A Grassy Perspective on the Dubai Food Festival

Image courtesy of Dubai Shopping Festival

The Dubai Food Festival is almost here, and it’s time to work up an appetite. With a diverse lineup of events ranging from street fairs to cooking classes, it can be a bit overwhelming deciding which ones to attend.

We’ve already told you where you can enjoy some great vegetarian meals during Dubai Restaurant Week, but that’s just the tip of the sand dune! There are lots of places to discover some tasty veggie delights over the next few weeks. So check out our top picks for the festival, mark your calendars, and maybe buy some sweatpants!

1. Eat the World DXB

Image courtesy of The Cheese Truck

Aiming to create a unique culinary experience, Eat the World DXB at the Burj Park in Downtown Dubai is a food and music festival featuring some of London’s finest food trucks showcasing the diversity of the English capital’s thriving street food scene, including a grilled cheese truck and one that serves vegan sushi! In addition to the food trucks, there will be appearances by celebrity chefs Andy Bates and Suzanne Hosseini, and a fresh food market.

Days: 25^th February to 27^th February
Time: Day: 12pm – 5pm, Evening: 6pm – 11pm
Tickets: Day: AED 30 at the door, AED 25 in advance
Evening: AED 40 at the door, AED 35 in advance
Click here for bookings

2. Dubai Long Table

Image courtesy of Dubai Food Festival

If you’re hungry and looking for a big get together, head down to Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard for the first ever Dubai Long Table. Seating 1,000 guests and catered by the Address Hotel and Resorts, the Long Tabe event gives you a choice of specially created three-course menus (including a veggie menu, of course) served family-style on the table.

Days: 26^th February
Time: 12:30pm – 4pm
Tickets: AED 160 for adults, AED 90 for kids 6-12
Click here for bookings

3. Etisalat Beach Canteen

Image courtesy of Dubai Food Festival

One of the more popular destinations during the Dubai Food Festival, the Etisalat Beach Canteen on Kite Beach will be running again this year for the entire length of the festival (25^th February to 12^th March). The Etisalat Beach Canteen serves as a showcase for some of the best homegrown food concepts and pop-ups. In addition, experience some of the finest products from Dubai’s various Farmer’s Markets, along with fitness classes on the beach and open-mic nights in the evenings.

Days: 25^th February to 12^th March
Time: Day: 9am - 11pm
Tickets: Free Admission

4. Global Village Street Food Celebration

Image courtesy of Global Village

During the Dubai Food Festival, Global Village will be a hub for street food vendors from around the world. With everything from traditional Indian chaats to Hungarian desserts, you can explore the entire world over the course of just one evening! The vendors will be situated around the various pavilions during the normal operating hours of Global Village, and will be there for the duration of the Dubai Food Festival.

Days: 25^th February to 12^th March
Time: Saturday - Wednesday: 4pm – 12am, Thursday - Friday: 4pm – 1am (Mondays are ladies/family night)
Tickets: AED 15, Free of charge for children below 3 and seniors above 65

5. Century Village Street Carnival

Image courtesy of Irish Village

The Century Village Street Carnival, set to take place during the first weekend of March, will highlight 9 different cuisines from around the world including Lebanese, Indian and Italian. As with any carnival, there will also be live music and street performers adding to the energy of the atmosphere.

Days: 4^th March
Time: 4pm – 12am
Tickets: Not known at this time

6. Taste of Dubai

Image courtesy of Taste of Dubai

Of course, we can’t talk about the Dubai Food Festival without mentioning one of its most well-loved events. Taste of Dubai is now in its 9^th year, attracting more restaurants and star chefs every year as part of its lineup. Once again, some of the city’s best will be at the Media City Amphitheatre, including Royal Orchid, Fratelli La Bufala and Tresind. With cooking demos from the likes of Tom Aikens and Jun Tanaka and musical performances by Boney M, it’s definitely one to put on your schedule!

Days: 10^th – 12^th March
Time: Thursday: 4pm – 12am, Friday: 12pm – 12am, Saturday: 12pm – 11am
Tickets: Early Bird: 2 for AED 99 Standard, 2 for AED399 VIP
Advance: AED 75 Standard, AED240 VIP, Free for kids
At the door: AED 90 Standard, AED260 VIP, Free for kids
Click here for bookings