The Dubai Food Festival’s Beach Canteen is returning bigger and better than ever for the festival’s second edition – with 10 of Dubai’s popular home-grown restaurants set to pop up on the beach.

Running throughout the festival (February 6 to 28) at Kite Beach in Jumeirah, this year’s Beach Canteen will celebrate the emerging scene of independent restaurants and concepts influenced by the diversity of the 200 nationalities that live in Dubai.

Through a series of events and activities during the festival, the Beach Canteen will highlight the breadth and depth of Dubai’s culinary offering, with beach diners set to look forward to home-grown delights from eateries including Pantry Café, Emirati Cuisine from Mama Tani, Multicultural Dining and Street Food from Moti Roti and various experiences from international chefs including award-winning Indian chef Sanjeev Kapoor showcasing on February 21 and the Michelin-starred Jason Atherton showcasing from February 26 to 28.

With local bands, DJs, unique beach dining experiences and activities for the whole family to enjoy, the Beach Canteen promises to be one of the festival’s highlights.

The Beach Canteen’s 10 pop-up eateries are:

Chez Sushi: From Salmon and Beef Teriyaki to Rock shrimp creamy chilli tempura, Chez Sushi offers a unique, casual and fun Japanese sushi experience where guests pick the ingredients, garnish, dressing and watch the team roll.

Pantry Café: A neighbourhood gourmet café that brings good, belly-warming comfort foods from around the world using the finest and freshest ingredients.

Casa De Tapas: Modelled on the traditional rustic bodega style venues of Madrid and Barcelona, Case De Tapas serves delicious and authentic tapas delicacies.

Spill the Bean: An independent specialty coffee shop focused on single origin coffees and supreme quality blends – all 100 per cent organic and 100 per cent fair trade.

Moti Roti: Healthy street food inspired by the Roti, a Pakistani/Indian flatbread, Moti Roti gives curry a facelift by taking out excess oil and spices and turning it into a ‘fast-fresh’ concept.

Kris Kros: A mix of culinary favourites with a fresh, modern touch, Kris Kros offers delectable dishes evoking the essence of the Americas, Mediterranean and Asia.

Shawerma: New to Dubai, Shawerma brings its expertise in the preparation and presentation of the ‘real Shawarma’, richly flavoured and cooked to perfection.

JJ Chicken: A quick serve restaurant where charcoal chicken is the core item on the menu, offered in various balanced and healthy meals.

Rice Creamery: Rice pudding in every thinkable flavour - from bananas for toffee, coconut paradise and mango. 

Mama Tani: An Emirati staple, Mama Tani offers savoury, sweet and bespoke Khameers, sandwiches, sweets and snacks. – TradeArabia News Service