Throwback Food Festival revives Qatar’s cherished culinary heritage

Doha, Qatar: The third edition of the Throwback Food Festival is drawing steady crowds to Old Doha Port, where nostalgia, cuisine and community spirit...

Doha, Qatar: The third edition of the Throwback Food Festival is drawing steady crowds to Old Doha Port, where nostalgia, cuisine and community spirit have converged to create one of the season’s most distinctive Ramadan attractions.

Designed as a celebration of Qatar’s culinary heritage, the festival transports visitors back to the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, offering a blend of food, culture and entertainment that resonates strongly with the reflective atmosphere of the Holy Month.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Old Doha Port, the festival has transformed the waterfront into a lively hub of flavours and memories. Running from February 16 until the end of Ramadan, the event operates daily from 5:30pm into the early hours, aligning perfectly with the rhythm of Iftar, evening gatherings and Suhoor.

At the heart of the festival are 30 participating vendors and restaurants, including selected culinary concepts from across the Middle East. Their menus, inspired by past decades, feature dishes and snacks that evoke childhood memories and traditional dining experiences. The emphasis on heritage is not merely thematic; it is deeply experiential, inviting families to reconnect with tastes and traditions that defined earlier eras of Qatari social life.

Live cooking stations have become a major draw, with chefs recreating classic recipes and preparation techniques that highlight the evolution of local cuisine. Visitors can observe time-honoured methods while enjoying freshly prepared dishes, reinforcing the festival’s educational and cultural dimensions.