Dubai: The 11th edition of Dubai Food Festival (DFF) kicked off last week, promising to tantalise taste buds and please even the pickiest of palettes. Running from April 19 to May 12, DFF 2024 promises a delectable showcase of the city’s dynamic dining scene with a citywide lineup of culinary experiences, special menus, events and much more.
During the 23 delectable days of the festival, Dubai's melting pot of cuisines, drawn from the 200+ nationalities that call the city home, will come to life. From fine dining to hidden gems, Emirati concepts to international MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and everything in between, there is something for everyone at DFF 2024. The region's largest culinary celebration will feature an exciting programme of gastronomy events and experiences, celebrating the diverse culinary landscape of Dubai. The festival will also recognise the contributions of chefs, trailblazers, and tastemakers who shape and enhance the city’s culinary scene.
This year's DFF, which is organized by Dubai's Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), includes the brand-new Chef's Menu and Gault&Millau Culinary Innovators event in addition to returning favourites Dubai Restaurant Week, Foodie Experiences, e& Beach Canteen, and 10 Dirham Dish.
Ahmed al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, (DFRE) said, “the 11th edition of Dubai Food Festival will present the finest offerings of Dubai’s gastronomy scene at affordable prices while spotlighting the city’s top culinary talent. With each passing year, we continue to reinforce Dubai's standing as a global gastronomic destination, captivating taste buds and earning admiration worldwide. This edition signifies another significant milestone in our culinary journey, inviting both residents and visitors to savour the diverse flavours and immersive experiences that define our city's vibrant food culture. Featuring a blend of beloved favourites and exciting new events, this year is the perfect commemoration of the city’s culinary journey over the last decade and the valued contributions of our partners in the F&B industry.”
A showcase of the city’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene, festival favourite Dubai Restaurant Week will feature specially curated set menus from more than 60 of Dubai's most popular restaurants at unbeatable prices. From fine dining establishments to local concepts and hidden gems, participating venues will present two-course lunch menus at AED 125 (RO13.1) and / or three-course dinners at AED 250 (RO26.21) per person, giving you the chance to explore new flavours, rediscover old favourites, and immerse yourself in the exceptional culinary artistry that Dubai is renowned for. Participating restaurants include Cargo, Hillhouse Brasserie, Couqley French Restaurant, Somewhere Galleria, Rhodes W1, Toro Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval and Carna By Dario Cecchini, as well as eateries specialising in Emirati and Arabic cuisine such as Al Khaima, Al Nafoorah and Arabian Tea House. You can also enjoy extraordinary dining experiences at MICHELIN and Gault&Millau recognised restaurants as well as those featured in the 2024 Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list. These include 21Grams, Carnival By Trèsind, Jun’s, Reif Kushiyaki, ROKA and UCHI, to name just a few. The Green-MICHELIN awarded Lowe and BOCA will also be taking part, giving diners the chance to enjoy eco-friendly fare.
Adding to the excitement, the much-loved e& Beach Canteen began on April 25 and will last till May 5 on Jumeirah Beach (behind Sunset Mall) offering a diverse array of food experiences, live programming, and events. A flagship event of DFF, e& Beach Canteen serves as an innovative celebration of global cuisines, culinary excellence, and the important role that chefs and SMEs play in promoting nutritious lifestyles. Endless food offerings will be available at the talabat Food Plaza, Bites by the Beach and a Beach BBQ space. Live entertainment, daily activities and pop-ups include a beach-side Roller Rink presented by Emcan (Emarat) and Roll Dxb, Goodness Bar by Lipton, Ripe Market by the Beach and Shorts and Shawarmas – foodie movie screenings. With something for everyone, e& Beach Canteen will also feature a Kids Fun Zone with loads of activities, the first ever e& Beach Canteen beach club experience, 10 dirham dishes, a dedicated family workshops space, fitness sessions, and the Culinary Theatre - a dedicated space for chef demos and more.
For those seeking value without compromising on flavour, the highly anticipated 10 Dirham Dish, will run throughout DFF. Hundreds of restaurants across the city will be offering a delicious dish for just AED 10 (RO1.05), whether it's an old favourite, brand-new creation, or a portion of their signature dish. The diverse range of participating restaurants will provide a snapshot of the dining variety available in Dubai, from upscale fine dining establishments to flavourful street food spots, all for a limited time.
Foodie Experiences, will offer a carefully curated collection of diverse culinary experiences at different locations across the city featuring Dubai's top food innovators and chefs. Only available during DFF, these exclusive experiences will include masterclasses, Chef's Tables, Chef Collaborations, and more. A new category for this year is the four hands dinner, where visiting international chefs will collaborate with local Dubai chefs to create unforgettable gastronomic delights. With three weekly themes and multiple foodie experiences per week, guests can indulge in a diverse range of culinary delights.
From May 1-12, prepare for an unparalleled culinary journey with the all-new Chef’s Menu. Participating fine dining restaurants will tantalise your taste buds with curated menus featuring their best-selling dishes, meticulously assembled across a minimum of five courses. What sets this experience apart is its interactive nature, allowing diners to engage directly with culinary masters to learn about their inspiration and techniques.
Restaurants across Dubai also join the culinary celebration with their own special menus, dishes, unique experiences, and promotions. Select hotels and attractions will also host a citywide programme of events and activations, while retail promotions, flash sales, and exciting activities will take place both online and in-store at Dubai's renowned malls. Food enthusiasts can also enjoy outdoor foodie markets, pop-up restaurants and a variety of engaging culinary experiences, bolstering Dubai’s position as the ultimate destination for food lovers.
Where to stay when you are in Dubai
The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is your best choice with evergreen gardens, tranquil pools and a private beach, disconnecting has never been more pleasurable. When the sun sets, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach awakens, with Dubai’s finest eateries and nightspots at your doorstep.
Scattered throughout the Resort, the stylish and well-appointed 237 rooms and suites offer the very best in comfort and privacy, while providing a peaceful retreat in which to relax and unwind. A 270-metre stretch of sandy beach, a family pool and serene adult pool make for the perfect day under the Dubai sun, with private cabanas available for the ultimate pampering experience. The youngest of guests enjoy just as many opportunities for fun, with complimentary access to the Kids for All Seasons Centre. The Pearl Spa and Wellness boasts a catalogue of treatments and activities that touch on every dimension of good living. Guests can experience treatments by some of the world’s most coveted skin-brands, improve their fitness with state-of-the-art gym equipment or apply creative meditation techniques at the idyllic Pearl Courtyard.
The calm of day makes way for exciting evenings for those who seek it. The city’s finest dining options with staples such as Sea Fu, Nusr-et, and Coya and more at your doorstep. Further into the night, you can immerse yourself in a Mykonian vibe at the buzzing Mediterranean restaurant Nammos or level up to our nightspot, Mercury Rooftop, where you can witness the dazzle of Dubai’s skyline with unbeatable views of Burj Khalifa and Downtown.
Recommended restaurants to visit during your stay in Dubai
1. Mott 32 Dubai, operated by Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality group, is located on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, JBR, and features an impressive indoor area, as well as an open-air terrace with stunning views across Bluewater Island, JBR, Palm Jumeirah and the Ain Dubai. The destination brings the best of time-honored recipes passed down from generation to generation, and it is this level of modernity, combined with a respect for tradition, that makes each dish spectacularly unique.
2. Somewhere, Galleria Mall, is an ever-evolving journey - a hybridculinary concept that transforms from location to location. It’s for the travellers and adventurers who go in search of authentic, curated and well-tailored experiences inspired by exciting destinations. As we move forward in our own journey, we dig even deeper into becoming a destination-oriented platform that goes beyond just food - with inviting design, vibrant atmospheres, thoughtful details while highlighting multi-destination journeys.
3. Carna at SLS Dubai finally reopened its doors after a stunning renovation that promises to redefine the region's gastronomic offerings in a more intimate setting. Perched on the 74th floor of SLS Dubai and nestled within the cosmopolitan’s vibrant skyline, Carna underwent a transformation like no other, now boasting an ambiance that seamlessly fuses contemporary elegance, sophistication, and timeless charm. With a commitment to preserving its legacy of culinary excellence, Carna ushers in this new era with Dario Cecchini’s legacy and craftsmanship, perfecting the art of butchery as it elevates an ancient craft to new heights.
4. 21 Grams is located in the heart of Umm Suqeim, Dubai, with stunning views of the Dubai skyline and landmarks, 21grams is an acclaimed and multi-award-winning homegrown bistro dishing up honest, daring, and vibrant soul food rooted in the countries of the Balkan Peninsula.
5. Sea Fu, the enchanting coastal dining destination at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, is back with an all-new look for the new season. Seamlessly weaving Asian culinary traditions, marine-inspired creations, and the allure of the open sea into an immersive dining experience.
6. Arabian Tea House represents the Emirati Culture through its delicious dishes, unique ambiance and most importantly, heart-warming hospitality. This old-world charm is one of the few authentic examples Dubai has of a life gone by. As it all started with the aim of letting the world experience the true Emirati hospitality, the main focus revolves around offering the best quality ingredients.
7. BOCA is tucked away in the heart of Dubai’s financial district, BOCA is a Modern European restaurant influenced by Spanish cuisine and with a strong commitment to sustainability. In addition to sourcing ingredients locally and supporting local farmers and fishermen, BOCA has stepped up efforts to reduce waste with the help of its own Waste Officer. The restaurant continuously audits kitchen operations, refuses single use plastic from suppliers and to customers, operates a demand-driven inventory, and prefers working with like-minded partners across the value chain.
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