- Master Zero-Waste cooking with global sustainability pioneer Douglas McMaster.
- Experience Dubai’s best kitchen pop-ups, from smash burgers to modern Iraqi-fusion.
- Enjoy free outdoor cinema screenings and a vibrant open-air DJ set.
- Get hands-on with coffee tours, honey extraction, and cyan-blue art workshops.
The pulse of Dubai’s creative scene is returning to Alserkal Avenue on October 25th and 26th. The beloved What The Food festival isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s a weekend takeover where the city’s most exciting chefs, artists, and tastemakers gather to push the boundaries of food culture. It’s the perfect two-day reset that swaps the usual brunch routine for vibrant conversation, hands-on workshops, and dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
This year’s event is a unique blend of global ideas and local flavour. You can start your day learning from the best: sustainability pioneer Douglas McMaster is hosting a must-attend masterclass on building future kitchens, redefining waste and creativity in the culinary world. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Attendees can get truly hands-on with a Honey Extraction Experience and a guided coffee tour at Nightjar, taking you from everyday brews to rare, sophisticated gems. For families, the Kids’ Manoushe Workshop is guaranteed fun, letting little chefs roll and bake their own mini-Manoushe.
The heart of the festival is the unbelievable food lineup. What The Food is the place to taste Dubai’s most creative pop-ups, featuring everything from the long-ferment pizzas of Crust and the classic steak frites from The Little Fox, to the popular smash burgers of MANNA and the unique modern Iraqi-fusion of Feka.
This delicious exploration sits alongside a cultural celebration, including a Filipino Tindahan exhibition by Sa Tahanan Co., paying homage to essential daily stores. It’s a true blending of local and global influences shaping Dubai’s evolving food scene.
As the sun sets over Alserkal, the vibe shifts but the creativity keeps flowing. Wind down with free open-air cinema screenings of The Taste of Things and Heaven Without People courtesy of Cinema Akil. Or, tap into your artistic side with a surrealist painting session over a drink, or try making unique cyan-blue prints using natural materials at Gulf Photo Plus. With Tarik Omar filling the Yard with soulful, electric beats, the atmosphere is set for exploration and enjoyment. As Basmah El Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue, says, “What The Food is an open invitation to eat, explore, and enjoy.”
This is your essential weekend plan. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and prepare for a two-day creative feast!
For the full programme visit the website.
