Lulu's -Tastes of the World' culinary festival begins 

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) 'Tastes of the World' food celebrations began on Thursday at Lulu's Bausher outlet under the patronage of H E Ibrahim Yahya al Rawahi, Wali of Bausher. A 20m long cake weighing 1,200kg was baked to mark the festival's beginning. 

The celebrations will run at all branches of the hypermarket chain across the country till May 3. Ethnic cuisines, live cooking shows featuring fine dining and street food as well as various competitions and prizes will mark the event.

Ananth AV, regional director of Lulu Hypermarkets, Oman, said, ''Like every year, Lulu's Tastes of the World' brings together people from all parts of the sultanate to sample delicious cuisine from the world over. It is also a chance for people to show off their culinary skills. This festival is a great way to showcase new tastes and trends.

''The promotion has been growing every year in size and popularity, and in keeping with that trend we expect the current year's edition to be bigger and  better.''

He said that this year's cookery contest will have three categories and will see participants from all over Oman. ''The categories are fruit and vegetable carving, chicken, meat and seafood delicacies and dessert and cake recipes. The winning dishes from these will feature in Lulu's cookbook to be released after the festival. The Icing the Cake' contest will take place on April 24.''

The cookery challenge can be entered by filling up a registration form available at the customer service desk of any Lulu outlet along with details of the recipe, before April 23.

Apart from competitions and draws, a wide range of activities are taking place. ''Sampling stations have been set up at the bakery, meat and fish, fruits and vegetables, and hot food sections. Various kinds of biryanis will be available for sampling on weeke