FILE PHOTO: Aspire Park. Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
The inaugural DC Asian Night Market 2019 is all set to celebrate cultural diversity through cuisine when it opens its doors this Thursday at Aspire Park’s Children’s Play Area.
More than 30 Asian restaurants offering Korean, Filipino, Thai, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish and Arabic specialities are sure to satisfy Doha foodies’ taste buds at the market which runs from October 17 to November 16 from 5pm till midnight.
Organised by Doha City (DC) Event Management and Services in cooperation with Italian company Innovative Hight-Tech Solutions, the month-long market will also feature non-food vendors offering an array of apparel, cosmetics, toys and kitchenware, among others.
On weekends, the event will also highlight street dancing and cultural presentations of students from various Asian schools with performers garbed in colorful costumes and props to recreate the ambience of Asian festivals.
In addition, various community groups including choirs, theatre groups, dance crews and singers will provide entertainment. An Acoustic Night will be part of the regular weekend programme.
The market is aimed at showcasing and celebrating Asian cuisines and products through an event catering to families, foodies and residents across communities, while promoting cultural exchange between Asian and Qatari and other expat communities through food, products and traditional songs and dances. In addition, it provides platform for Asian businesses in Qatar of varying scales to promote their ventures.
“The concept of DC Asian Night Market 2019 was born out of an inspiration to gather the various Asian communities in Qatar and share with the locals and other expat communities the diverse and colourful cultures of Asia through food, crafts and performances,” said Victor Magnipes, DC Event CEO and Managing Director.
While the culinary event puts the spotlight on the best Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Thai, Korean and Turkish restaurants in Doha, it also has some local speciality cafes as well as outlets selling desserts like ice cream, yoghurt and the hugely popular bubble tea drinks, said Magnipes.
“We are glad to partner with DC Event for the Asian Night Market to showcase our first-class events equipment and technology and to provide quality entertainment to complete the memorable experience of shoppers and diners joining the month-long bazaar,” said Renato Febbraio, Innovative Hight-Tech Solutions CEO.
“Innovative Hight-Tech Solutions is the newest Italian company to venture into the thriving event management and exhibitions industry in Qatar. Our products and services are top of the line and resonate the famous “Made in Italy” branding recognized around the world,” added Febbraio.
There will be a photo booth to serve as souvenir of event visitors as well as free cupcake making for children aged five to 12 to be hosted by WASAHQ Culinary Arts, in addition to henna and face painting. Stalls will be encouraged to dress up their stalls to highlight the countries they are representing and the best food and non-food stalls will be selected during the opening day. Entry to the market is free of charge.
