What’s cooking next in Dubai? Find out at What The Food by Alserkal

What The Food by Alserkal returns to Alserkal Avenue this October 25-26, inviting food enthusiasts to join two transformative days of culinary exploration. With the engaging theme of “Disrupting the Table,” this vibrant event gathers chefs, artists, and cultural figures to discuss the future of food. Leading the lineup is Asma Khan, alongside notable names like Douglas McMaster, Fatmata Binta, Tala Bashmi, and Nadir Nahdi, who will share insights on topics such as waste, heritage, climate, and community through the unique lens of food. Attendees can look forward to a variety of talks, installations, screenings, tastings, and interactive sessions throughout the festival.

Beyond the menu

The 2023 edition of What The Food by Alserkal delves deeper than just culinary delights. Focusing on the systems, values, and narratives that shape how food is experienced worldwide, the theme “Disrupting the Table” challenges participants to consider not just what they eat but also the implications behind it. Discussions will explore equity, sustainability, heritage, and survival, moving the dialogue beyond mere taste trends to encompass the moral responsibilities tied to our food choices.

Under the careful curation of Cláudia de Brito, the festival unites a diverse assembly of Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning restaurateurs, and culinary pioneers. Their collective aim is to question existing assumptions about food and to foster connections that redefine our relationship with it. Dubai stands as the perfect backdrop for this significant gathering, serving as a nexus for the food ecosystem’s future.

Meet the voices

  • Asma Khan: The London-based chef and author will launch the festival with a keynote on October 25, advocating for kitchens that prioritize community, equity, and local sourcing.
  • Douglas McMaster: The mastermind behind the world’s first Zero Waste restaurant, Silo, will conduct a masterclass at Dubai’s Jossa space, offering a groundbreaking take on waste management.
  • Nadir Nahdi: As a British filmmaker and cultural storyteller, he will moderate a panel titled “Back to the Future: Ingredients,” providing a refreshing viewpoint on food, identity, and global narratives.
  • Tala Bashmi: A culinary star from Bahrain, she aims to redefine Khaleeji cuisine by bringing heritage ingredients into contemporary recipes.
  • Fatmata Binta: A celebrated winner of the Basque Culinary World Prize, she will participate in a discussion on climate-resilient crops and equitable supply chains.

More than talks

While the stage will feature these prominent voices, Alserkal Avenue will evolve into an interactive hub filled with installations, artist-led exhibits, and film screenings. This festival offers more than just passive listening; it invites participants to taste, touch, and interact with a series of workshops, tastings, and creative spaces guided by chefs and artists. Attendees can immerse themselves in the concepts driving the future of food.

Location: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

Times: October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 10 pm

Contact: @alserkalavenue @whatthefoodbyalserkal