Head to Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s food scene is getting a fiery addition this November as CarniVibes: Curbside Alchemy returns to Alserkal Avenue for its fifth edition, bringing together five chefs from across the region for an evening of live cooking, exclusive dishes and music.
Taking place on Saturday 14 November, from 4pm to 9pm, the free-entry event will welcome culinary talent from Dubai, Amman and Beirut, with chefs creating one-off dishes using premium proteins from homegrown online butchery and smokehouse Carnistore.
Casual favourites are given the fine dining makeover, boundaries are pushed, unexpected combinations are invented and a lot of fun is had, guaranteed, because what these chefs are hoping to do is bring the city together in a way you can’t in fine-dining – a level playing field, which is the essence of street food.
Five Chefs, Six Exclusive Creations
This year’s line-up includes three chefs whose restaurants feature on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list.
Representing Dubai is Chef Gabriela Chamorro of Girl & the Goose, ranked No. 43, who will serve duck confit flautas featuring crispy rolled tortillas filled with shredded duck and smoky salsa.
Flying in from Amman, Chef Qais Malhas of Shams El Balad, ranked No. 26 and named Jordan’s Best Restaurant, will present mahshi drumsticks. Expect chicken drumstick lollipops stuffed with spiced rice and minced meat, served with a rich chicken reduction.
Joining from Beirut is Chef Tarek Alameddine of Beihouse, ranked No. 5 on the regional list and named Lebanon’s Best Restaurant and Highest New Entry. His contribution is a bone marrow burger, bringing a creative spin to Lebanese flavours.
The line-up also features Egyptian chef Mirette Aly, co-founder of TLT Concept, with her Carni-Luhv beef sandwich. The creation combines rose, hibiscus and pomegranate-braised beef in Alexandria fino bread, finished with pickled cucumber and pistachio gremolata.
Completing the roster is Chef Amin Ebra of Iranish, who will team up with Aatish for a Persian-inspired street food pop-up. The menu includes koobideh and bread, alongside psychedelic lamb chops served with yoghurt, cucumber and a homemade yoghurt drink.
More Than Just a Food Festival
Beyond the food, expect live cooking stations, music and a relaxed atmosphere designed for friends, families and even four-legged companions. Guests can wander between the different stations, watch chefs at work and sample dishes that will only be available during the event.
What started as a grassroots gathering of chefs and food lovers has grown into a celebration of culinary creativity, bringing different cultures and cooking styles together over a shared love of good food.
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
