Visitors can look forward to interactive workshops, chef talks and exclusive culinary experiences.
Taste of Abu Dhabi (TOAD) is just a couple of weeks away, with exciting culinary announcements already adding to the anticipation. Two dining concepts will make their Abu Dhabi debut at the annual food festival before establishing permanent outlets in the capital.
Tickets start at Dh80, with availability running low.
Here’s a look at what to expect at this year’s TOAD, taking place from November 13 to 15 at Gateway Park North, Yas Island. The festival will feature exclusive menus, chef talks, interactive workshops and a variety of food experiences.
Restaurant previews
99 | Tanjun and La Broche by Bocuse are heading to Abu Dhabi, offering festival-goers an early opportunity to experience their concepts before they officially open to the public.
99 | TANJUN specialises in contemporary Japanese fine dining, while La Broche by Bocuse will serve classic rotisserie dishes on Yas Island. The festival appearance will give visitors a preview of the concept ahead of the opening of Brasserie Monsieur Paul at Saadiyat Grove.
What can we eat there?
Visitors can explore 16 pop-ups, each featuring a menu created exclusively for TOAD:
- Soraya: Persian cuisine
- Marcella: Modern Spanish cuisine
- Oak Room: Steakhouse
- ERGON Deli & Café: Greek cuisine
- La Broche by Bocuse: Rotisserie
- Beetza: Italian cuisine
- 99 | Tanjun: Japanese cuisine
- Villa Toscana: Italian cuisine
- The Director’s Club: Steakhouse
- Ting Irie: Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine
- Pincode By Kunal Kapur: Indian cuisine
- Ramen Bar: Japanese cuisine
- LENTO: Burgers
- Desert Lotus: Thai and Japanese cuisine
- Paradiso: Italian cuisine
- Almayass: Lebanese-Armenian cuisine
Chefs you can meet and learn from
This year’s culinary line-up will be headlined by Gino D’Acampo, Thomas Straker and Rachel Allen.
Other chefs visitors can meet include:
- Jenny Morris, also known as The Giggling Gourmet
- Faisal Naser
- Vanessa Bayma
- Joseph Nesbitt-Larking
- Andrew Dickens
- Richard Stratton
- Dave Kimmerly
- Hunter Burkall
- Fred Casagrande
- Annika Panikker
- Shamal More
- Sergio Freitas
- Leonardo Luza Lillo
- Hartono Julianto
- Samuel Momoh
- Rene Cerda
- Omkar Padwal
- Michelle Tredoux
- Francisco Araya
- Durgesh Dabral
- Bilal Louna
- Adetoyosi Odufuye
Workshops
Visitors can take part in live cooking demonstrations and interactive workshops throughout the festival.
- Keeta Firepit: Celebrity chefs and pitmasters will fire up the grills for live open-fire cooking demonstrations.
- Jo’s KITSCHEN: Learn how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch.
- SHOT Coffee: Take part in free, hands-on barista workshops.
What can kids do?
Children can enjoy a dedicated zone filled with games, activities, arts and crafts.
The Candy Land Kids Zone will feature attractions including Candy Mountain, The Sugar Spin and Marshmallow Meadow. Young visitors can also try creative activities such as decorating chef hats and aprons. Rides and activities are charged separately.
What ticket packages are available?
Standard – Dh80
- One-day entry to the festival
- Access to live chef demonstrations and culinary workshops (registration on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Free entry for children under 12
Taster Package – Dh185
- One-day entry
- Two food vouchers
- Two drink vouchers
- Access to culinary workshops (registration on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis)
VIP Package – Dh350
- One-day entry with fast-track access
- Three food vouchers
- Four drink vouchers
- Access to the Taste VIP Lounge, featuring plush seating, live entertainment and dedicated bars
- Access to culinary workshops (registration on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis)
