“Taste of Arabia”, a curated celebration of Middle Eastern culinary heritage, has opened at The Westin Dhaka, offering diners in the capital a rare opportunity to experience authentic Arabic flavours crafted by international chefs and inspired by the region’s rich gastronomic traditions.

The 11-day food festival, organised in partnership with City Bank PLC., will run from 20 to 30 November at Seasonal Tastes, the hotel’s award-winning all-day dining restaurant in Gulshan-2.

The festival was inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of a distinguished gathering including H.E. Jamil Haji Al-Balushi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, and H.E. Abdulla Ali Al-Hmoudi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Bangladesh.
Md Shakawath Hossain, CEO of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, also attended as Chief Guest alongside senior officials from City Bank PLC., media representatives and leading food bloggers.

The ceremony began with a ribbon-cutting led by the ambassadors, embassy officials, The Westin’s senior leadership and its expatriate culinary team, followed by a curated tasting session featuring signature dishes.

Camel cuisine makes its Dhaka debut

Led by international chefs Rimoun Obaid, Sait Dursun and Swapan Rozario, the festival showcases a sweeping array of dishes from across the Arab world — with camel-based dishes taking centre stage for the first time in Dhaka’s culinary scene.

The special menu features:

• Whole Leg of Camel Quzi
• Camel Stew
• Camel Nihari
• Camel Pulao & Tagine
• Sultan’s Camel Majboos
• Camel Milk Umm Ali

These are accompanied by a lavish spread of crowd favourites including Lamb Kabsa, Chicken Mandi, Whole Fish Tagine, Kofta Kebabs, Shawarma, Doner Kebab, and an extensive mezze selection featuring Hummus, Mutabbal, and Tabbouleh.

Dessert lovers will also find classic Arabic sweets such as Baklava, Umm Ali, and Kunafa.

The festival ambience mirrors Arabian warmth and hospitality through themed décor, live cooking stations, and complimentary Qahwa (Arabic coffee) served to diners along with traditional welcome drinks.

A culinary bridge between Dhaka and the Arab world

Speaking at the inauguration, senior officials highlighted the growing cultural and economic ties between Bangladesh and Middle Eastern nations, noting that culinary diplomacy and gastronomy-based experiences have become an evolving part of tourism engagement in the region.

The Westin Dhaka said the festival has been designed to bring the “true essence of Arabian flavours” to Bangladeshi diners while introducing lesser-known culinary traditions, including camel-based cuisine, to the country’s expanding fine-dining landscape.

Festival details and offers

The event is open exclusively for dinner, with the buffet priced at BDT 8,950 net per person.

Attractive promotional offers will be available throughout the festival:

• B1G3 on AMEX Platinum and AMEX Platinum Reserve cards
• B1G2 and B1G1 on selected partner bank cards

Guests are encouraged to make reservations in advance due to high demand.
Bookings can be made by calling +88-02-9891988 or +8801730374871.

The Westin Dhaka said it looks forward to welcoming guests to an “unforgettable culinary celebration” that brings the flavours, aromas and cultural richness of Arabia to the heart of the capital.