Taste the Flavours of Asia Without Leaving Australia at the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival 2026

The Curated Plate festival

Food lovers looking to experience the vibrant flavours of Asia without booking an international flight should mark Saturday 1 August 2026 on their calendar. The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival returns as one of the signature events of The Curated Plate festival, promising an unforgettable afternoon of outstanding cuisine, live entertainment and beautiful rainforest surroundings in the picturesque Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Held at the stunning Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny, this unique culinary celebration showcases some of Australia's finest modern Asian chefs while highlighting the Sunshine Coast's reputation as one of Queensland's premier food and tourism destinations.

A Culinary Journey Across Asia

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival has become one of Queensland's most anticipated food events, bringing together exceptional chefs and passionate food lovers for an immersive dining experience.

Instead of travelling thousands of kilometres across Asia, visitors can savour authentic flavours inspired by Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, China, Korea and other Asian cuisines—all prepared using fresh, locally sourced produce from the Sunshine Coast region.

The surrounding hinterland is renowned for producing many of the essential ingredients used in Asian cooking, including the region's famous ginger, fresh herbs, tropical fruits and premium vegetables, making Maleny the perfect setting for this extraordinary food festival.

Australia's Finest Asian Chefs in One Location

The 2026 festival features an outstanding line-up of acclaimed chefs representing some of the Sunshine Coast's most celebrated restaurants.

Festival guests will enjoy specially created dishes prepared by:

• Chef Daniel Jarrett – Pocky Asian Restaurant
• Chef James Fraser – Rice Boi
• Chef Tom Hitchcock – Spirit House
• Chef Nathan Rumble – Honeysuckle
• Chef Alex Hall – The Tamarind

Each chef brings their own unique culinary style and creative interpretation of modern Asian cuisine, offering festival-goers an exceptional opportunity to sample multiple award-winning restaurants during a single afternoon.

An Unforgettable Rainforest Setting

Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

From midday until 5.00 pm, guests are invited to relax on the beautifully landscaped grounds of Spicers Tamarind Retreat.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or folding chair and settle onto the expansive lawns while enjoying spectacular rainforest views, delicious food and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

The tranquil setting creates the perfect atmosphere to unwind with family and friends while discovering exciting new flavours inspired by Asia's diverse culinary traditions.

A Premium Food Festival Experience

Festival admission offers excellent value and includes far more than simply tasting great food.

Adult tickets start from AUD$165, while children's tickets are available from AUD$140.

Each ticket includes:

• Entry to the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm
• Five signature dishes prepared by leading Sunshine Coast restaurants
• Two matched beverages, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available
• Live entertainment throughout the afternoon
• A commemorative Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival branded cup to take home
• Full access to the picturesque grounds of Spicers Tamarind Retreat

Visitors seeking an even more luxurious experience can also choose from all-inclusive and VIP ticket packages.

Easy Transport for Festival Visitors

Getting to the festival has been made simple with several transport options available.

Optional return coach transfers operate from Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Noosa for AUD$40 per person, allowing visitors to relax and fully enjoy the event without worrying about driving.

A convenient park-and-ride shuttle service will also operate continuously between Maleny township and the festival venue throughout the afternoon.

These transport options make the festival easily accessible for both Sunshine Coast residents and visitors staying throughout the region.

Part of The Curated Plate Festival

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival forms part of The Curated Plate, one of Queensland's leading food and drink festivals celebrating the region's outstanding producers, chefs and culinary experiences.

The festival attracts visitors from across Australia who come to experience the Sunshine Coast's exceptional food scene, beautiful landscapes and warm hospitality.

Events such as the Asian Food Festival continue to strengthen the Sunshine Coast's reputation as one of Australia's premier gourmet tourism destinations.

A Must-Visit Event for Food and Travel Lovers

Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival

Whether you're passionate about Asian cuisine, planning a weekend escape to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland or simply looking for an unforgettable day surrounded by exceptional food and spectacular scenery, the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival delivers an experience unlike any other.

Combining award-winning chefs, premium local produce, live entertainment and the peaceful rainforest setting of Maleny, this unique event allows visitors to enjoy the flavours of Asia while discovering one of Queensland's most beautiful destinations.

For anyone who believes great food is one of the best reasons to travel, the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival deserves a place on your 2026 travel calendar.

The Curated Plate

Website: https://thecuratedplate.com.au
Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival Information and Bookings
Website: https://thecuratedplate.com.au/page/sunshine-coast-asian-food-festival
Visit Sunshine Coast Website: https://www.visitsunshinecoast.com
Spicers Tamarind Retreat Website: https://spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-tamarind-retreat

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