With plates of fresh food, steaming hot cups of coffee and a smile on their faces - the opening day of the mega food festival, Taste of Dubai in Partnership with Philips, saw thousands of excited foodies streaming in.

The event that is expected to be attended by 15,000 food gourmets over three days, began on February 3, yesterday, at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

Cooking and making friends

The standard ticket gives visitors a single day entry at Dh75. The “Taster” ticket gives visitors a single day entry, 2 food and 2 drinks vouchers at Dh165.

American expat Jacqueline Benzing attended Taste of Dubai for the first time and decided to get the weekend pass.