The second Throwback Food Festival in Doha successfully celebrated traditional cuisines from Qatar, the Middle East, and South Asia at the historic Old Doha Port. With over 20 restaurants participating, the event included engaging competitions and featured vibrant cultural performances, making it a festive highlight of Ramadan. Attendees praised the atmosphere and flavors, expressing a desire for similar future gatherings.
The Throwback Food Festival’s second edition in Doha brought together flavors and culture at the historic Old Doha Port. Organized by Visit Qatar, the event showcased over 20 restaurants, presenting a diverse array of traditional dishes from Qatar, the Middle East, and South Asia, all contributing to the festive spirit of Ramadan. Thousands of food enthusiasts enjoyed this culinary tapestry, celebrating both nostalgia and community.
The festival featured a theater presenting artistic and cultural activities reflecting Qatar’s rich heritage. Attendees participated in various competitions like ‘Kahoot’, answering food-related questions, and enjoyed a ‘Treasure Hunt’ where they solved puzzles related to heritage. Additionally, chefs showcased their creativity in the ‘Local Flavour Challenge’, adding innovative twists to Qatari dishes, while the public voted in the ‘People’s Taste Challenge’ for the best offerings.
Set against a scenic backdrop, the Old Doha Port was beautifully adorned with fairy lights and traditional music, enhancing the ambiance of the festival. Attendees explored numerous stalls, sampling an impressive variety of cuisines ranging from smoky kebabs to decadent pastries. One local attendee remarked, “This festival feels like a love letter to Doha’s culinary heritage.”
Participating restaurants offered a mix of Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes, with Al Shabab Restaurant providing creamy hummus, while Omar Al Khayam Bakery delighted visitors with manaqeesh. South Asian influences were represented by Pakistan Sweets with their samosas and jalebis, and other eateries offered flavors from Somalia and beyond. European and fusion dishes were also present, showcasing the culinary diversity of the event.
Guest reactions illuminated the festival’s success, with attendees expressing their enjoyment for the family-friendly atmosphere and diverse offerings. One mother praised Sidheeque’s falafel and Sterling’s kunafa, while an expat shared how the event reminded him of home. Even first-time visitors admired the range of flavors and expressed a desire to return.
For chefs and restaurateurs, the festival was an important connection point for engaging with customers. Many emphasized the significance of celebrating traditional recipes and community spirit, noting the event as a platform to reach new patrons. “It’s validation that blending tradition with innovation works,” stated a staff member from Dukkan.
As the festival concluded, organizers felt a sense of accomplishment regarding its growth. Many participants urged for the Throwback Food Festival to occur more frequently. Ultimately, the event not only fulfilled appetites but also strengthened bonds to the past, showcasing Doha’s evolving culinary character. The festival stood as proof that communal dining can unite various cultures and generations.
The second edition of the Throwback Food Festival successfully highlighted the culinary diversity and rich heritage of Doha. It featured an array of traditional dishes from various regions, amidst a vibrant community atmosphere. Attendees expressed their enjoyment and nostalgic connections, encouraging the potential for future events. This festival reaffirmed the importance of shared meals in fostering connections and celebrating cultural traditions within the community.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
