The Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is back with a bang this May. As one of the most exciting international festivals focused on gastronomy, it brings numerous culinary cultures under one roof. From May 2 to 15, the 14-day event will showcase Dubai’s most exciting culinary offerings for all the foodies around the emirates.
Having launched in 2014, Dubai Food Festival has exploded in popularity and is now the city’s favourite gastronomy gala. In its ninth edition, this year’s festival will take residents and visitors on an immersive tour from world renowned chefs to street food inspired by more than 200 nationalities living in Dubai
To make sure you don't miss the best bits, we've rounded up the top things to do at The Dubai Food Festival this year.
What's on at Dubai Food Festival: Dubai Restaurant Week (May 6-15)
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In partnership with 40 top restaurants in the city, Dubai Restaurant Week (DRW) will offer special two-course lunch menus starting from AED 95 or three-course dinner menus from AED 150 per person. With a ton of top chefs cooking up a storm across the city, there will certainly be something to for everyone.
Big names participating include LOWE, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki and Indochine. Newly opened restaurants 11 Woodfire and Tamoka will be making an appearance as well. Full list of restaurants can be found on the Dubai Food Festival website. Bookings are now open with limited spaces, so restaurant reservations must be made in advance.
What's on at Dubai Food Festival: Foodie Experiences (May 2 to 15)
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For those gastronomes who are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind food adventures, Dubai Food Festival is offering a range of activities this year, including a curated series of exclusive Chef’s Tables, culinary collaborations as well as immersive experiential events.
Events worth highlighting include a sushi class with chef Tatsu at 1004 Gourmet, as well as a low waste sourdough class with chef Sheerin and a fermentation workshop with chef Carlos.
What's on at Dubai Food Festival: Explore Hidden Gems (May 2 to 15)
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From Emirati and Indian to Japanese and European, the variety of cuisine waiting to be found in Dubai's hidden gems is vast. With thousands of eateries in the city, there are many treasures waiting to be discovered and it’s time to start a new culinary adventure.
This year, the My Hidden Gems Competition is a city-wide experiential activation which encourages diners to advocate their best-loved food spots. How can you take part? Well, you'll have to create a short video of three different eateries, post it to social media and tag @dubaieats. The best content will have a chance of winning AED 100,000 cash prizes.
Looking for more places to eat in Dubai? Read on to discover all the The best restaurants in Dubai.