Flavours of Asia Take Centre Stage at Spicers Tamarind

A culinary celebration not to be missed during The Curated Plate 2025

Tucked away in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland, the highly anticipated Asian Food Festival will once again return to Spicers Tamarind Retreat in 2025, turning up the heat as part of The Curated Plate food and drink festival. Set for the weekend of August 2 and 3, this vibrant two-day event has become a signature experience within the festival’s ten-day program — and for good reason.

Uniting top local chefs under the stars and among the trees, the festival delivers a feast of flavours, culture, and community in a setting as delicious as the food itself.

A showcase of Asian flavours in the heart of Maleny

Set on the picturesque lawns of Spicers Tamarind, the Asian Food Festival brings together the culinary talents of leading Sunshine Coast restaurants: Spirit House, Rice Boi, and The Tamarind. Guided by renowned chef and festival Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita, the chefs will collaborate on a bespoke Asian-inspired menu that celebrates local produce and bold flavours.

Expect an array of dishes that nod to the vibrancy of Southeast Asian cuisine — all served picnic-style with live entertainment, drinks, and desserts to match.

What to expect from the 2025 festival

Festivalgoers can lounge on picnic blankets, sample gourmet Asian street food, and enjoy thirst-quenching drinks while soaking in the sounds of live music beneath the hinterland canopy. Following the popularity of last year’s offerings, the Oyster Bar and Champagne Bar will return, alongside sweet creations from Maleny Food Co.

Spicers Tamarind Executive Chef Dan Jarrett and his team are currently collaborating with their culinary partners to craft a fresh, inspired menu that will be revealed closer to the event.

The chefs behind the magic

The festival will once again spotlight three of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic culinary names:

1) The Tamarind
Located within Spicers Tamarind Retreat, this restaurant delivers modern Asian fusion with a strong focus on local produce and traditional techniques. Each dish captures the depth and delicacy of Asian cooking in a contemporary format.

2) Spirit House
Known for its lush tropical setting and award-winning Southeast Asian cuisine, Spirit House brings flavours of Thailand and Vietnam to life with its bold, aromatic creations that are as memorable as the venue itself.

3) Rice Boi
A street food favourite, Rice Boi channels the energy of Asia’s bustling markets with a casual, no-fuss vibe. From bao buns to ramen, this eatery brings a punch of flavour with every bite.

A flagship event for food lovers

2025 Asian Food Festival

Peter Kuruvita calls this year’s event “the biggest celebration of local food since the festival’s inception,” and it’s easy to see why. With a strong lineup of culinary talent and a setting that blends natural beauty with laid-back luxury, the 2025 Asian Food Festival is shaping up to be a true highlight of The Curated Plate.

Early release tickets are expected to go on sale in March 2025. For those eager to be first in line, subscribing for updates is highly recommended.

To stay informed about ticket releases and program updates, visit www.thecuratedplate.com.au or follow @thecuratedplate on social media.

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/