With more than 20 celebrity chefs, and 200-plus outlets, Expo 2020 is a food-lover’s paradise.
From internationally acclaimed restaurants to regional specialities, superstar Chefs, Expo-exclusive eateries, street bites and food trucks, the mega-event, which boasts more than 200 food and beverage outlets serving 50-plus global cuisines, promises to be a foodie’s wonderland.
In November, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network is leading a delegation that is showcasing the best of national luxury products and experiences. And it’s looking for businesses ready to take to the international stage.
Food is one of the ways that Expo 2020, which runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, will bring people together as it invites visitors to join the making of a new world through a celebration of creativity, culture, innovation and human progress.
The impressive line-up of award-winning chefs includes David Myers – also known as the Gypsy Chef – famed for his inventive international dishes with a Californian twist; Mory Sacko, whose Mosuke restaurant was awarded a Michelin star after only two months; and lifestyle guru Matthew Kenney, who specialises in plant-based cuisine.
From sizzling burgers to modern bistros, baked goods from the UK’s Bread Ahead and a unique Burrata Bar courtesy of famed Italian restaurant Scarpetta, Expo will take visitors on a mouth-watering gastronomical journey across the globe.
Kutir, by in-demand chef Rohit Ghai, will entice diners with an aromatic menu that pays tribute to India’s rich heritage; Beirut’s neighbourhood joint, Baron, brings passion to the plate with fresh ingredients from the farm and sea in its Mediterranean-inspired menu; while Asian food aficionados will love Korean and Japanese fusion brand Kojaki and Thai street food concept Long Chim.
But that’s just the tip of the gourmet iceberg.
Expo 2020 will introduce millions of visitors from across the world to the best regional concepts, with an array of UAE-based cafés, restaurants and food trucks highlighting the diversity of international flavours from homegrown favourites.
With Scottish food & drink the largest industry for overseas exports in Scotland, it is perfectly placed to capitalise on Scotland’s international reputation for quality.
The industry currently exports to 105 countries with exports valued at a record £6.3billion.
The food & drink industry is also a major contributor to Scotland’s economy. It is worth around £14billion each year and accounts for one in five manufacturing jobs. Scotland has 18,850 food and drink businesses, which employ around 115,400 people.
Along with the support of 30 local Chambers across Scotland, Scottish Chambers is using its global links through the international Chamber network to set up meetings with hand-picked companies from around the world.
Many of Expo’s 191 participating countries will serve up authentic national dishes at their pavilions, and with exciting restaurants making their debut during the six-month spectacular, visitors can tuck into cutting-edge new dishes, sure-to-be signature favourites, and age-old recipes renewed and perfected by some of the world’s best chefs.
The seven-day mission to the World Expo in Dubai runs from 27 November to 3 December. It offers Scottish firms the chance to connect with hundreds of potential new partners in a single visit.
Taking part in the delegation costs £600 (excluding VAT).
