With the cooperation of the ECO Cultural Institute, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance as well as the Organization for Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism of I.R. Iran, the first Tehran international Food Festival will be held on August 6-10, 2019 at the Milad Tower Exhibition Center aiming to introduce the customs and traditions of different nations in cooking and eating food .
According to ECI public relations, the festival include displaying and introduction of native Iranian and foreign cuisines, identification of culinary talents and choosing the best, introducing top Iranian and foreign chefs and finally, establishment of a food tourism.
At the press conference held on April 30, 2019 at the auditorium of Touring & Automobile Club of Iran, Zokaei, the secretary of the Festival, said: "In the public section, the festival features restaurants offering foreign foods, food producers, restaurants, catering centers and coffee shops."
He further added that in the international section, the participants from countries of ECO region, neighboring and other countries have been invited through their embassies and follow-ups of their cultural councilors.
The sidelines programs will be held in open air including various entertaining and art events to be organized for the first time.
In education section, there will be workshops on cooking rituals and local dining.
Continuing his remarks, Zokaei said: "Proper efforts have been made in the field of Iranian national food style, but at this festival, we plan to introduce the industry's capacities across the regional and international level."
"When traveling, every tourist would like to try the cuisine of that particular destination and we have to use this opportunity", he said adding: "We have also asked the cultural counselors to attend the program. We do not have any limitation for the presence of countries in this festival; however, only halal foods may be presented at the festival."
He further added that 38 registered national and 3 global foods will be presented in the form of posters or the screening of their cooking process at the program.
Stating that there won't be any jury at the festival, Zokaei said: "There will be no contest at the event, yet we will get help from the Organization for Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism in scientific sections. The festival participants may pay their expenses both in dollars and Rials, yet there will be facilities for the participants from ECO countries. There will also be a special stand for the Diplomat Ladies Group, which has 70 members, to present the cuisine of their countries to this pavilion."