All you need to know about Taste of Dubai 2026
There are certain highlights in Dubai’s food calendar and Taste of Dubai is definitely up there. Coming back on February 6 to 8, the popular festival once more descends upon the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre and turns it into a bustling land of live music, flavours and chef-led fun for all.
Half food fiesta, half music festival, half family-friendly day out, Taste of Dubai is still one of the most accessible windows into the city’s ever-evolving dining scene in one hit.
So, what is the taste of Dubai?
Taste of Dubai is at heart a food, drink and music festival with a difference – all tasting-sized dishes from some of the city’s most buzz about restaurants.
Rather than sit down for a full meal, visitors graze through pop-up menus, stop by live cooking demos and end the night with sunset DJs sets and performances.
The result? A festival as well suited to serious foodies as it is to families, groups of friends and casual diners.
“With around 27,000 people visiting over the weekend – by our estimates reported on the event’s social media feed-over the flagship foodie market is one of the city’s top dining events.
The food: what everyone really comes for
Some 16 of Dubai’s leading restaurants debut each year, each presenting three to five tasting-sized dishes created only for the festival. The concept is to spread a bit, rather than settling too close together.
Participating concepts at the 2020 event will include The Beam By Nick Alvis, Rhodes W1, Franky’s Pizzeria, Indilight Turkey, The Guild, Lento, Ting Irie and Nama Yoso as well as Indya by Vineet and Maya by Richard Sandoval.
Look for global cuisines and Michelin-recognized concepts, which typically are serving at least one dish that isn’t available on the restaurant’s regular menu.
Chefs, cooking schools and live demos
Despite what you might have thought, Taste of Dubai is about so much more than simply eating food. Throughout the weekend some of Australia's best celebrity and high-profile chefs will take to the stage hosting live demos, firepit sessions and hands-on workshops — all available free with same-day registration.
Previous line-ups have been graced by culinary legends including Marco Pierre White, Dani García, Gino D’Acampo and Alvin Leung, as well as household name Annabel Karmel to local chefs and homegrown talent.
Family-friendly, festival vibes
Food may be the star of the show, but music is what makes the atmosphere. Oh and multiple stages that go on from late afternoon until late evening with DJs, live bands, acoustic sound sets. So, whet your palate with high-octane beats or lazy guttural sounds.
One of Taste of Dubai’s strongest attractions is its family-friendly focus. Children’s cooking workshops, interactive play zones and creative programmes take place throughout the day and restaurants are asked to serve family-friendly food.
Former editions have also included kids’ cook-along workshops, arts and crafts corners, balloon shows and the like.
Tickets, vouchers and how spending works
Entry tickets can be purchased beforehand or at the gate, with early-bird discounts commonly available until Feb 5. Some of the ticket packages cover food and drink vouchers, while others are simply admission.
Foods and drinks can be bought a la carte, per dish or drink, at the venue if you buy an entry-only pass. Most workshops are free, but first-come-first-serve or a sign-up (chef demos get full quickly). VIP tickets are generally sold as packages, which also include tokens, fast track entry and exclusive lounges that you can hang out in there.
So, if you don’t mind feeling good on the weekend and are a foodie at heart, you might want to give this one a shot. Just remember to put on your comfy shoes (and pants)
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