Celebration of flavours: Qatar Int’l Food Festival kicks off at Hotel Park
Published: 13 February 2025
Over 100 local vendors, 27 international restaurants and several exciting events await visitors
NT Bureau
Doha
The 14th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) officially opened on Wednesday at Hotel Park, marking the beginning of a ten-day celebration of gastronomy, entertainment, and cultural exchange.
Organized by Visit Qatar, this year’s festival promises to be the biggest and most exciting, bringing together over 100 local vendors, 27 international restaurants and cafes, and a dynamic lineup of entertainment shows.
QIFF 2025 is designed to cater to food lovers of all tastes and preferences.
A platform for culinary excellence
During his opening remarks, CEO of Visit Qatar Eng Abdulaziz Al Mawlawi highlighted the festival’s growing significance in positioning Qatar as a leading global hub for gastronomy and hospitality.
“The Qatar International Food Festival has evolved into a global platform that celebrates culinary excellence while re-flecting Qatar’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to innovation,” Al Mawlawi said.
This year’s festival features an array of special attractions, interactive workshops, and live cooking competitions. Some of the major highlights include:
Michelin Guide Village: A luxurious dining area where visitors can indulge in exclusive dishes created by some of the world’s most renowned Michelin-starred chefs.
QIFF Ring: A competitive cooking arena where chefs will go head-to-head in live culinary battles, showcasing their skills.
Cooking Studio: A hands-on experience featuring renowned chefs from Qatar and abroad conducting interactive cooking workshops for aspiring cooks and food enthusiasts.
Dinner in the Sky: An adventurous dining experience where guests are lifted 50 meters above the ground to enjoy a gourmet meal while admiring breathtaking panoramic views of the Doha skyline and the festival grounds.
An immersive culinary journey
QIFF 2025 is structured into specialized districts, each offering a distinctive culinary experience:
Flavours Within Qatar: A section dedicated to Qatari cuisine, celebrating both traditional street food and fine dining. Visitors can explore classic dishes such as machboos, harees, and luqaimat, prepared by both local homegrown chefs and prestigious restaurants.
Latin Food District: A vibrant zone offering a taste of Latin America, featuring authentic dishes such as tacos, empa-nadas, ceviche, and grilled meats. Visitors can enjoy live performances inspired by Latin culture, enhancing the immer-sive experience.
International Flavours District: A melting pot of global cuisine, bringing together street food vendors and gourmet chefs from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
QIFF 2025 is strategically located at Hotel Park, a central and easily accessible venue in the heart of Doha. Visitors are advised to park at the DECC parking facility and access the festival site via the designated pedestrian tunnel. Alterna-tively, those using Doha Metro’s DECC Station can reach the venue with a short walk.
