The vibrant city of Sharjah is poised to become a culinary haven and a center for literary enrichment with the commencement of the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), scheduled to run from April 23 to May 4, 2025, at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the compelling theme “Dive into Books,” this year’s festival promises an extensive and varied program aimed at inspiring young minds while tantalizing the taste buds. An exciting feature of this edition will be the introduction of the Cookery Corner, an interactive hub where culinary arts meet educational endeavors.
This 12-day cultural extravaganza will host over 30 internationally acclaimed chefs, who will oversee more than 85 culinary activities, crafting a feast of creativity and culture for attendees. The Cookery Corner is designed not merely as a showcase of culinary skills but also as an educational platform where children and families can engage in hands-on cooking experiences. The initiative aims to foster a love for cooking and healthy eating among children in a safe and inspiring environment.
Engaging Culinary Activities for Young Participants
Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the Cookery Corner will offer a variety of experiential workshops tailored for young aspiring chefs. Through engaging activities, participants will learn to prepare whimsical creations such as mochi ice cream, edible slime, and even charming fruit and vegetable monsters. Additionally, the workshops will encompass nutritious options, including healthy popcorn mixes, frozen yogurt bark, and the innovative shaping of bread into fun animal forms.
Children will be guided in crafting boba tea, assembling cheesecake jars, and mastering the art of homemade ice cream. As they roll up their sleeves and join in the kitchen fun, youngsters will not only develop culinary skills but also an appreciation for teamwork and the joys of cooking. The emphasis will be on creativity and playfulness, ensuring that culinary education remains a delightful adventure.
Stellar Line-up of International Chefs
The festival will feature a rich array of live cooking demonstrations. Among the esteemed chefs participating is Samira Kazan, celebrated author of “The Lebanese Kitchen” and the influential culinary platform, Alphafoodie. She will be joined by fellow Palestinian chefs Heifa Odeh and Maha Kailani, who will share cherished family recipes steeped in Levantine traditions. The culinary journey will extend across continents, as Indian celebrity chef Asma Khan brings her unique blend of tradition and innovation to the stage.
Adding a Latin flair to the proceedings, Karla Zazueta will showcase the vibrant flavors of Mexico. Meanwhile, Lebanese chef Karima Hazim, known for her “Sunday Kitchen” series, will evoke culinary nostalgia through her warm and traditional recipes, reinforcing the familial bonds often woven into shared meals.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Culinary Experts
The festival’s agenda also includes educational experiences tailored for budding chefs, featuring interactive cooking demonstrations led by social media influencers Albert Niazhvinski and Patrick Zeinali. Chef Dario Stephen, popularly known as Chef D from the TV show “Kids Can Cook,” will guide young participants through comprehensive and approachable recipes designed to ignite their culinary curiosity.
Moreover, Chef Zahra Alli bhai will present an array of globally inspired dishes, while nutritionist and bestselling author Liliane Zaher will provide important insights into healthy eating with her wholesome recipes. Radhika Howarth is set to introduce contemporary Indian cuisine, highlighting the exciting fusion of traditional flavors with modern twists, while Malaysian chef Norman Musa will enrich the experience with traditional recipes that employ distinctive herbs and sauces unique to Malaysian culinary heritage.
A Well-rounded Festival Experience
Beyond the culinary offerings, SCRF 2025 will present an extensive program that includes workshops, panel discussions, live performances, and literary readings. This multifaceted approach ensures that the festival serves not only as a platform for culinary exploration but also as a nurturing ground for intellectual growth and creativity. Young readers will have the opportunity to engage with authors, illustrators, and publishers through readings and signing events, thereby connecting literature to their culinary experiences.
In sum, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival promises to be an enriching cultural experience, seamlessly blending the world of food with literature, allowing children to explore new horizons of creativity and learning while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for both the culinary arts and books.
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