Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 isn’t just for bookworms this year; it’s for foodies too. From November 5 to 16, the Cookery Corner at Expo Centre Sharjah will host 35 live cooking sessions led by 14 renowned chefs from across the globe. Think sizzling spices, rich stories, and dishes that carry the soul of different cultures, all served up alongside one of the world’s biggest literary festivals.
The Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 continues to prove it’s not just a reading event but a full cultural experience, blending the written word with the world’s most universal language — food.
A Feast for the Senses
Forget ordinary food demos, these sessions are about storytelling through flavours. Each dish comes with heritage, memory, and a chef’s personal touch. The Cookery Corner will feature cuisines spanning the Gulf, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, offering visitors a chance to experience the world one bite at a time.
The event’s global chef line-up reflects the UAE’s cultural diversity, turning this year’s fair into a true celebration of community, connection, and creativity.
The Chefs Who’ll Steal the Show
Noor Murad (Nov 5–7)
Known for her playful takes on Gulf, Persian, and Indian cooking, Noor Murad’s sessions will kick off the Cookery Corner with flavour-packed modern twists on traditional recipes.
Hawa Hassan (Nov 6 & 8)
The Somali-American cookbook author behind In Bibi’s Kitchen brings East African family recipes to life, sharing stories of resilience, roots, and spices passed down through generations.
Hisham Assad (Nov 7–9)
Expect the comforting warmth of Lebanese and Palestinian dishes as Chef Assad takes visitors on a nostalgic culinary journey.
Philip Khoury (Nov 7 & 8)
This Lebanese-Australian pastry chef is reimagining desserts with a plant-based twist — and proving that indulgence doesn’t need compromise.
Woldy Reyes (Nov 8–10)
Bringing modern Filipino comfort food to the spotlight, Chef Reyes adds flair, colour, and creativity to traditional favourites.
Susana Villasuso (Nov 10–12)
From street food to festive fare, Susana’s sessions promise to serve up bold Mexican flavours with stories of her homeland.
Ashia Ismail-Singer (Nov 11–13)
Blending her Memon Indian heritage with the tastes of Malawi, the UK, and New Zealand, Ashia’s recipes will showcase how migration shapes culinary identity.
Fadi Kattan (Nov 14–16)
Closing the fair, Palestinian chef Fadi Kattan brings recipes that taste like home — an emotional and flavourful finale.
Other culinary stars, including Nasrin Rejali (Iran), Rachana Rimal (Nepal), Diaa Alhanoun (Syria), Parth Bajaj (India), Anand George (India), and Mama Wafaa (Egypt), will also take the stage to add their regional flair.
Where Books and Biryani Share a Table
The Sharjah International Book Fair has long been a pillar of the UAE’s cultural calendar, but this year’s focus on food deepens that connection. Food, like literature, tells stories — of migration, love, heritage, and identity.
Visitors can expect to explore not just recipes, but the narratives behind them. Each chef brings a slice of their homeland and the memories that shaped their cooking. Whether it’s Palestinian home food, Mexican street eats, or Filipino comfort dishes, every session offers something beyond flavour — a cultural dialogue served on a plate.
An Experience Beyond Reading
The Cookery Corner is only one part of the massive Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 experience. With more than 1,200 cultural events and participants from over 66 countries, the fair celebrates literature, art, and knowledge in all forms.
Families, students, and culture enthusiasts can expect workshops, book launches, poetry readings, and performances — all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s largest book fairs.
And when hunger strikes, the Cookery Corner offers a tasty break from browsing bookshelves. From dessert demos to regional feasts, it’s the perfect way to experience the diversity that defines the UAE.
Plan Your Visit
- Dates: November 5–16, 2025
- Venue: Expo Centre Sharjah
- Timings: Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 PM; Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Entry: Free for all visitors
Arrive early for the live cooking sessions — they’re expected to draw big crowds. SIBF 2025 guarantees you’ll find your next great read and your next great meal, leaving you inspired (and probably hungry).
This year, the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 proves that storytelling doesn’t just live on pages — it’s also found in kitchens, spices, and family traditions. With 35 live cooking sessions, global chefs, and cultural feasts, it’s a celebration of how books and food connect us all.
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