Dubai, the epitome of opulence and culinary excellence, is gearing up to host its much-anticipated annual extravaganza, the Dubai Food Festival 2024 (DFF). Organized by Dubai’s Festivals and Retail Establishment, this culinary fiesta promises to be a gastronomic journey like no other. Spanning from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, May 12, DFF is set to enthrall food enthusiasts with a plethora of delectable experiences scattered across the city.
A Feast for the Senses
Dubai Food Festival is a celebration of diversity, showcasing over 50 of the city’s most beloved culinary hotspots, catering to every palate and budget. One of the highlights that has patrons buzzing with excitement is the iconic 10 Dirham Dish pop-up. Here, attendees can indulge in meticulously crafted dishes from renowned eateries such as Trattoria, Philotimos, and Demon Duck By Alvin Leung, all priced at an irresistible bargain of just 10 Dirhams each.
Culinary Excellence Takes Center Stage
For those seeking an elevated dining experience, DFF presents the Gault&Millau’s Culinary Innovators showcase. This exclusive event, happening from Thursday, April 25 to Saturday, April 27, will feature twelve of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs. Held at ICD Brookfield’s “The Space”, the event promises a gastronomic extravaganza with a limited number of tickets available each night. Guests will be treated to an 11-course roaming tasting menu, curated by the culinary maestros themselves, accompanied by carefully selected beverage pairings.
Beachside Bliss and Epicurean Adventures
No Dubai Food Festival is complete without a visit to the iconic e& Beach Canteen. Nestled along Jumeirah Beach, this beloved pop-up venue is renowned for championing homegrown culinary concepts and promises an even grander comeback for 2024. From Sunday, April 19 to Sunday, May 5, indulge in a fusion of flavors amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.
Indulge Without Breaking the Bank
Dubai Restaurant Week is a perennial favorite among food enthusiasts during the festival. From Friday, April 26 to Sunday, May 12, diners can relish specially curated set menus at unbeatable prices. With over 60 participating restaurants offering two-course lunches for Dhs125 and three-course dinners for Dhs250, culinary delights await at every turn.
Beyond Tasting: Immersive Experiences
For those eager to delve deeper into the culinary world, DFF offers a myriad of foodie experiences. From hands-on masterclasses to bespoke tasting menus and immersive pop-ups, there’s something for every epicurean enthusiast. The Masterclass series, part of DFF’s Fine Dining Experiences, invites participants to don their aprons and learn from the pros. Each week will focus on a different theme, ranging from fine dining to family dining, ensuring a diverse and enriching culinary journey.
Chef’s Special Menu
A highlight of Dubai Food Festival 2024 is the Chef’s Menu, where guests can savor signature dishes curated by the city’s finest culinary masters. From Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 12, indulge in a gastronomic spectacle featuring an array of delectable offerings from acclaimed chefs such as Chef Tetsuya Wakuda of Sagetsu, Chef Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, and Chef Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio
- Aqaya’s “The City”: A dreamy Mascarpone cardamom mousse paired with date and saffron cream, drizzled with qahwa caramel and nestled between qahwa-soaked lady fingers for AED 49.
- Boga Superfoods’ Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Sandwich: A harmony of home-made pesto sauce, basil mayo, and freshly picked basil leaves, complemented by mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for AED 33.
- Allo Beirut’s Vine Leaves with Lamb Cutlets: Savor stuffed vine leaves and marrows paired with lamb cutlets for AED 62.
- Mythos Urban Greek Eatery’ Kleftiko: Indulge in slow-cooked suckling goat accompanied by potato, wild oregano, and ladotyri for AED 295.
- Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar’s Wild Mushroom Orzo: Delight in a selection of seasonal mushrooms and parmesan for AED 78.
- Daikan Izakaya’s Daikan OG: Dive into a spicy miso broth with Sapporo style noodle for AED 88.
- Miyabi Sushi’s Tuna Tartare: Enjoy a keto-friendly delight of cubed Yellowfin tuna, tamari sauce, mashed avocado, and an array of Japanese garnishes for AED 68.
- Filli Select’s Zafrani Chicken Malai Kebab: Experience tender chicken morsels marinated in saffron-scented creamy yogurt and cooked in a traditional clay oven for AED 48.
- Primi Cucina Italiana’s Osso buco: Taste the rich flavours of veal shank with saffron risotto, root vegetables, and a potato-truffle mousse for AED 149.
- Hangry Joe’s Chicken Sando: Savor crispy, juicy chicken in freshly baked brioche buns with top-quality ingredients and special sauces imported from Korea for AED 45.
- Brass Monkey’s Long Island Burger: Bite into a double smashed burger with melted Swiss cheese, homemade bacon jam, veg aioli, and hand-cut fries for AED 79.
- Moishi’s Sandwich Combo: Choose from any mochi ice cream sandwich flavours such as Blueberry Yogurt, Peanut Combo, Vanilla Strawberry, Chocolate Cotton Candy, or Chocolate Vanilla for AED 40.
- Vinci Dolci’s Vinci Tiramisu: Mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked savoiardi biscuit, and a dusting of cocoa powder for AED 65.
- Nightjar’s Crème Brûlée Pancakes: Vanilla custard with ricotta pancakes topped with fresh raspberries for AED 55.
- Gourmet Dine’s Gourminator: A beef patty with melted cheese, macon, jalapenos, chilli, and lettuce, all sandwiched between a gourmet black bun and chef’s secret sauce, including one side for AED 53.
- Butcha Steakhouse & Grill’s Hot Mezza Sampler: Featuring Butcher’s in-house sucuk recipe, merguez sausages, kofta, chicken shish, beef & lamb shashlik with spicy sauce, good for 2 pax for AED 145.
- Eggspectation’s Goat Cheese Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes sauce, and fresh sautéed spinach, all tossed with house vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, topped with walnuts and warm goat cheese for AED 71.
- Caffeine Coffee Roaster’s Pink Floyd Cake: A double layer of sponge cake with lemony cream and chocolate chips in between, topped with homemade raspberry puree for AED 35.
Exclusive AED 10 Meals – Taste Without the Splurge (from 26 April – 12 May)
- Allo Beirut’s Falafel Platter: Served with a side of pickled turnip and a chili, tomato, parsley & tarator.
- Filli Select’s Lotus and Salted Caramel Popsicle: A delicious popsicle with salted caramel and lotus.
- Hangry Joe’s Dry Rub Wings: flavour-packed dry rub wings (3pcs).
- Caffe Divino’s Muffin & Coffee Combo: A perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
- Gourmet Dine’s Cookie Dough: A warm cookie baked to perfection- served with vanilla ice cream. Choice of milk chocolate, white chocolate or best of both.
- The Noodle House’s Prawn Siew Mai: Enjoy a serving of Prawn Siew Mai (4 pcs).
- Caffeine Coffee Roaster’s Lentil Soup: A comforting blend of fresh vegetables and lentils, served with crunchy breadcrumbs and lemon on the side.
Chef Masterclasses
Miyabi Sushi – “Roll, Craft, Munch!”
Miyabi Sushi invites young aspiring chefs to embark on a delightful sushi-making adventure with their Kids Sushi Class – “Roll, Craft, Munch!”. Tailored for children aged 5 to 12, this hands-on experience allows participants to unleash their creativity while learning the art of sushi making. Scheduled to take place on May 5th from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, this engaging class offers youngsters the opportunity to craft their very own sushi creations, including the beloved Mac N’ Cheese Onigiri, Avocado Maki, and California Roll.
For just AED 90 per child, participants will not only receive expert guidance but also enjoy a complimentary beverage and a certificate of completion, making it an ideal experience for young culinary enthusiasts eager to explore the world of sushi.
Contact: 800 649224
Southpour – Coffee Masterclass
For coffee aficionados seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the beloved beverage, Southpour presents its Coffee Masterclass led by Maverick Santos, Southpour’s Head Roaster and Caterer’s Barista of the Year. Scheduled for May 6th from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, this intimate session promises an immersive journey into the world of coffee.
Priced at AED 150 per person, participants will delve into the origins and tasting notes of various coffee beans, learning about the nuances of different brews. From grinding their own beans to mastering the art of latte, attendees will walk away with newfound knowledge and skills to elevate their coffee experience.
Contact: 04 421 9898
The Noodle House – Dim Sum Masterclass
Families and dumpling enthusiasts are in for a treat with The Noodle House’s Dim Sum Masterclass. Spanning multiple dates including April 27 & 28, May 4 & 5, and May 11 & 12, this immersive experience offers participants the chance to learn the art of crafting their own dim sum creations.
Priced at AED 130 for adults and AED 80 for children, this masterclass includes hands-on instruction, unlimited iced tea, noodles, and a takeaway kit comprising an apron, a bandana, and a bag filled with homemade dumplings. With sessions running from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, this family-friendly experience is perfect for those looking to bond over a shared love for dumplings.
Contact: 055 2244392
Caffeine Coffee Roaster – Brew it at Home Workshop
Coffee enthusiasts keen on mastering the art of brewing specialty coffee at home are invited to join Caffeine Coffee Roaster’s Brew it at Home Workshop. Scheduled for May 4th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, this interactive session promises to demystify the world of coffee beans, taste profiles, and manual brewing techniques.
Priced at AED 120 per person, participants will receive hands-on guidance from expert instructors, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to brew like a pro in the comfort of their own homes.
Contact: 04 5876116
Culinary Collaborations: A Fusion of Flavors
They say that culinary creativity knows no bounds, and nowhere is this more evident than at DFF’s series of Culinary Collaborations. This innovative concept brings together esteemed chefs from around the world to showcase their culinary prowess and create unique dining experiences that marry diverse flavors and techniques.
At the 25h Hotel, esteemed chefs Kuv, Andrea, and Esteban are set to dazzle diners with a day of Latin fusion cuisine, where traditional Latin flavors are infused with contemporary techniques to create dishes that are both bold and flavorful. Meanwhile, at a mystery location, chefs Nathan and Emanuele will collaborate to craft a menu that seamlessly blends the best of French, Italian, and Greek cuisines, promising an unforgettable dining experience for discerning palates.
Four Hands Dinner: A Symphony of Tastes
DFF introduces a new culinary sensation with its Four Hands Dinner series, where Dubai’s most beloved chefs join forces with international culinary luminaries to curate themed dining experiences that push the boundaries of gastronomy. Each week, guests can expect a new theme and a fresh culinary adventure, with renowned chefs showcasing their skills and creativity in the kitchen.
In Week 1 of the Four Hands Dinner series (April 19-26), the spotlight is on fine dining, with a delectable lineup of gourmet pizzas from Bussola Pizzeria, crafted in collaboration with award-winning chef Davide Civitello. Following this, executive chef Sonu Koithara and chef Greg Malouf will take diners on a culinary journey with an eight-course dinner featuring Mediterranean and Lebanese flavors at Raia Restaurant & Lounge, promising an indulgent dining experience that will tantalize the senses.
Gault&Millau’s Culinary Innovators Showcase: A Gathering of Culinary Maestros
Prepare to be dazzled as Gault&Millau presents the inaugural Culinary Innovators Showcase, a star-studded event featuring 12 of Dubai’s most acclaimed chefs. Taking place at ICD Brookfield’s The Space from April 25 to April 27, this pop-up event promises to be a culinary extravaganza like no other, showcasing the creativity and talent of some of the city’s finest culinary minds.
Among the culinary luminaries gracing the event are Grégoire Berger of Ossiano, Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio, and Kelvin Cheung of Jun’s, each bringing their unique flair and expertise to the table. From innovative dishes to culinary masterpieces, guests can expect an unforgettable gastronomic experience complete with chef appearances, an 11-course roaming tasting menu, beverage pairings, and live jazz music.
Celebrity Chef Collaborations: A Fusion of Talent and Creativity
Adding to the excitement of the Culinary Innovators Showcase is the collaboration between celebrity chefs Michael van der Kroft and Mohamad Orfali. Van der Kroft, renowned for his innovative approach to cooking and his passion for pushing culinary boundaries, will join forces with Orfali to create a unique collaborative dish that will be featured as part of the 11-course tasting menu at the event.
Van der Kroft’s journey to culinary stardom is a testament to his dedication and talent, having forged his own path in the culinary world fueled by a passion for travel and a desire to innovate. His unconventional approach to cooking has earned him acclaim and admiration from food enthusiasts around the world, making him a fitting addition to the lineup of culinary innovators at the festival.
Conclusion
Dubai Food Festival 2024 promises to be a celebration of culinary excellence, offering a tantalizing array of gastronomic experiences for food enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or an adventurous epicurean, this annual extravaganza is not to be missed. Mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey like no other!
