Some were pretty, others were unique while some were just downright quirky
The 28th edition of Gulfood – the world’s largest F&B sourcing event- concluded recently marking one of its most successful editions ever. Over 5 days, some of the biggest names in the F&B industry came together under one roof to showcase some of the finest food items. We have curated a list of items that caught our eye this Gulfood. Some were pretty, others were unique while some were just downright quirky.
One of the most unique items we saw at the exhibition was the Roohafza tea by Cup-ji. Made in ready-to-sip cups, the tea brings the familiar notes of the popular Roohafaza flavor as a cuppa. Nominated for the Gulfood innovation awards 2022, Cup-ji comes in mesh cups that only needs some hot water to make tea on the go. Other unique flavours by the brand includes mango tea and paan tea.
Made from 100 per cent potatoes, Cheez is lactose free, plant-based and vegan “cheese”. A healthy and more cost-effective alternative to regular cheese, it can be used as a topping and filling.
Looking for a snack to eat while watching a game of football or rugby? Then Austrian company Bread in its best shape has you sorted. This eat the ball snack has a creamy hazelnut filling with cocoa inside bread that is shaped like a rugby ball.
Ever heard of tomato cheese? Or pesto cheese? Or even better, tri-coloured cheese that is a mixture of tomato, basil and white cheese? The brand Veldhuyzen was a must-stop stall for cheese lovers as they brought these different varieties as well as Zaatar cheese to the fore.
If a dash of heat with some honey is your kind of thing, then look no further. The hot honey chili sauce with Habanero pepper is perfect to go with your snacks. The company also has different kinds of hot honey sauce with Jalapeno peppers as well as wasabi to kick the spice level up a notch.
We can never pass up the opportunity to have some delicious cheese. So, imagine our joy when we found a stall that stacked up cheese to make it like a shawarma. Imagine the ooey, gooey, stringy cheese snack that it made. Definitely a winner in our eyes.
While tart shells have become common, the petal tart shells at Gulfood caught our eyes for its vibrant colours, unique shape and practicality. Other than tart shells, there were pre-made bonbons, macaroons, cheesecake and a wide variety of confectionery items. According to the company, these items save hundreds of man hours for chefs, helping them concentrate on sharpening their cooking skills.
Jeera (cumin) water is famous for its digestive properties. An Indian company is putting out jeera fizzy drinks as well as a super seven sprout snack. Ready by just boiling it for 5 minutes, the super sprout was shortlisted for Gulfood Innovation awards 2023 for its practicality.
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Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.