Best of Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2018
The countdown has been real but finally, the much awaited festival is finally here! We are not only excited, but we will also be participating (in eating of cause) and sharing with you some of the rare and exciting observations.
Each year, the Qatar International Food Festival presents a great opportunity for foodies like us to “sample” the best foods and beverages Qatar has to offer. Allowing farmers, producers, chefs and a whole range of creative individuals from all corners of Qatar and beyond to come together and share their wares, passion and knowledge.
The 10 day long festival offers everyone, regardless of whether you are a top chef, food blogger or just an enthusiastic food lover, a chance to meet, learn and network with others with a focus on Qatar’s food scene.QIFF also welcomes top chefs both local and international who demonstrate their cooking skills and talk everything from cooking techniques to the do’s and don’ts.
The Qatar food scene has witnessed a great transformation, right from the introduction of food trucks to the existence incredibly unique speciality restaurants and cafés with very tempting menu options. While the list of the most captivating things in the Qatar International Food Festival 2018 may be broad, here are a few interesting things we observed that we found worth of sharing:
- The festival has a total of 177 stalls which included 17 hotels, 9 embassies and 6 food trucks presenting endless culinary adventures to foodies in Qatar and from other countries.
- QIFF consists of platters of splendid local and international cuisines derived from a staggering of over 100 nationalities celebrating everything from seasonal ingredients to creative new presentations.
- The Cooking Theatre which is one of QIFF’s main attractions provides a space for connoisseurs and novices to learn how to prepare, cook, present and even photograph food.
- Food trucks and food carts are the new black. This trend is being embraced well and a large number of people are keen to taste their menu offering. Exit 55 and Burger & Burmait have a tasty menu to say the least.
- The coffee and tea drinking culture continues to thrive as upcoming speciality café’s like XCafé and Café 42 gain popularity and attract a commendable number of customers.
- Most locals are drifting towards organic fresh foods and drinks evident from the long queues outside stalls such as 3nb leaves.
- Some restaurants and Café’s have a selected menu which will enable you get a new experience different from the usual menu offering… the aim is to give you something new to taste and try.
- There is free food - The embassy of south Africa among other selected kiosks are keen on presenting a taste of their culture for free through their food and creative themed stall interior offering a live cultural trip to the featured country. What is interesting is that with each new day is a new menu item for you to try!
- There is a strong sense of personal pride and identity.
- Your dog is catered for too-Thanks to the Hakuna Matata dog bakery.
Which brands best utilized cultural food to create an amazing brand experience for the customers?
Although not actual brands, the Ethiopian, Indian, South African, Turkish, Lebanese and Vietnamese stalls presented a captivating fusion of culture, food and creative stall setup giving customers a live cultural trip to the respective countries.
Any specific food stall you should visit?
Honestly we think you should visit all kiosks-each stall/food truck has a different offering and there is a lot to learn from every interaction with the staff.
Finally…
- Based on various stall pricing, menu items range from QAR 25 and above. This may be costly and limiting one’s freedom to experience food offerings from various stalls especially for individuals/families that would like to participate more than once.
- The festival focuses on a different culinary themes everyday with live cooking demos
- Stalls selling burgers, potatoes, fresh fruits and coffee had the longest queues!
Our Two cents
Most restaurants seem to have selected items from their normal menu. Preferably, restaurants should customize new unique menus for this event with a focus on presenting consumers with the finest creative dishes!
We would also love to carry home a range of preserves, oils, cookery books, spices, sauces and much more from participating chef’s and restaurants.
The food festival can also recognize local talent by allowing local artists to design and sell exclusive items such as decorated cups and glasses, cookie jars, cake holders and other items that revolve around food.