A family friendly food extravaganza – QIFF 2017

It’s one of my favorite times of the year again. It’s time for the Qatar International Food Festival! Being a foodie and a mum of tiny tots I absolutely love this event for a family friendly food extravaganza.

I have been a regular visitor for the past four years and it’s only getting bigger and better with each year.

This is the first time they have moved the venue from the beautiful and vast MIA park to the new Hotel Park. The place is a bit smaller so it looked more crowded (or is that more people are attending this awesome festival? I guess both!)

From dinner in the sky to a comfy homey fish fry, five star hotels to your favorite karak joints – all in one place!

But the best part is not only in eating… there is so much more for a fun family event.

Here are my favorite picks from the event that we enjoyed over the past week:

1) Lots of kid’s activities:

• The stage with Baraem shows. My kids enjoyed a show about packing a healthy lunchbox (i hope it reflects in the actually eating Whats in the lunchbox too!) Most of the shows are in Arabic but there is also movies under the stars where they showcase food themed films so thats still on our bucket list to catch on our next visit .
• Many walking characters, stilt walkers, magic shows and a lot more.
• The colored fountain for some water fun and  shaded kids play area were a hit too. They can be enjoyed anytime you visit the hotel park.

2) The cooking theatre:

My favorite place in the park was the cooking theater where you can learn from world renowned chefs! We had Martha Stewart last year and this year it was  Indian celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and the famous Manal Alalem. And it’s free..! So secure a seat and learn from the experts as they create their magic.

Find the schedule here on the official QIFF website.

3) Health and Fitness

It’s not all about indulgence. There is a dedicated healthy zone too with loads of workshops on healthy eating, fitness training and presentations. So time to learn how to burn all that you stuff your face with at the food stalls! Meal prep tips, fun healthy recipes, about raw foods and a lot more…

Schedule.

4) Plenty of photo-ops:

The hotel park is a marvel where you are surrounded in greenery with the concrete jungle of skyscrapers towering In the backdrop, a lovely stream of waterfalls running through the park and the beautifully lit up Sheraton – the oldest and still the most iconic building on the Doha corniche – on one side  Climb up the hilly grass area and you a have beautiful view and a great picnic spot.

In addition to these there are larger than life structures of fruits erected throughout and the festival-favorite beautiful display of plates.

5) The fireworks!

A daily highlight. What better way to end a fun day out with a dazzling fireworks show everyday at 8 pm

So if you have not been there, don’t miss out, you still have time to join in on the fun till April 8th and with extended timings…!! A lot more is still happening….

All information can be found at the official website.

For recommendations on the food stalls, beautiful clicks and about the dinner in the sky  check out the review by oryxlandlife and follow the journey of dtownfooddiaries at QIFF and make sure to follow the hashtag #QIFF2017 on social media.