Doha, Qatar: The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the historic Old Doha Port, as the aroma of sizzling spices, freshly baked bread, and sweet delights wafted through the air.
The second edition of the Throwback Food Festival, a celebration of nostalgia-infused cuisine, organised by Visit Qatar, had transformed the waterfront into a bustling hub of flavors, memories, and community spirit, further enhancing the allure of the holy month of Ramadan in the country.
With over 20 restaurants participating, the event offered a delectable tapestry of traditional dishes from Qatar, across Middle East, and South Asia, drawing thousands of food enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers.
The festival Theatre presents a variety of artistic and cultural activities that celebrate Qatar's rich heritage. Attendees have the opportunity of partaking in engaging competitions such as ‘Kahoot’, featuring questions related to popular foods, traditional crafts, and heritage events, with attractive prizes awarded to the winners.
Additionally, the ‘Treasure Hunt’ competition encourages participants to solve heritage-related puzzles and engage with various stalls to uncover historical secrets.
The festival also provides an immersive experience for culinary enthusiasts, featuring chefs competing in the ‘Local Flavour Challenge’ to create Qatari dishes with innovative twists.
The public can also participate in the ‘People's Taste Challenge’ to select the best dish.
Furthermore, a ‘Secret Ingredient Challenge’ challenges chefs to craft dishes using unexpected ingredients, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
A feast for the senses: The festival atmosphere
The Old Doha Port, with its weathered warehouses and sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, provided a picturesque backdrop for the festival. Strings of fairy lights twinkled above stalls adorned with vintage decor, while live traditional music and the hum of excited chatter created an electric ambiance. Attendees meandered through the venue, plates in hand, sampling everything from smoky kebabs to syrup-drenched sweets. A gaming booth added a playful touch, offering retro arcade games that delighted children and adults alike.
“This festival feels like a love letter to Doha’s culinary heritage,” said Fatima, a local attendee. “The mix of old and new here—historic port, modern food trends—it’s magical.”
A melting pot of flavours: Spotlight on participating restaurants
The festival’s lineup read like a who’s who of beloved eateries, each offering their take on “throwback” dishes. Middle Eastern staples took center stage: Al Shabab Restaurant served up creamy hummus topped with olive oil and parsley, while Omar Al Khayam Bakery drew crowds with its selection of manaqeesh and pastries, Palestine Cafeteria showcased musakhan, a Palestinian dish of spiced chicken over sumac-laced bread, and Sidheeque’s Falafel tempted visitors with crisp, herb-packed patties.
South Asian flavors were equally prominent. Pakistan Sweets dished out steaming samosas and jalebis, their golden coils dripping with saffron syrup. Mumtaz and Shujaa competed for attention with rich biryanis and buttery naan, while Samoosa Khaima lived up to its name with an array of stuffed pastries. For a taste of Somalia, Hargeisa offered tender sabaayad flatbread with savory dips and other Somali delicacies, and Al Yazi Kitchen presented aromatic selection of Arabic, Biryani and Qatari cuisines, among others.
European and fusion twists also made an appearance. Rex, a retro-themed diner, served classic milkshakes and burgers, while Dukkan blended Middle Eastern ingredients into modern bites like za’atar-topped fries. The Gaming Booth, though not a restaurant, became a hotspot with its mix of nostalgia-inducing arcade games and quick bites.
Voices of the crowd: Guest reactions
The festival’s success was palpable in the smiles and enthusiastic feedback from attendees. Mariam, a mother of three, praised the family-friendly vibe: “My kids loved the falafel from Sidheeque’s, and I couldn’t resist the kunafa from Sterling. It’s rare to find so many authentic options in one place!”
For expats, the event was a taste of home. “The haleem from Muhamed Sultan reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking in Hyderabad,” said Rajesh, a festival-goer. “And the shawarma at Kebab Al Tayyeb? Perfectly spiced!”
Even first-time visitors were charmed. “I’m new to Doha and didn’t know what to expect,” admitted Clara, a tourist from Spain. “But the mix of flavors here is incredible. I’ll definitely return to some of these restaurants.”
Behind the stalls: Participants share their stories
For the chefs and restaurateurs, the festival was a chance to connect with both loyal customers and new audiences. “Events like this remind people why traditional recipes matter,” said Ahmed, one of the staff at Al Zarka, known for its delicious keema. “Seeing families gather around our tabbouleh—it’s heartwarming.”
Others highlighted the collaborative spirit. “The festival isn’t just about competition; it’s about community,” noted Layla from Saida, a Lebanese eatery. “We’re all here to celebrate food’s power to bring people together.”
Even ventures, like Dukkan, saw the event as a launchpad. “Being part of Throwback Food Festival has introduced us to so many potential customers,” said one of the staff. “It’s validation that blending tradition with innovation works.”
Looking ahead: A growing tradition
As the festival wound down, organizers expressed pride in its growth. “Last year was a trial, but this year’s turnout proves there’s a hunger for these stories and flavors,” said a spokesperson.
Attendees echoed the sentiment, with many calling for the event to expand into a monthly or seasonal occurrence.
The Throwback Food Festival didn’t just satiate appetites—it rekindled connections to the past while celebrating Doha’s evolving culinary identity. As the lights dimmed on the Old Doha Port, one thing was clear: this was more than a food fair. It was a testament to how shared meals can bridge generations, cultures, and memories.
