‘Incredible food’: Asian-inspired event turns up heat
The highly anticipated Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland will return in 2025 as part of The Curated Plate food and drink festival.
Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional culinary offerings, this Maleny event has become one of the highlights of The Curated Plate’s 10-day program.
Held on the picturesque lawns of Spicers Tamarind, the two-day showcase brings together some of the Sunshine Coast’s most celebrated chefs for a collaborative Asian-inspired menu.
The event celebrates the talents of chefs from Spirit House Restaurant, Rice Boi and Spicers Tamarind, with support from Peter Kuruvita - renowned chef, TV presenter, author and The Curated Plate’s Culinary Director.
An experience to savour
The Asian Food Festival is the first event announced for the 2025 program, the first line-up curated under Kuruvita’s direction.
Mr Kuruvita promised it would be the biggest celebration of local food since the festival’s inception six years ago.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Asian Food Festival at Spicers Tamarind is back for The Curated Plate 2025,” Mr Kuruvita said.
“This 2025 event, which will take place on the weekend of August 2 and 3, has become a flagship experience during the festival.
“It’s not just a celebration of incredible food and drink. It is also a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Sunshine Coast’s leading Asian-inspired restaurants.”
What you can look forward to
Festival patrons can look forward to relaxing on picnic blankets on the lush hinterland retreat lawns, enjoying live music, entertainment, thirst quenching drinks and street food from each participating restaurant.
Following its success last year, the Oyster Bar will make a return alongside a champagne bar and desserts crafted by local favourite, Maleny Food Co.
Spicers Tamarind General Manager Ryan Dillon said Executive Chef Dan Jarrett and the team at Spicers Tamarind were excited to welcome back the Asian Food Festival.
“We’re currently busy collaborating with our partner restaurants and Peter Kuruvita to curate an exceptional menu that we’ll be revealing soon,” Mr Dillon said.
Early release tickets are expected to go on sale in March and the first people to know when tickets are live, will be those subscribed for updates.
Food lovers can subscribe to stay up-to-date with festival news or follow on socials @thecuratedplate.
Meet the Asian Food Festival’s culinary stars
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, creating a culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Asia in every dish.
A Sunshine 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 inspired by the street food and regional specialties of Thailand, Vietnam and beyond.
A go-to destination for Asian street food, Rice Boi brings a relaxed, urban vibe to the Sunshine Coast 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, delivering a taste of authenticity with every bite.
This Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival is an initiative of Sunshine Coast Council, supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland, the Food and Agribusiness Network and Visit Sunshine Coast.
