Bespoke African dining hall Alkebulan debuts at Expo 2020 Dubai
Celebrating the continent’s vibrant cuisine and eclectic culture
African dining hall Alkebulan made its debut at Expo 2020, showcasing African food and culture through a colourful culinary lens. Capturing the essence of Africa, it transports visitors on a journey into the continent’s cultural diversities and gastronomy scenes, bringing together people, communities and nations.
Alkebulan (pronounced al-kee-boulan) — the oldest name for Africa and translating to Mother of Mankind or Garden of Eden — is a culinary concept curated by award-winning chef Alexander Smalls, a classically trained opera singer-turned-restaurateur.
The dining hall is a celebration of African cuisine, designed as a showcase of contemporary African food and music from across the continent. Each counter and concept has its own design that honours the individuality of the region, cuisine and chef.
Smalls says: “African food is as diverse as the continent’s countries and communities, yet it is still underrepresented in the world. Bringing a piece of Africa to Expo 2020 is not only a dream come true, it’s also an opportunity to showcase the rich diversity that makes African cuisine from region to region. Food and music are both instrumental to our culture, and Alkebulan is a place that marries the two, welcoming visitors from around the world to be immersed in our flavours and traditions.”
Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer of Expo 2020 Dubai, says: “Food brings people and communities together — at a time when we need it most. In the spirit of Expo 2020’s theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, we have invited countries from around the world to showcase their national dishes, giving visitors the chance to taste traditional and specialised food from around the globe in a safe environment. We are excited to welcome the African continent to Expo, and for our visitors to sample new flavours and concepts — the likes of which have yet to be seen in the UAE.”
Offering a delicious odyssey of flavours and experiences, Alkebulan will give diners the chance to experience gourmet dishes, street bites and fusion fare, all in one destination. The food hall hosts 10 counters, with each providing a different menu:
At Expo 2020, countries from around the world will showcase their national dishes, giving visitors the opportunity to taste traditional and specialised cuisines from more than 200 different outlets.
One of the first global mega-events to take place since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 invites visitors from around the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture, running until March 31 2022.
For more information, visit www.expo2020dubai.com.
This article was paid for by Expo 2020 Dubai.