A cooking competition, organised by BeIN and Food Network, has become one of the main attractions at the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2018 as it showcases the skills and creativity of aspiring chefs in the country.
Dubbed ‘So you think you can cook’, the unique and interactive culinary competition has been attracting a large number of spectators who get to see participants cook and prepare ‘the best meal’ live.
“We got an excellent response from the public in the first three days of QIFF,” BeIN’s marketing and communication specialist Utkarsh Navnitlal told Gulf Times on the sidelines of the competition yesterday.
He said such a culinary activity at QIFF provides a good exposure to aspiring chefs to show off their talent in front of a large number of people. The competition also witnessed ordinary residents producing ‘excellent dishes’ despite given a limited time to prepare it, according to Navnitlal.
“Previously, we had an aspiring chef named Mohamed participating over here, and he told us he is a layman and doesn’t know how to cook,” he said. “Now, he is looking forward to pursue it as a career.”
The competition, which starts at 7pm at the beIN stand every day, features eight contestants go head-to-head and a panel of judges from beIN, Food Network, LG and QIFF rates them. Prizes include microwave ovens provided by LG, which are given to the top three winners.
Organisers also involve the sitting audience as judge to make the competition more interactive. Festival-goers who want to participate should visit the BeIN stand and register. It is on a first-come-first-served basis.
“The competition is something quite interesting, giving people who have culinary skills a chance to participate,” Navnitlal stressed. “The first three days are jam-packed and there has been a good response since QIFF opened last week.”
About the 11-day festival, he said the ninth edition has created “an amazing atmosphere” for visitors who come over to the Hotel Park in a ‘very relaxed state’. “You have five-star hotels and some of the best of restaurants here, and this particular activity creates an atmosphere for them, where they can basically come to relax and show their culinary skills,” Navnitlal added. “QIFF is a fun-filled festival, people come to eat and enjoy, and it is full of activities.”
He also lauded the Qatar Tourism Authority for the well-organised festival, running until March 25, and for supporting their culinary event.  QIFF is one of Qatar’s most anticipated annual events as it celebrates the country’s rich and diverse food, beverage and hospitality offerings.
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