Serving up a regional Serving up a regional culinary showcase
By Sonia Isaacs
The Sunshine Coast hinterland will transform into a gastronomic playground this August, as the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival (a hero event of The Curated Plate) returns to Spicers Tamarind Retreat, welcoming more than 1,000 food lovers for a two-day culinary celebration.
Now in its eighth year, the annual event has cemented itself as a marquee fixture on Queensland’s food and tourism calendar. What began as an intimate 300-person gathering has grown into a sellout festival that reflects the region’s burgeoning reputation as a serious culinary destination.
“It’s like an adult’s Big Day Out,” said Ryan Dillon, General Manager of Spicers Tamarind. “People bring picnic blankets, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy incredible Asian food alongside some of the best local beverages in the region.”
Running from 12pm to 5pm on 2–3 August 2025, the festival will showcase dishes from some of the Sunshine Coast’s most celebrated Asian restaurants. The Tamarind’s own culinary ambassador, Daniel Jarrett, will headline alongside industry heavyweights including Spirit House, street food favourite Rice Boi, and artisan dairy producer Maleny Food Co.
Each will present a curated selection of dishes inspired by Asia’s diverse culinary traditions, enhanced by the freshness of local ingredients.
“This year’s line-up is really about honouring the region’s agricultural bounty and combining it with the energy and creativity of Asian cuisine,” Mr Dillon said. “We’re fortunate to have such exceptional produce – pineapples, lychees, avocados, dairy, even the largest fisheries in Australia out of Mooloolaba.”
The beverage offering is equally robust, with local favourites Brouhaha Brewery, Sunshine & Sons Distillery, and Brockenchack Wines providing an array of drink pairings tailored to the vibrant flavours of the food.
With live music and the lush rainforest setting of Spicers Tamarind Retreat as a backdrop, the festival promises a relaxed and immersive experience designed to engage all the senses.
“We always had a long-term vision to expand the event,” Mr Dillon said. “Moving from a one-day to a two-day format was a natural progression, and we’ve adapted different parts of the property to handle the increased demand while still keeping the atmosphere intimate.”
Now a key event in the Curated Plate Culinary Festival, the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival is helping to redefine the region’s food identity and tourism appeal.
“Eight years ago, we spoke about marketing this region as Queensland’s culinary capital. Today, that vision is being realised,” Mr Dillon said.
Organisers encourage early ticket purchases, with recent events selling out well in advance.
“It’s a food-focused event, which means we have to cap numbers,” Mr Dillon said. “Once we’ve allocated food portions, we can’t add more seats – so we really encourage people to book early.”
Accessibility has also been front-of-mind, with a Park and Ride service operating from the Maleny Historical Society and shuttle buses running from coastal locations to ensure smooth transport for guests.
“This is more than just a food event,” Mr Dillon said. “It’s a celebration of our region – its produce, its people, and the shared passion for bold, unique flavour.”
For tickets and information, visit
spicersretreats.com/events/sunshine-coast-asian-food-festival-2025