Faizel Moosa (centre), Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Qatar, with other officials, cutting a celebratory cake to mark the South African Food Festival at Lulu Hypermarket Gharafa branch, yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin/The Peninsula
Lulu Hypermarkets are hosting a South African Food Festival under the title ‘Awesome South Africa’ with a view to discover the uniqueness of South African food and cuisines and to promote the South African food products in the region.
This festival was organised in line with their annual calendar of events and was inaugurated yesterday at Lulu Hypermarket Al Gharafa by Faizel Moosa, the Ambassador of South Africa to the State of Qatar, in the presence of Embassy officials, Lulu officials and various dignitaries.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Faizel Moosa, Ambassador of South Africa to Qatar, said that the festival is very good to get authentic South African foods in Doha. “South Africans are very conscious about brands. We like our own brands,” said Moosa adding that there are 6,500 South African expatriates in Qatar.
He said that Lulu brought very top quality products from South Africa. “If you buy the fruits, vegetables and processed foods showcased at the festival then you will realise why South Africans are so particular to the products of their country,” said the Ambassador.
He said that Black Cat peanut butter, Somboy chips and other products including spices and tomato ketchup which are available at Lulu are very popular and top quality South African products.
Lulu Hypermarkets have been organising food related festivals including South African Food Festival since 2002. Like previous years, this year also it has been organised in a big way. According to Lulu officials the festivals received overwhelming response in the previous years from expatriates and local community alike. This year the festival will continue until April 20, 2019.
The festival is largely focused on South African cuisines and food products. South African cuisines such as Chakalaka Salad, Pap, Braai and other popular dishes were prepared by eminent chef Grant Marais from South Africa. In general, the South African food rewards an unforgettable gastronomic experience to the food-lovers due to its range and unique variety of ingredients that goes in to the meal.
One of the major attractions is that this year Lulu Hypermarket have exclusively imported various ranges of ostrich meat for the first time in Qatar, as part of the festival.
Also, a well-designed array of South African food products ranging from South African beef and meat products, white grapes, apple Royal Gala, plums Angelino, nectarin, pineapple, Vermonte Beauty pears, yam, avocados, Satsuma orange, Kaka fruit, fine beans, grilled fish Peri Peri, hot n’ spice grilled chicken, fusion chicken kebab, bunny chow, Libbys fruit cocktail, Peppaddew pickle, Nando’s sauces, Ina Paarman’s Seasoning and Masalas, Oryx condiments, Ceres juices and Bose ice tea etc. are on display.
Lulu Hypermarkets have been nurturing long-lasting trade relations with South Africa, and they are regularly promoting almost all major South African food products in the region. Lulu have always been making great efforts to sustain the supply of global products at the best rates.
