Taste of Dubai

About

Taste of Dubai is the UAE's premier outdoor food festival that transforms into a delicious adventure playground for families each May. Kids can explore interactive cooking demonstrations, meet celebrity chefs, enjoy live entertainment, and sample diverse cuisines from Dubai's top restaurants all in one vibrant location. The festival combines culinary discovery with family-friendly activities, making it an exciting introduction to Dubai's multicultural food scene.

What to Expect

Families will find a bustling outdoor festival atmosphere with restaurant stalls from Dubai's finest eateries, live cooking demonstrations on main stages, children's entertainment zones with face painting and activities, and roaming performers. The event typically features a dedicated Kids Zone with cooking classes designed for young chefs, interactive food experiences, and entertainment like bouncy castles or character appearances. Expect crowds, especially during peak hours, but the spacious outdoor setup allows families to move around comfortably. The festival celebrates global cuisine with everything from Asian street food to European fine dining in tasting portions.

Highlights for Kids

• Hands-on kids' cooking classes where children make their own pizzas, decorate cupcakes, or learn simple recipes from professional chefs
• Live entertainment including magicians, character meet-and-greets, and outdoor performances on multiple stages
• Tasting portions from top restaurants that let kids try international cuisines without committing to full meals
• Interactive food demonstrations where celebrity chefs create dishes and kids can watch culinary magic up close
• Dedicated play zones with activities like face painting, games, and festival-themed entertainment

Pro Tips for Families

1. Purchase tickets online in advance for significant savings compared to gate prices, and check if children under a certain age enter free (policies vary by year)
2. Arrive when gates open in late afternoon to beat the evening crowds and secure seating in shaded areas before the temperature cools and crowds peak around dinner time
3. Bring a reusable water bottle for kids as outdoor festival drinks can be expensive, and dress children in layers since Dubai's May evenings can cool down significantly
4. Download the festival app or grab a map at entry to locate the Kids Zone activities and plan your must-try restaurant stalls in advance, as popular dishes sell out quickly

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday evenings (Thursday or Sunday through Wednesday) rather than Friday-Saturday when crowds are heaviest. Arrive around 4-5 PM when gates open to enjoy activities in daylight with smaller crowds, let kids participate in early cooking demonstrations, and secure good viewing spots. The atmosphere builds as evening approaches, but earlier arrival means less overwhelming crowds for children and better access to popular food stalls before they run out of signature dishes.

Food & Drinks

Food operates on a token/coupon system where you purchase credits at kiosks then exchange them at restaurant stalls for tasting portions (typically 3-5 tokens per dish). This works well for families as kids can sample multiple cuisines in small portions rather than full meals. Expect international options from Indian and Thai to Italian and Middle Eastern, with most restaurants offering at least one kid-friendly item like sliders, pasta, or grilled chicken. Designated beverage stations sell soft drinks, juices, and water. Budget extra for the token system as kids may want to try multiple items, and bring hand wipes since most food is casual dining without extensive seating with cutlery.

Parking & Access

The festival venue (typically Dubai Media City Amphitheatre or similar outdoor spaces) offers paid parking that fills quickly during peak hours, so arrive early or use Dubai's taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem for convenient drop-off at the entrance. The outdoor festival grounds are generally stroller-accessible with paved pathways, though crowds during peak times can make maneuvering challenging. Consider bringing a lightweight, compact stroller for younger children. Dubai Metro access depends on the specific venue year to year, but shuttle services or taxis from nearby metro stations are typically available. Check the official festival website for the current year's exact location and transportation recommendations.