All you need to know about Qatar International Food Festival 2019

Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), country’s longest-running and most popular food festival,  slated to take place at Qatar Foundation’s Oxygen Park between March 20 and 30.

The QIFF 2019 will be a food lovers’ haven with about 150 F&B stalls spread over three dedicated areas at one of the most gorgeous and picturesque venues in Qatar, dubbed as the “Green Lung.”

At the Festival, area 01 will offer main course specialties, 02 will focus on kid-friendly foods and activities and 03 will be dedicated for cafes and light food coupled with private seating areas where pre-set menus will be served.

One of the most popular features of the Festival, the Cooking Theatre will return with double the number of international and local celebrity chefs, comprising the following: 

• Masharu Morimoto (US Iron Chef - Japan)
• Manal Al Alem (Celebrity chef, TV host & Author - Jordan)
• Aisha Al Tamimi (Celebrity chef & food programme presenter - Qatar)
• Noora Al Kuwari (Renowned Chef and Health Coach - Qatar)
• Richard Sandoval (Critically-acclaimed Chef, Global Restaurateur & Cookbook Author - USA)
• Jameela Al Lenqawi (Celebrity Chef & TV host- Kuwait)
• Tasneem Al NasrAllah (Celebrity Chef - Kuwait)
• Ranveer Brar (Chef, TV show host, judge and food stylist - India)
• Noora Al Mazroui (Celebrity Chef - Qatar)
• Eric Lanlard (Pâtissier and celebrity chef - France)
• Al Yazi Al Waad (Celebrity Chef - Kuwait)
• Ameena Mussa (Celebrity Chef - Qatar)
• Sarra Al Sayed (Owner & Founder of Bakeries and Consultations company - Qatar)
• Hend Salah (Celebrity Chef - Qatar)
• Siba Mtongana (Celebrity chef, TV show host and judge 0 South Africa)
• Goila Saranch (Chef and restaurateur - India)
• Jenny Morris (celebrity chef and radio personality - South Africa)
• Stephane Bucholzer (Executive Chef W Doha Hotel & residences - France)
• Dominique Ansel (Celebrity pastry chef and restaurateur- France)
• Salma Soleiman (Chef & TV show host - Egypt)
• Wafik Belaid (Chef & TV show host - Tunisia)
• Chef Belkhams (Celebrity Chef - Qatar)
• Chef Hassan (Chef at We café - Qatar)
• Stephane Buchholzer,
• Elif Edes Tapan (Turkey)
• Jason Atherton (UK)
• Francesco Scala (Italy)
• Shane Macneill (Ireland)
• Rusly Ahmed (Sri Lanka) 

In addition to vibrant cultural shows and roaming entertainment, QIFF 2019 side events spread over the month of March will offer Doha residents, of all ages, learning opportunities of culinary craft and healthy nutrition. 

There is so much more on offer!

Chef’s Table

Starting March 1, select 5-star restaurants across Doha will offer residents and visitors a unique opportunity to join internationally acclaimed chefs for an interactive cooking and tasting experience through QIFF Chef’s Table.

The chefs include Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur Chef Nobu Matsuhissa, Acclaimed US chef Richard Sandoval, Francesco Scala and Shane Macneill from Novikov Doha, Chef Eric Lanlard, Jason Atherton and International Barista Trainer Sam Ceviköz.

Cooking Masterclasses at Chef’s Garden

Aspiring chefs can register to attend Masterclasses with celebrity chefs Masaharu Morimoto, Barista -Sam Çeviköz, Siba Mtongana, Jenny Morris, Salma Souleiman, Wafik Belaid and Jason Atherton at the Chef’s Garden restaurant in Education City.

Curated QIFF Menus

Extending the QIFF experience for food lovers beyond the festival’s venue, more than 35 restaurants and cafes will offer special three-course menus of 3 different sets at discounted prices of: 45 QAR, 95 QAR and 125 QAR

Schools Activation at Qatar National Library

From March 10 to 14, QIFF in partnership with Qatar Foundation, will deliver a healthy food and nutrition awareness programme for students from at least 50 schools across Qatar, helping the youngsters distinguish between healthy nutrition and unhealthy foods, and understand the benefits and harms of each.

Local chefs including Ayman Nasser Al-Din, Youssef Oweida, Deldar Hussein, Noora All Mazroui, Sarah Al Sayed, Warda Ibrahim and Coach Noora Al Kuwari will prepare healthy and tasty snacks in front of the students, helping them gain a visual understanding of where food comes from and an appreciation of healthy alternatives to common snacks.

Small & Medium Entrepreneurs

QIFF has played a significant role in enriching the country’s dining canvas by not only attracting international chefs to open local outlets but also, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to introduce their innovative offerings including businesses that offer local produce from Qatari farms. All of which has resulted in unique authentic food experiences from gate to plate.  To celebrate these experiences, QIFF has dedicated 15% of its spaces to up-coming entrepreneurs and local SMEs.

In and Around Education City

This year, residents and visitors from all over the world attending QIFF will get a chance to explore the impressively designed and landscaped Oxygen Park, as well as other amenities within the premises, including Qatar National Library, the Minaretein building (Education City Mosque), Qur'anic Botanic Garden, and Torba Farmers Market.

Exciting Entertainment

Adding to the festive atmosphere at Oxygen Park, the main festival stage will host a variety of live performances, cultural shows and roaming entertainment running throughout the day. In line with the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019 theme, the festival will showcase special food and cultural offerings.

Food lovers, have you started counting the days? Let us know what you like best about QIFF in the comments below!

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Cover Image Credit: ABC.net