Qatar in Colour |
S
treet food such as noodles and
samosas shared space with the
most elegant of international haute
cuisine and American classics.
The sizzling of grills and heavy
aroma of spices filled the night
sky, as Doha residents shared food
together at the vast open-air festival,
in what has become a much-
anticipated annual celebration for
the city.
The March event brought culinary
and cultural experiences from
around the globe to the city, with 37
big-name chefs participating over
eleven days. It highlights Doha’s
growing “foodie” culture, and the
role food is playing in bringing
Qatar’s communities together.
Over 150 stalls were set up at
Oxygen Park in Qatar Foundation’s
Education City for a programme
that featured not only cooking
demonstrations but also musical
entertainment and activities for
children.
Mashal Shahbik from the Qatar
National Tourism Council explains
why the event is important. “It’s the
biggest festival in town,” she says.
“Hundreds of people attend. We
have live cookery demonstrations,
new recipes, much Qatari
inspiration, and many activities.”
“We want to have a great calendar
of events, for residents and visitors
alike. The fusion between cultures is
celebrated and enjoyed by all.”
She adds: “Food brings people
together, everyone can have their
favourites. Mixed cultures are
reflected in food. It unites us.”
It was above all a community event.
The Torba Farmers Market brought
farm-to-table experience to the
festival, while local schools took part
in healthy food workshops at the
Qatar National Library during the
celebrations.
Doha’s five-star restaurants once
again offered diners the opportunity
to join internationally-acclaimed
chefs for an interactive cooking and
tasting experience through Chef ’s
Table events.
The hugely popular live cooking
theatre this year featured Japanese
| QIFF 2019 brought people from all over Qatar to Education City’s Oxygen Park
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