Gino D’Acampo, Rachel Allen among the top chefs Last updated: September 10, 2026 | 12:253 MIN READTaste of Abu Dhabi to host cooking classes for all agesSuppliedThink of all the past editions of Taste of Abu Dhabi as appetisers, and we are finally ready to move on to the main course. This year, the annual food festival is returning with more food, more workshops, more chefs… you get the idea.The festival will serve up an unforgettable time between Nov 13 and 15 at Yas Gateway Park North.Here’s what you’ve got to plan for:Celebrity chef workshopsYou don’t even have to bring your own aprons – just a can do attitude and an appetite to learn. Familiar faces like Italian chef Gino D’Acampo will be running hands-on workshops where you can learn some old tips and some new tricks on how to make a dish level up. Irish TV personality Rachel Allen is also expected this year after a popular debut at the Dubai version in 2025.Thomas Straker, classically trained chef, restaurateur and food entrepreneur, is also heading to the Taste of Abu Dhabi kitchens.These workshops are free to attend – just ensure you are around during class time for spots go on a first-come first-served basis and open an hour before the action.Other chefs on the workshop menu card are:Jenny Morris, aka The Giggling GourmetFaisal NaserVanessa BaymaJoseph Nesbitt-LarkingAndrew DickensRichard StrattonDave KimmerlyHunter BurkallFred CasagrandeAnnika PanikkerShamal MoreSergio FreitasLeonardo Luza LilloHartono JuliantoSamuel MomohRene CerdaOmkar PadwalMichelle TredouxFrancisco ArayaDurgesh DabralBilal LounaAdetoyosi OdufuyeAnd besides them, there are pasta making and coffee brewing workshops on site too.What are we eating?Sixteen pop-ups will be at Taste of Abu Dhabi with special menus with four-five taster-sized cooked up just for the occasion - come prepared to dig in. So far the restaurants that are confirmed are:Oak RoomThe Director’s ClubErgon99 | TanjunAlmayassBeetzaTing IrieParadisoPincode By Kunal KapurDesert LotusWhat about Live entertainment?Winter calls for not only good food and time outdoors but also live entertainment as the breeze nips at you. And so, the carnival atmosphere will carry on the whole day; the confirmed acts include:Dubai-based music collective Gorgeous GeorgeSinger-songwriter AbriJazz fusion artist Jose RamonGuitarist Adam MeziDJ and MC Talk of The TownDJ and MC Saif And SoundDJ WhiteboyDJ AkmaralSouth African singer-songwriter Aston WylieBand of BrodasThe NomadsDario Madrigal AmineAcoustic EnergyHydyy BrownRyan GibbWhat are some other highlights of the food fest?A mega Kids' Zone for the tots with time for activities while their parents discover new flavoursVIP Experiences, which include fast-track entry, food and drink vouchers and access to the chilled out VIP LoungeArtisan producers, local businesses and leading brands will serve up their bestWhat is a ticket going to cost me and what are the inclusions?To enter, you can choose between four packages: Standard, Taster, VIP, and Team.StandardPrice: Dh80Inclusions:One-day entry to the eventAccess to Taste culinary workshops (registration first-come first-served on the day)Taster Price: Dh185Inclusions:Day-long entry2 food vouchers2 drink vouchersAccess to live chef demos, culinary workshopsVIP Price: Dh350Inclusions:Fast-track entry3 food vouchers4 drink vouchersAccess to the Taste VIP LoungeAccess to live chef demos, culinary workshopsTeam Friday Work Social Packages are available for groups of 8 or more.Price: Dh130/per personInclusions:Friday entry before 3pm, food vouchers and VIP Lounge accessKids under 12 get in free.So if you are looking for a spot to unwind while nibbling on good food and listening to good music, this is the food festival you want to try. It really is the main course. Also In This PackageKarishma Nandkeolyar is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist with a lifelong love for storytelling — she wrote her first “book” at age six and has been chasing the next sentence ever since. Known for her sharp wit, thoughtful takes, and ability to find the humor in just about anything, she covers everything from celebrity culture and internet trends to everyday lifestyle moments that make you go, “Same.”