(MENAFN - The Peninsula) By Amna Pervaiz Rao | The Peninsula

DOHA: Thousands of rice lovers thronged the first ever Biryani Festival in Qatar which was inaugurated at the Hotel Park opposite Sheraton Hotel recently.

Qataris and expats witnessed the opening ceremony in a family fun filled environment. The four-day long festival was organised by Four and One and brought together more than 45 exhibitors who showcased their skills as over 100 types of Biryani including Mughlai, Lucknow Gosht, Kashmiri vegetable, Malabar chicken and others.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Cyprus His Excellency Dr. Michalis Zacharioglou, Qatar Tourism Authority's Michael Michael, Four and One Chairman, Omran Al Sherawi, Four and One CEO Fernando De Guama and Strategic Partners Alliance board member Abdulaziz Al Khal.

Talking to The Peninsula, Fernando De Guama said: 'After organizing first event successfully, now we have opened the doors for ‘Biryani lovers. We have received very good reviews about the first event we organized.

The large number of people attending the Biryani Festival. When we opened the registration, people were very active to participate in this event. People are coming up with new types of biryanis, which include pasta Biryani and burger Biryani. Restaurants have participated with very innovative ideas this time as well. 'This time we have 35 exhibitors, last time Bedaya Center had eight stalls which this time has also increased, he added.

The visitors at the event were treated to an array of spicy delicacies, industry suppliers and traders, entertainment, cultural displays, competitions and various fun activities for the kids.

Urusa Fatima, owner of Hyderabadi Mirch Masala Restaurant told the newspaper that bringing the spices all the way from Hyderabad itself was a specialty. 'Our Mutton Dum Biryani is one of the bestseller and customers' all-time favorite. Our chefs have come from India and are specialized in making Hyderabad style Biryani. We have discounted prices for the Biryani Festival; mutton dum biryani is for QR25 per plate whereas chicken dum biryani is for QR22 per plate.

The family-orientated event, partnered by Talabat, Zomato, Marhaba, Urban Point and QTouch Media & Events, were catered for vegetarian and non-vegetarian alike in addition to Biryani lovers.

While declaring the festival open, Four and One, partner Omran Al Sherawi said, 'We are delighted to host the maiden edition of a festival of such magnitude. Today's impressive turnout is an indication of the wide acceptance of biryani as a food for all people. Over the next four days, foodies will have the opportunity of savouring their much-loved biryani in different varieties and flavours.

'For us at Four and One, maximizing the tourism potentials of Qatar is at the core of what we do and I believe this festival is another opportunity of showcasing that.

The four-day entry-free event will also featured celebrity oriental chefs, more cooking competitions, games and a kid's play zone.

MENAFN1102201800630000ID1096453898