The Expo 2020 hosted at Dubai was a food lover’s paradise as the global fair introduced some unique and exquisite cuisines from around the world. These restaurants and eateries that were opened during the fair are likely to continue here due to the incredible popularity that it had gained. One such eatery is the Alkebulan, that serves authentic African flavours and dishes.
Well known restaurant chains have realised the great scope of it and plans to invest in the Emirate. They think that being successful in a tourist haven like Dubai could secure them entry to other destinations too. Alkebulan that introduced African cuisine, music and culture had attracted millions of visitors including Indians.
Indian chefs too had been part of the mega kitchen where food items that are unique to each African nation was prepared. Most African food items aren’t cooked in oil and are delicious and healthy. Dishes made with cassava, yam and Chinese potatoes were the popular items here.
The myriad varieties of tea and salads were incredible. Restaurants that serve Thai, Latin American and Armenian cuisines have reportedly decided to continue operating in Dubai. Meanwhile, hotel chains from India and Philippines that are already popular might expand their business.
Super hit Africa
Simon Wright, the chairman of a popular hospitality company said that an African centre like Alkebulan was opened at the request of Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State for International Cooperation and Managing Director of Expo 2020 who has served in diplomatic missions in many African countries.
Ten course meals were prepared by teams of talented chefs headed by seven culinary experts. Besides, expert cooks were flown in from various countries to prepare the authentic tribal delicacies. Africa is known for its unique cuisine that is based on freshly sourced ingredients. Moreover, the centre promoted African music, culture and their indigenous fashion too.
Dishes that complement the Arabian culture and practices were served at the event. These are some of the dishes that had become incredibly popular at Alkebulan during the Expo 2020:
• Special Kenyan roast made with seven types of sea food and clams, beef roast with plantains, roasted mutton and boiled cassava and yam served with spicy chili chutney had many takers.
• The Zanzibari masala biryani served with roasted sheep. The Guinean dishes made with prawns and raw mangoes too were popular.
• The Ethiopian drinks mixed with honey found many takers. Besides, Ugandan-Kenyan pulao, coconut rice and the delicious Rwandan pastry made with African fruits were some of the popular items here.
• Tunisian Baharat chicken and choma barbecue.
• Special oyster mushroom soups, burgers, pulao and salads.
2,41,02,967 visitors
The organisers of the Expo 2020 said that more than 2,41,02,967 visitors have reached the venue of the global fair between 1 October and 31 March. More than a million visits were recorded in the last three days of the event. The programs arranged as part of the international convention too had attracted global tourists to the Emirate.
