Spicers Tamarind Retreat is excited to once again host the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival on 2–3 August 2025, a two-day celebration of flavours and community in Maleny.
Get Saturday tickets Get Sunday tickets
Exclusive VIP area
New this year, we are offering an exclusive, bookable VIP Area perfect for a corporate event or a fancy day out with friends.
Set within Spicers Tamarind Retreat’s private indoor-outdoor pavilion with a bird’s eye view of the festival, the all-inclusive package includes entry tickets, 5 food tickets, a 5-hour free flowing beverage package with Taittinger, cocktails by Sunshine & Sons distillery, Brockenchack Wines, and Brouhaha beer together with a dedicated waiter service.
Stay the night with us
Why not turn your festival experience into a luxurious hinterland escape? Nestled in the tranquil rainforest of Maleny, Spicers Tamarind Retreat offers the perfect blend of indulgence and relaxation.
With our exclusive accommodation package, you can stay on either Saturday or Sunday night and enjoy daily breakfast, tickets to the festival, and a generous cheese and charcuterie feasting board to unwind with after the event — all included as part of your stay.
Friday/Saturday package
Stay 1–3 August 2025
Inclusions: daily breakfast, dinner on Friday, food festival tickets, cheese and charcuterie board on Saturday after the festival
Sunday package
Stay 3–4 August 2025
Inclusions: daily breakfast, food festival tickets, cheese and charcuterie board on Saturday after the festival
Spread out a picnic blanket on our 18-acre property and graze your way through vibrant street-food style dishes and refreshing drinks. With the smooth sounds of live music and the lush rainforest as your backdrop, relax in the sunshine and connect with fellow food lovers in an afternoon full of flavours.
This year’s lineup brings together some of the best Asian restaurants on the Sunshine Coast. The Tamarind‘s acclaimed Executive Chef, Daniel Jarrett, will be joined by the iconic Spirit House, local favourite Rice Boi, and artisan producer Maleny Food Co, each bringing their own twist on Asian cuisine using the freshest local ingredients and innovative techniques.
Curated beverage producers will complete the experience, featuring cocktails from Sunshine & Sons, Brouhaha Brewery, Brockenchack Wines, champagne from the House of Taittinger, and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages from Lyre’s.
Join us for a weekend of sensational culinary adventure.
For more details about this event and accommodation, please contact our reception team on 07 5420 5420 or email [email protected].
Due to the nature of this event, dietary requirements cannot be catered for. This is an outdoor event that will proceed in all weather conditions.
Image credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Menu
The Tamarind
- Oysters with citrus ponzu
The Tamarind
- Grilled 1/2 shell scallops with roasted chilli jam
Spirit House
- “Phat Wag” wagyu sate skewers, black Indonesian sate sauce, and acar pickle
Rice Boi
- Black sesame prawn toast with mandarin dashi caramel, goma shabu mayo
The Tamarind & Maleny Food Co dessert
-
Thai Tea sundae – Thai tea gelato, coconut, caramel, and roasted peanuts
Transportation & Parking
Optional return bus transfers can be added to your ticket for $35 for Saturday only.
Buses will depart from Noosa, Caloundra, and Mooloolaba.
Parking
For parking by donation to the Maleny Historical Society, a park and ride shuttle will operate on both Saturday and Sunday, running from 11.30 am to 5.15 pm between the Maleny Historical Society (7 Bryce Lane, Maleny) and Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Please note there is no parking available on site at Spicers Tamarind Retreat.
Noosa bus times
Departs Noosa Junction Bus Station at 10:45am
Departs Noosa Heads Bus Station at 10:50am
Arrives at Spicers Tamarind Retreat approx 12pm
Departs Spicers Tamarind Retreat at 5:15pm back to Noosa
Caloundra bus times
Departs Caloundra Transit Centre at 11am
Arrives at Spicers Tamarind Retreat approx 11:45am
Departs Spicers Tamarind Retreat at 5:15pm back to Caloundra
Mooloolaba bus times
Departs Sea Life Mooloolaba at11am
Arrives Spicers Tamarind Retreat approx 11:35am
Departs Spicers Tamarind Retreat at 5:15pm back to Mooloolaba
Accommodation
Why not make it a weekend escape? Stay at Spicers Tamarind Retreat on Saturday or Sunday night, and enjoy daily breakfast, tickets to the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival, and a cheese and charcuterie feasting board after the event, all included in your accommodation package.
Friday/Saturday package
Stay 1–3 August 2025
Inclusions: daily breakfast, dinner on Friday, food festival tickets, cheese and charcuterie board on Saturday after the festival
Sunday package
Stay 3–4 August 2025
Inclusions: daily breakfast, food festival tickets, cheese and charcuterie board on Saturday after the festival
Exclusive VIP Area
We have created an exclusive space that can be booked privately for personal or corporate groups. The package includes:
- Private space for you and your guests (conference room and conference room deck) with professional styling and florals
- Private bathroom facilities
- Security guard to ensure your area remains exclusive for you and your guests
- Entry tickets for 30 guests (event runs from 12 to 5 pm)
- 5 food tickets per person (one ticket for each stall)
- 5-hour free flowing beverage package including champagne by Taittinger, cocktails by Sunshine & Sons distillery, Brockenchack wines and Brouhaha beer
- Private bar with dedicated staff for your area (no need to line up for drinks)
- Signage at the front of the area promoting your business – subject to approval
For more details about pricing, please book online below.
About the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival
The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival was founded by Spicers Tamarind Retreat in 2018, with the vision of showcasing the region’s best Asian-inspired cuisine. Initially featuring only The Tamarind’s chefs, the event quickly grew to include top Sunshine Coast restaurants such as Sum Yung Guys, Rice Boi, and Spirit House.
In 2023, the festival became a signature event of The Curated Plate, moving from its original February/March schedule to August, expanding its audience and influence. The festival has now grown to a two-day event, attracting over 1,300 guests in 2024. It has been supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Council, and Visit Sunshine Coast.
Sustainability is at the heart of the festival, with initiatives such as reusable glassware, compostable serveware, and a dedicated waste management partnership with Mallow Sustainability. Recognised for its eco-conscious approach, the event has been studied by Tourism and Events Queensland for its leadership in waste management.
This year, we are honoured to collaborate with Culinary Director Peter Kuruvita. The renowned chef, restaurateur, TV presenter, and author is a Sunshine Coast local, and is on a mission to build connections between the region’s chefs, producers and venues.
When
2 Aug 2025 - 3 Aug 2025 - 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
TICKET PRICES
Adult | $149 per person
Includes five food tickets (one ticket for each stall) and two beverage tickets (excluding champagne)
Children | $129 per child 18 years and under (free for children under 2)
Includes five food tickets (one ticket for each stall) and two non-alcoholic beverage tickets
All-Inclusive | $299 per person
Includes five food tickets (one ticket for each stall) and a five-hour unlimited beverage package (excluding champagne)
