Food fest a melting pot of cultures

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) proves to be a melting pot of cultures with its ability to foster cultural appreciation through its diverse culinary offerings, according to a number of visitors."The event offers everyone the opportunity to try a variety of flavours from different countries,” Indian expatriate Bonny Ravindran, who was visiting QIFF 2025 with his wife Pretty and daughter Pravasthi, told the Gulf Times.A frequent attendee of the festival, Ravindran highlighted QIFF’s capacity to bring people together and its family-friendly atmosphere and an array of offerings, saying: "Many are coming from different parts of the world... I think it is promoting cultural appreciation and understanding”.The 14th edition of QIFF, which runs until February 22 at Hotel Park, has been attracting a large number of local, regional and international visitors who want to savour the flavours and traditions of diverse cultures.According to Visit Qatar, this year’s QIFF features more than 100 local vendors and 27 international restaurants and cafes, promising a unique culinary experience.It also aims to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading destination for cultural exchange and tourism. First-time visitor Mohamed Umar, a Pakistani expatriate, echoed Ravindran’s views, saying: "It’s an amazing event because it is my first time to see a variety of foods from different countries in one place, from Filipino and Chinese to Indian and Pakistani foods, among others, in one place”.He told Gulf Times that families and children are enjoying the festival’s offerings, including a dedicated play area. He also expressed his interest in trying traditional Qatari cuisine, seeking a change from his usual fast-food choices such as burgers and pizzas.QIFF 2025 features several new and exciting features, including the Michelin Guide Village, offering exclusive creations from renowned Michelin-star chefs.Thrill-seekers can experience Dinner in the Sky, a unique dining adventure suspended 50m above the ground, providing stunning views of the festival and the Doha skyline.Visit Qatar noted that the QIFF Ring, a cooking competition arena, and the Cooking Studio, hosting interactive workshops with chefs from Qatar and abroad, further enhance the festival’s immersive experience.The expansive location is divided into distinct districts, each presenting unique dining experiences and interactive activities.