detailed information, times and other related matters.
*Main Photo from www.qatarliving.com
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| QIFF 2016, brought to you by Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways. |
Qatar International Food Festival 2016 Information
Entry: Entry to all venues is free and open to everyone
This event is hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways
QIFF 2016 Opening Hours:
• MIA Park
March 22: 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
March 23 to 28: 1:00 PM to 10:30 PM
• Katara
Weekdays: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Weekends: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• The Pearl-Qatar
Weekdays: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Weekends: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Conclusion
The Qatar International Food Festival event showcases the world-class hospitality and food services Qatar offers with an exciting long weekend of gastronomic alfresco eating and drinking and family fun and entertainment, open to all walks of life.
If you plan to experience Qatar and want to also try some of the unique Qatari food, then the best time to visit would be during the Qatar International Food Festival held every March.
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