Second Edition of Throwback Food Festival Enchants Attendees at Old Doha Port
The second edition of the Throwback Food Festival at Old Doha Port showcased a vibrant mix of traditional dishes from Qatar and beyond, attracting food enthusiasts in celebration of Ramadan. The event offered engaging competitions, culinary challenges, and a family-friendly atmosphere, while participating restaurants provided diverse and nostalgic culinary experiences. The success of this year’s festival bodes well for future iterations, highlighting Doha’s rich culinary heritage.
The second edition of the Throwback Food Festival successfully captivated attendees at Old Doha Port with a rich display of culinary nostalgia. Organized by Visit Qatar, the event transformed the waterfront into a vibrant arena full of flavor and community spirit, enhancing the essence of Ramadan with an array of traditional dishes from Qatar, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Featuring over 20 participating restaurants, the festival became a culinary haven for food enthusiasts and families. Attendees participated in engaging activities, such as competitions like ‘Kahoot’ that tested their knowledge of traditional foods and crafts, with enticing prizes awaiting the winners. The ‘Treasure Hunt’ allowed participants to engage with historical puzzles while exploring various stalls.
The festival also focused on culinary innovation. Chefs showcased their creativity in the ‘Local Flavour Challenge,’ where they reinvented Qatari dishes, while visitors had the opportunity to vote for their favorite in the ‘People’s Taste Challenge.’ Additionally, the ‘Secret Ingredient Challenge’ offered further excitement as chefs crafted unique dishes using unexpected elements.
The magical backdrop of Old Doha Port, with its historical charm and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, complemented the festival beautifully. Adorned with fairy lights and featuring live music, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees sampled a myriad of dishes, from richly spiced kebabs to sweet pastries, all while enjoying retro arcade games.
Participating restaurants highlighted the melting pot of flavors available. Middle Eastern favorites included Al Shabab Restaurant’s hummus and Omar Al Khayam Bakery’s pastries. South Asian cuisine featured Pakistan Sweets’ samosas and jalebis, while a nod to Somali flavors was represented by Hargeisa’s flatbreads. Restaurants also introduced European and fusion dishes, such as Rex’s classic milkshakes and Dukkan’s modern takes on Middle Eastern bites.
The festival’s joyous spirit was reflected in the rave reviews from attendees. Families enjoyed the diverse offerings, with many praising the authentic flavors available in one location. Expats relished the taste of home, while first-time visitors were pleasantly surprised by the culinary diversity on display.
For the chefs and restaurateurs, the festival was an opportunity to reconnect with patrons and showcase their culinary heritage. Participants emphasized the collaborative nature of the event, focusing on community engagement rather than mere competition. New ventures expressed excitement at the increased exposure they gained through their participation.
As the event concluded, organizers acknowledged the festival’s growth and the strong interest shown by attendees for future iterations. While this year’s festival significantly built upon last year’s debut, the collective desire for more frequent events indicated that the Throwback Food Festival has solidified its place as a celebration of Doha’s evolving culinary landscape and shared cultural experiences, fostering connections across generations and communities.
In conclusion, the second edition of the Throwback Food Festival highlighted the vibrant culinary scene at Old Doha Port, drawing significant participation from both local and international participants. The event not only celebrated traditional dishes but also spotlighted innovative cooking while fostering a sense of community. Moving forward, the growing enthusiasm suggests the festival will continue to enhance Doha’s cultural identity and culinary heritage, bringing together diverse flavors and people.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
