AILYN AGONIA

DOHA MORE than 70 restaurants, cafes and hotels are expected to take part in the Third Annual Doha Food Festival to be held behind the Doha Exhibition Center in Al Dafna from February 8 to February 11.

Titled ‘Taste and Fun 2012’, the festival will host a special Japanese corner featuring dishes prepared by chef from the Japanese embassy along with a renowned chef from Tokyo.

This is the first time the festival would showcase dishes from a particular country — in this case Japan. The focus on Japanese cuisine is also part of the 40th anniversary of Japan- Qatar relations.

Arabic, Asian, Mexican, European cuisines and even fine dining gourmet treats prepared by some of the top chefs will be available at QR5, QR10 and QR15 per plate.

The festival will also feature an array of fun-filled activities such as fun games from Jungle Zone, face painting and raffle prizes. To complete the festival mood, a DJ and other performers will be featured every afternoon. Entry to the venue is free of cost.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, Director of Tourism Abdulla al Bader said competition among participating hotels will be part of the attraction. “Four hotels will compete each day,” Bader said.

The organisers added that festival goers will be able to vote for the best food dish on offer over the weekend.

In a statement, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) Chairman Ahmed al Nuaimi said that last year’s edition received a positive response from the community.

He said, “The taste and fun festival has become a much-anticipated community event in Doha. It is important for the QTA to bring such events to the community. Not only will visitors enjoy food and fun entertainment, they will have the opportunity to taste dishes from other cultures which all seek to promote cultural awareness in our amazingly diverse community. We are excited to showcase Japanese food which illustrates the special friendships between Qatar and Japan. I urge people to come along, try something new, eat well and enjoy themselves.” Sponsors for this year’s event are Jungle Zone, Askar Industrial Company and Worldwide Tents and Halls.