Families embrace nostalgia, togetherness at Throwback Food Festival
Families and visitors are flocking to Old Doha Port this Ramadan as the ‘Throwback Food Festival’ transforms evenings into a celebration of heritage, nostalgia and community spirit.The Throwback Food Festival is drawing strong crowds to Old Doha Port this Ramadan, offering families and visitors a lively, family-friendly space to relax after iftar while exploring traditional flavours and nostalgic street food experiences.Running from February 18-March 19, 2026, the public festival opens daily from 5.30pm-2am (Sunday-Wednesday) and until 3am (Thursday-Saturday). Set against the historic waterfront, the event is positioned as “a journey through culinary heritage,” showcasing authentic dishes and classic snacks that reflect shared traditions.Visitors have praised both the atmosphere and organisation of the festival.Razina Kasim described it as “honestly such a fun experience”, adding that it felt like “stepping back in time, all the classic street foods, old-school snacks, and nostalgic vibes in one place.”She highlighted the communal spirit of the event. “What I loved most was how it brought people together, families and friends just enjoying good food and memories. It wasn’t just about eating, it was about reliving moments and discovering traditional flavours again,” she said.According to Kasim, the atmosphere has been a key attraction. “The atmosphere was super lively, with music, games, and food stalls that reminded me of childhood favourites,” she noted, adding that it is “definitely one of those events that makes you smile, eat a little more than planned, and leave with really good memories”.Tajruba Haider, a Qatar-based travel and lifestyle influencer who has lived in the country for nearly 12 years, said Ramadan in Qatar is “very peaceful”, particularly for families seeking suitable outings.“Especially for Muslims, we are always looking for family-friendly events and family-friendly Iftar and Suhoor places. So this is the perfect place to be in,” she said. Visiting the festival for the first time with her children, she described it as “really amazing”, citing the pleasant weather and “loads of traditional things to do and traditional food to try”.Heidi, a visitor from the UK experiencing her first Ramadan in Qatar, commended the organisation. “It’s absolutely brilliant! We’ve come tonight for some food, trying all the different foods. We don’t really have anything like this there,” she said.With its blend of heritage, entertainment and late-night dining, the festival continues to offer a welcoming Ramadan destination for families across Doha.