The highly-anticipated Asian Food Festival will return for The Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival.

The Curated Plate’s 10-day program, runs from July 25-August 3, across the Sunshine Coast.

It celebrates our best local produce and chefs, and forms a collaboration between producers, suppliers and businesses.

The Asian Food Festival has become a flagship experience of the festival, on August 2 and 3.

The hinterland showcase brings together some of the Coast’s most celebrated chefs for a collaborative Asian-inspired menu.

Spread across the picturesque lawns of Spicers Tamarind, in Maleny, the venue is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional culinary offerings.

It highlights the talents of chefs from Spirit House, Rice Boi and Spicers Tamarind. And is supported by renowned chef, TV presenter, author Peter Kuruvita.

Asian Food Festival is testament to ‘collaborative spirit’

The Asian Food Festival is the first event announced for the 2025 program.

Mr Kuruvita promises it will be the biggest celebration of local food since the festival’s inception six years ago.

“It’s not just a celebration of incredible food and drink,” he says.

“It is also a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Sunshine Coast’s leading Asian-inspired restaurants.”

Oysters, champagne and fresh local produce

Festival patrons can relax on picnic blankets, while enjoying live music, entertainment, and thirst-quenching drinks and street food.

Following its success last year, the Oyster Bar will make a return alongside a champagne bar. And there will be desserts crafted by local favourite, Maleny Food Co.

Spicers Tamarind General Manager Ryan Dillon says: “We’re currently busy collaborating with our partner restaurants and Peter Kuruvita to curate an exceptional menu that we’ll be revealing soon.”

Early-release tickets will be on sale in March.

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Meet the Asian Food Festival’s culinary stars

The Tamarind:

Nestled within the Spicers Tamarind retreat, The Tamarind offers a fusion of modern Asian flavours with locally sourced ingredients. Known for its innovative approach, the restaurant combines traditional techniques with bold, contemporary tastes. And creates a culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Asia in every dish.

Spirit House:

A Coast icon, Spirit House is famous for its tranquil garden setting and vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine. With its award-winning menu, the restaurant takes diners on a journey through bold flavours and aromatic dishes. Their food is inspired by the street food and regional specialties of Thailand, Vietnam and beyond.

Rice Boi:

A go-to destination for Asian street food, Rice Boi brings a relaxed, urban vibe to the Coast’s dining scene. Known for its bold, punchy flavours and dishes like bao buns and ramen, Rice Boi embodies the spirit of street markets across Asia. They deliver a taste of authenticity with every bite.

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The Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council. It is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland, the Food and Agribusiness Network and Visit Sunshine Coast.

For more information on The Curated Plate visit: https://thecuratedplate.com.au.

Photo: L to R: Tom Hitchcock (Spirit House), James Fraser (Rice Boi), Peter Kuruvita (TCP Culinary Director) and Danial Jarrett (The Tamarind).