Years of Culture
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2025/03/10
QIFF 2025 was bigger and more ambitious than ever before, introducing exciting new experiences and plenty of opportunities for culinary exploration.
This year’s edition was particularly special as it coincided with the Qatar-Argentina and Qatar-Chile 2025 Year of Culture, placing a distinct emphasis on South American flavours.
Renowned chefs from Argentina and Chile brought their exceptional culinary passion and artistry to Doha, offering visitors a taste of their respective gastronomic traditions.
The 10-day festival kicked off in style on 12th February, with a dazzling opening ceremony at The Hotel Park Doha. Featuring live music performances, the event was inaugurated with family-friendly entertainment, fireworks, and a preview of the remarkable gourmet experiences to come. Stunning nightly firework displays also continued every evening throughout the festival.
QIFF 2025 went all out to create a truly immersive experience for guests. The festival hosted an impressive lineup of over 100 local vendors and 27 international restaurants and cafés, offering an array of different cuisines.
A dedicated Latino Flavours Zone delighted foodies in Qatar, putting delicious, authentic dishes in the spotlight, from empanadas to ceviche. Murals painted by local artists depicted iconic sporting heroes including Lionel Messi, reminiscent of Argentina’s incredible World Cup victory in 2022.
For the first time at QIFF, the curated Michelin Guide Village gave festival goers the opportunity to try dishes from prestigious Michelin-star restaurants. A packed programme of engaging masterclasses and live demonstrations by top chefs from around the world also unfolded at the Cooking Studio.
The QIFF VIP Hospitality offering included the unforgettable Dinner in the Sky, where guests had the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal, floating 40 metres above the ground, with breathtaking views of Doha’s skyline.
QIFF Juniors was a dedicated space for little chefs, with hands-on cooking stations, face painting, parades, fun stage shows and more. A brand new competition zone, the QIFF Ring dared visitors to take part in unique and competitive challenges, from cake decorating to onion chopping and even a spice tolerance showdown!
With Argentina and Chile taking centre stage at this year’s festival, some of the most celebrated chefs from both nations delivered spectacular live cooking demonstrations, hosted Chef’s Table events, and engaged audiences in interactive workshops at The Cooking Studio.
The Executive Chef at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Chef Martín Repetto delighted audiences with his refined approach to Argentinian cuisine. A prominent figure in Qatar's dining scene, he gave a masterclass in the Cooking Studio, and spoke about his experiences in Qatar.
A renowned Argentinian pastry chef based in Qatar, Chef Juli Duca showcased Argentina’s rich dessert culture, presenting exquisite Alfajores de Maicena that paid homage to her culture’s sweet traditions.
Executive Chef at El Alambique & Serafina in El Calafate, Chef Alejandra Repetto brought a taste of Argentinian Patagonia to Qatar, preparing a Lomo de Cordero in a live demonstration.
Chef Victoria Blamey travelled to Doha from New York, where she is the Executive Chef at Blanca (named one of America’s Best Restaurants for 2024 by The New York Times). Known for her impressive reinterpretation of Chilean flavours, Chef Blamey captivated audiences with a stand-out signature oyster dish from the menu at Blanca.
Acclaimed Chef Nicolás Garate took part in the opening ceremony, making him the first Chilean to open a culinary event in Qatar. The CEO & Chef at Academia Gastronómica Internacional, Chef Garate shared his insights into Chile’s diverse regional cuisines in the Cooking Studio.
A judge on Top Chef Chile, Chef Benjamín Nast impressed audiences with his innovative approach to Chilean gastronomy, giving a live demonstration in the Cooking Studio on Wednesday 19th February.
QIFF 2025 wasn’t just about indulging in incredible food—it was about bringing cultures together through cuisine. Over 10 unforgettable days, visitors were immersed in the stories, history, and collective passion for cooking shared by the participating chefs and businesses.
The festival provided a unique space for Qatar, Argentina, and Chile to connect, celebrating their shared appreciation for food, creativity, and tradition. As QIFF came to a close, one thing was clear: food unites people from all corners of the world, and QIFF 2025 was an inspiring example of this connection.
Explore upcoming Years of Culture events and initiatives highlighting the rich cultures of Argentina, Chile and Qatar.
