Back again with a flourish, Dubai Food Festival promises a taste of the cities most vibrant food offerings from April 21st-7th May
Marking the 10th anniversary of this iconic event, DFF launches 17 days of events, tasty treats, and exciting offers in 2023. The food scene in the UAE is only growing every year, with new fine dining, casual restaurants, and unusual cuisine popping up all over its cities. DFF gives newbies and industry leaders a chance to showcase their very best while visitors have the chance to sample the delights on hand, and possibly enjoy a beverage or two in the sun at the same time.
As part of their official celebrations, you can get set menus at 50 top restaurants during Dubai Restaurant Week, sign up for limited edition Foodie Experiences all over the city, enjoy beach side dining at the Etisalat Beach Canteen, and enjoy something newly curated as part of the 10 Dirham Dish – as if that isn’t enough to keep you entertained and sated! DFF has also partnered up with Gulf Photo Plus for the Food Focus Dubai Photography Competition, where budding photographers can enter their food photography work of the city’s culinary scene and have a chance to win incredible prizes.
Etisalat Beach Canteen
This much-loved dining pop-up is bigger and better than ever, with a special edition for DFF’s 10th anniversary. With food stalls, live entertainment, and tons of activities for friends and family, this will keep your kids entertained and your friends happy. Located behind Sunset Mall on Jumeirah Beach, there’s a carnival vibe with epic beach views and vibrant art colours. There’s also a history segment allowing guests the chance to see how the city’s food scene has ameliorated over the years.
Dubai Restaurant Week (April 28th-7th May)
This is the top end of the DFF, as diners can take advantage of 50 participating restaurants who are offering a set price menu, ranging from 2-courses from AED 95, of 3-courses for AED 150, it’s perfect for foodies to sample a lot of the city’s best cuisine for unbeatable prices.
For the full list, check out our complete list here.
10 Dirham Dish
By collaborating with tons of homegrown local restaurants and curating an array of tasty dishes at an amazingly affordable price of AED 10. This is perfect for the more recent trends towards sustainability and being conscious of diners in a lesser pay packet, and means everyone can afford to take part in the festivities. Venues participating include well known dining spots, street food vendors, and some lesser known restaurants, with taste ranging from sweet, spicy, and savoury. Some of the dishes on offer include Trattoria’s arancini, Philotimos’ crispy dolmades, and Demon Duck by Alvin Leung’s signature prawn toast among many others.
Foodie Experiences
We love any event that allows us to participate, and Foodie Experiences does just that. In this portion of DFF you can engage in masterclasses, immersive dining, experiential events, collaborations, and chef’s tables. Highlights include:
Jaleo Dubai by José Andrés – we were invited here for the opening and we just love it! Not least because of its unrivalled location at the new Atlantis the Royal. Spanish themed with tapas, rich paellas, Spanish cheeses, and creamy desserts – all for only AED 250 for a 3-course set menu.
Koko Bay, West Beach – winning a slot in our Dubai best beach clubs, Koko Bay and wins location points also with their stunning Palm and Marina views. Sample a 3-course menu here for lunch for only AED 245, including a starter, main, and dessert, along with one of their signature cocktails. Their menu is influenced by flavours of the Far-East and guests love their shiro miso Alaskan black cod, or the Apulian burrata risotto, while the burnt Basque cheesecake is not to be missed.
YOY, The Pointe – looking for authentic Ukrainian cuisine? Join the masterclass and learn how to make Syniki (a cottage cheese pancake), or Varenyky (berry sweet dumpling) for only AED 10. If you want something heartier, try their 3-course set menu with canapes, Borscht (their national beetroot soup) and sweet brown onion savoury varenyky.
For more information on the festival check out www.visitdubai.com/en/whats-on/dubai-food-festival
