Taste Of Dubai Continues To Flourish With Philips Partnership, Further World-Class Chefs, Musical Entertainment, And More
Taste of Dubai organisers are thrilled to grow the festival even more today, as additional chefs and a new headline sponsor, Philips, is confirmed.
Now named ‘Taste of Dubai in Partnership with Philips’ for the 2023 edition, this iconic foodie festival is set to welcome even more local culinary talent, impressive DJs, and artists.
As the new headline sponsor, Philips will be ramping up the Taste-goers’ experience with an interactive area featuring some of their latest kitchen gadgets, supporting chefs with their world-class cooking appliances and of course – plenty of prizes up for grabs! May Buhaisi, Marketing Lead, Philips Domestic Appliances, MENA, said: “Philips Domestic Appliances MENA is thrilled to be the headline sponsor for Taste of Dubai 2023 upon its long-awaited return. We’re pleased to host the cook school and collaborate with celebrity chefs from around the world to curate delectable dishes with Philips Kitchen Appliances. From exquisite looking meals to quick healthy ones; nutritious blended smoothies & juices or a silky smooth latte with our espresso machines. We’re excited to showcase newly launched products that can cater to every need in your home. With all of this, we are sure it will be the best year yet for Taste of Dubai.” said Buhaisi.
And that’s not all the Philips Cook School has in store. Taste organisers and Philips are delighted to announce that Virgin Radio’s celebrated host Big Rossi will be joining one of Taste of Dubai’s star chefs in the Philip’s Cook School for exclusive cooking demonstrations. Get ready for flavour, fun and entertainment in store.
Adding even more to the culinary entertainment, say hello to Big Zuu! Zuhair Hassan, better known as Big Zuu, is a BAFTA-winning British television personality, chef and musician, best known for his BAFTA-nominated cookery show Big Zuu’s Big Eats, which has just returned for a third series.
In 2019, UKTV commissioned Big Zuu’s Big Eats, a new food show fronted by Zuu, which would see him and his two friends travel the country cooking for comedians on tour. In May 2020, Big Zuu’s Big Eats began airing, featuring comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Rosie Jones, Ed Gamble, Josh Widdicombe and Guz Khan. The series was consequently nominated for a BAFTA, an RTS Television Award, and Zuu himself was nominated for the RTS Breakthrough Award. The show was renewed for a second series, which aired in summer of 2021 and won two BAFTAs, for Features and Best Entertainment Performance (Zuu).
In 2022, Global released their brand-new podcast Feast is Feast, a ten-part series hosted by Zuu that explores food across different cultures, communities and generations.
You can expect to see him making pop-up appearances across the festival, especially at the Philips Cook School, so be sure to keep an eye out for him. Furthermore, organisers are delighted to announce the addition of the following chefs who will be featured at the event, sharing their tips and tricks with event go-ers (full bios on our website):
Hattem Mattar
Hattem Mattar has called the UAE home since 1998 and has been grilling for the UAE masses almost the as soon as he landed. He is now the world’s first Arab pitmaster, the first Dubai taste maker, the first culinary ambassador to the UAE Embassy in Washington DC and the founder of The Mattar Farm Smokehouse, Dubai’s first and only artisan smokehouse.
In the UAE, Hattem has opened a live fire kitchen with the luxurious and renowned Jumeirah group. Mixing an eclectic music and food offering it has quickly become one of Dubai’s most popular hangouts. From fine dining at Emirates Palace to sold out popups across the city, Hattem has made it his mission to make BBQ culture a part of the fabric of the country’s food scene. Catch the Pitmaster’s BBQ skills up close and live at Taste of Dubai 2023 throughout the weekend!
Akmal Anuar – 11 Woodfire
Akmal Anuar from sunny Singapore was raised by hawker parents and experienced first-hand how challenging the food & beverage industry could be. He was determined to get away from it but serendipitously found himself being drawn back to the kitchen during high school. The rest, as they say, is history and Akmal has been slinging out real, unpretentious grub for over 20 years now. Now a successful restauranteur and the driving force behind multiple unique concepts in the region, Akmal has his sights set on global expansion. Join Akmal to experience first-hand the unique wood cooking skills that put 11 Woodfire on the global culinary map.
The festival series at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre will bring together an expected 15,000 foodies, friends, and families to enjoy three days of culinary festivity and live entertainment. You can expect 15 of the very best restaurants in the region, world-famous chefs from all over the globe, as well some of the hottest up-and-coming culinary talent.
Timings are confirmed as: Friday 3rd Feb from 3pm to 12am; Saturday 4th Feb from 12pm- 12am; Sunday 5th Feb from 12pm-10pm.
Food can be bought from all restaurants at the festival via debit/ credit card and Tappit, as well as with vouchers included in select ticket packages.
More information can also be found at https://tasteofdubaifestival.com/ while EarlyBird tickets can still be purchased here
