Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is back for its 11th edition — a food affair of 22 days featuring eight Michelin-starred chefs.

From new restaurants opening on every corner to hangouts dedicated to particular cuisines, Instagrammable food spots and new pop-ups, it seems that flavour and food has never been so important to Qatar. Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is proof, a not-to-be-missed, high-flying culinary event that is paving the way for a new wave of pop-ups and restaurants. The best of the best on the Qatar culinary scene have come together under the stars at Al Bidda Park. Vendors from Doha, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and international markets are also taking part.

QIFF, organised and delivered by Qatar Tourism, is ongoing till December 17 and the number of participants has increased considerably with thousands of attendees, food enthusiasts and professionals. The festival is split across five themed zones at Al Bidda Park and one at the Corniche.

QIFF is staging a daily cooking theatre with at least two demonstrations, events and competitions every day. The cooking theatres will feature celebrity chefs from the region and beyond including Dani García, Aisha Al Tamimi, Shams Al-Qassabi, William Dissen and Saif Rahman, Hervé Courtot, Hassan Al Ibrahim, Grenal Godinho, Aleksandre Ugrekhelidze, Arturo Mendez, Roberto Reatini, Aaj Fernando, Sergio Galaz, Hari Wahyudin and Santiago Guerrero.

The festival is also featuring Chefs’ Tables giving diners the opportunity to sit and eat with the chef who has cooked their meal. Restaurants, including Hakkasan, Scalini, Riyasat and Isaan are joining in.

The presence of a diverse selection of cuisines is promising enough to bring the people of Qatar together savouring the flavours of East and West. This year QIFF is not only centred on food lovers but is also shining a spotlight on locally owned coffee shops, adding the aroma and rich flavour of the beans throughout the festival.

Qatar Tourism has also announced the launch of a ‘World Class Chefs’ project, a two-year initiative whereby renowned chefs from around the world will be hosted in Qatar. This aims to take the country’s world-class dining experiences to the next level, supporting the hospitality sector and facilitating investment opportunities in the food and beverage sector. QIFF is open on weekdays from 3pm to 11pm and on weekends from 3pm to 1am. ✤

GO: VISIT HTTP://WWW.VISITQATAR.QA/EN/EVENTS/QATAR-INTERNATIONAL-FOOD-FESTIVAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.