Ras Al Khaimah has officially welcomed food lovers from across the UAE with the launch of its exciting annual food festival. This year’s festival kicked off with a flavourful bang as local chefs took over the spotlight in a special Emirati seafood cook-off. The opening day was filled with sizzling grills, aromatic spices, and a celebration of fresh local ingredients like hammour, kingfish, and squid.
From traditional family recipes to modern culinary twists, the cook-off was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It wasn’t just about cooking—it was about storytelling, culture, and pride in Emirati heritage.
The event opened this morning at the main festival venue near the Ras Al Khaimah Corniche, where a crowd of locals, tourists, and curious foodies gathered to watch the chefs in action. The smell of grilled seafood quickly filled the air, and within minutes, people were lining up to taste what was being served.
Celebrating Local Seafood
Seafood plays a big role in Emirati cuisine, especially in coastal areas like Ras Al Khaimah. The opening cook-off focused on three key ingredients: hammour, a tender white fish popular in Emirati homes; kingfish, known for its strong flavour; and squid, a favourite in both fried and stewed dishes.
Chefs were given creative freedom to prepare their signature seafood dishes, but with one rule—each recipe had to showcase traditional Emirati spices and methods. This made the competition not just a show of culinary skill but a celebration of culture.
Some chefs stuck to traditional cooking styles, such as slow-grilling over charcoal or marinating fish in tangy Emirati spice mixes. Others added a modern flair, turning squid into sliders or combining hammour with rich creamy sauces.
A Crowd-Pleasing Culinary Show
Among the star dishes was a slow-cooked hammour marinated in turmeric, cumin, and dried lemon. It was served with fragrant rice and topped with fried onions—a dish that quickly became a fan favourite. Another highlight was spicy grilled kingfish served on flatbread with a zesty tamarind sauce.
The squid dishes were also a hit, especially the stuffed squid prepared with saffron rice and chopped nuts, giving it a perfect mix of soft and crunchy textures. A few younger chefs added a modern spin by turning squid into bite-sized fritters paired with spicy mayonnaise.
Visitors had the chance to sample many of the dishes, and some were even invited to vote for their favourite. Local families, tourists, and even food bloggers could be seen capturing every moment on their phones, excited to share the festival’s highlights on social media.
Family Fun, Music, and More
But the food wasn’t the only attraction. The Ras Al Khaimah Food Festival is known for offering a complete cultural experience. Live music performances added a joyful vibe to the day, with traditional Emirati drumming, oud players, and dancers entertaining the crowd between cooking segments.
There were also activities for children, including face painting, storytelling sessions, and interactive cooking classes where kids could try making their own mini seafood wraps. It was a great opportunity for young visitors to learn more about local food in a fun and engaging way.
Food stalls surrounded the festival grounds, selling fresh juices, sweets, dates, and of course, plenty of seafood. Many local restaurants and home-grown food brands set up pop-up booths to showcase their menus and sell samples.
Promoting Local Talent and Culture
The Ras Al Khaimah Food Festival isn’t just a fun event—it’s also a platform to promote local chefs, farmers, and fishermen. The organisers shared that the seafood used in the cook-off was sourced fresh from local markets and fishermen in the area.
One of the goals of the festival is to support small businesses and highlight Ras Al Khaimah’s rich cultural traditions. Many of the chefs participating in the cook-off were home cooks who had learned recipes from their grandparents. Several were part of culinary training programmes supported by the local government.
“This is not just about food,” said one of the event organisers. “It’s about heritage, about family, and about passing traditions down to the next generation. We are proud to share our cuisine with everyone who visits.”
What’s Coming Next
The seafood cook-off is just the beginning. Over the next few days, the Ras Al Khaimah Food Festival will host themed nights, cooking competitions, and tasting events. There will also be workshops on Emirati cooking, including how to prepare traditional dishes like machboos, salona, and luqaimat.
Celebrity chefs from across the UAE and the Gulf region are expected to appear at special cooking shows and masterclasses. Visitors can also look forward to a “Spice Market” showcasing regional spices, herbs, and local produce.
If you’re a food lover looking for something unique to do this weekend, the Ras Al Khaimah Food Festival is worth the trip. Whether you want to sample delicious local dishes, learn new recipes, or simply enjoy a vibrant outdoor event, this festival has something for everyone.
A Taste of the UAE
The success of the opening day proved once again that Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a go-to destination for food tourism in the UAE. The mix of tradition, innovation, and warm hospitality made this seafood cook-off a memorable start to the festival.
It’s more than just a food event—it’s a celebration of what makes Emirati culture so special. With its beautiful coastal setting, friendly community, and bold flavours, Ras Al Khaimah has given visitors a taste they won’t forget anytime soon.
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