- Dravya Bansal
- Nov 7, 2023
- 5 min read
If you’re a devoted foodie with a penchant for delightful drinks and a love for music that sets the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure, then the Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival is your ultimate paradise.
Set to take place from November 10th to November 12th, 2023, at the scenic Gateway Park South on Yas Island, this festival promises three days of pure gastronomic ecstasy.
So, without further ado, let’s embark on a culinary journey through the Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival.
What’s the Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival?
Taste of Abu Dhabi is a culinary extravaganza that brings together the finest flavors and musical beats for a three-day celebration of food, drink, and music. This highly anticipated festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Gateway Park South on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, is a paradise for food enthusiasts, music lovers, and anyone seeking a gastronomic adventure.
With 15 of the city’s top restaurants offering a curated selection of mouthwatering dishes, exclusive workshops hosted by celebrity chefs, and multiple music stages featuring everything from DJs to acoustic sets, Taste of Abu Dhabi promises an unforgettable experience.
Why You Should Attend
The Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival is where food enthusiasts, music aficionados, and culinary adventurers converge for an unforgettable experience.
Here are some compelling reasons to be a part of this exciting event:
Culinary Delights: With 15 of Abu Dhabi’s most acclaimed restaurants all in one place, you can savor a diverse range of delectable dishes curated by these culinary masters.
Learn from the Best: Exclusive workshops hosted by celebrity chefs will give you the opportunity to enhance your culinary skills and learn their kitchen secrets.
Musical Extravaganza: Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the festival with music from various genres across three different music areas.
Family-Friendly: It’s not just for adults; the festival offers a mega kids’ zone with activities to keep the little ones entertained.
Artisanal Discoveries: Explore the Taste Artisan Village to discover unique and upcoming small brands and sample their products.
With all these incredible offerings and more, there’s no reason to miss out on the Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival.
Mark Your Calendars
Make sure to mark your calendars for this spectacular weekend:
Friday, November 10th: 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Saturday, November 11th: 1 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday, November 12th: 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Ticket Information
You can purchase tickets through the official festival website or at the event entrance.
Ticket options include:
General Admission
Price: AED 75 (Children under 12 enter free)
Package:
Entry to the festival
Access to all music stages
Kids under 12 enter free
Taster Package
Price: AED 180
Package:
Entry to the festival
Access to all music stages
30 Taste tokens
Access to workshops
Access to the Kids Zone
VIP Package
Price: AED 280
Package:
Entry to the festival
Access to all music stages
50 Taste tokens
Access to workshops
Access to the Kids Zone
Fast track entrance
Access to the VIP Lounge with exclusive benefits
Each package offers various perks, including access to workshops, food and drink vouchers, and more. Keep up-to-date with all the event details here.
Meet the Culinary Maestros
Taste of Abu Dhabi offers a unique opportunity to learn from renowned chefs during three days of exclusive workshops. Here are some of the celebrity chefs and hosts you can expect:
Lisa Faulkner
Lisa is a multifaceted talent, known for her acting, presenting, and culinary prowess. Winner of BBC 1’s Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, she has since embarked on a remarkable food journey, authoring several cookbooks and hosting her own cookery show.
Jenny Morris
Known as The Giggling Gourmet, Jenny is a celebrity chef and radio personality from South Africa. Her culinary adventures have taken her around the world, and she’s cooked for presidents and royals.
Ritu Dalmia
Ritu Dalmia, one of India’s most celebrated chefs, is the co-owner of multiple restaurants in India, Milan, Dubai, and beyond. Her culinary journey began with a liking for Italian cuisine, which she mastered to perfection.
Hattem Mattar
Hattem Mattar is the world’s first Arab pitmaster and the founder of The Mattar Farm Smokehouse, Dubai’s first artisan smokehouse. He’s a culinary ambassador known for uniting cultures through BBQ.
John Torode
John Torode, a popular figure on the UK culinary circuit, is best known as the co-host and judge of BBC1’s MasterChef. He and his wife, Lisa Faulkner, co-host John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen.
Marco Pierre White
Dubbed the godfather of modern cooking, Marco Pierre White was the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars at just 33. His influence on the culinary world is immeasurable.
Shelina Permalloo
Shelina, a British Mauritian, won BBC’s MasterChef in 2012. She’s the owner of Lakaz Maman, a restaurant inspired by modern Mauritian street food, and a regular judge on BBC 1’s MasterChef.
To discover more about the talented chefs and hosts participating in the festival, click here.
Feast on the Best
Get ready to feast your eyes on the scrumptious line-up of restaurants joining us at Taste of Abu Dhabi. Each restaurant will craft a special menu featuring 3-5 ‘taster’ sized dishes, allowing you to savor your favorites as you explore the culinary wonders of the festival.
La Carnita
Location: Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate
Category: Mexican
La Carnita combines funky street style with Mexican cuisine for a unique dining experience. Enjoy party vibes, amazing tacos, and stunning waterfront views.
Dai Pai Dong
Location: Al Maryah Island, P.O. Box 41184, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Category: Cantonese
Experience modern Cantonese cuisine at Dai Pai Dong. From homemade noodles to succulent barbecued meats, savor authentic flavors in a contemporary setting.
BB Social Dining
Location: Al Maryah Island, P.O. Box 41184, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Category: International
BB Social Dining in Abu Dhabi offers creative dishes from around the world. Design your own experience with single-plate dishes and quirky desserts.
José by Pizarro
Location: Corniche Rd – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Category: Spanish
José By Pizarro brings authentic Spanish flavors to Abu Dhabi. Enjoy an intimate setting, paired wines, and a delicious menu of Spanish specialties.
Marco’s Italian
Location: Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 114304
Category: Italian
Marco’s Italian offers traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist. From bruschetta to tiramisu, savor Italian flavors in a warm atmosphere.
Namak
Location: 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. P.O. Box 52799
Category: Indian
Namak celebrates Indian cuisine with Michelin-selected dishes. Chef Krishan Singh’s innovative approach combines global ingredients and Indian spices.
To discover additional participating restaurants and their tantalizing menus, visit here.
Get ready to savor the flavor!
As you plan your visit to the Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival, remember to check for any updates or changes to the event schedule and offerings on the official festival website.
Additionally, consider the various transportation options available to reach Yas Island, whether by car, public transportation, or taxi.
We hope this article has whetted your appetite for the Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival, where food lovers unite for a weekend of flavor, music, and fun!