The City of Logan believes it has the ingredients to be Queensland's multicultural food capital within five years.
Home to 217 different ethnic communities, Mayor Darren Power said the city was already well on the way to that target.
"As I travel around the city, I am always impressed by the wide range of authentic and interesting cuisines on offer at local restaurants, cafes and markets," Cr Power said.
"While many locals have been enjoying these multicultural experiences for many years, it's time we encouraged others to visit our city to enjoy exotic new tastes and flavours they may otherwise only experience by travelling overseas.
"By sampling these cuisines, and supporting the Logan food industry, you are not only getting a new dining experience but you are also helping rebuild our economy and create local jobs."
Logan's reputation for new food experiences is already spreading.
The Global Food Markets, held every Sunday morning in Logan Central, have become known for an unrivalled range of fresh locally grown produce including ingredients for Asian, African and South American dishes.
The markets were featured by celebrity TV chef Ainsley Harriott in a show beamed around the world last year.
He said Logan's Global Food Markets reminded him of some of London's best farmers' markets.
The City of Logan also boasts the Eats & Beats food truck and entertainment experience and a range of other markets and temple offerings that feature home-cooked food from dozens of local ethnic communities.
The multi award-winning Thai Orchid at Springwood has been serving customers for more than 30 years with it owner Tina Ratanavaraha recently winning a national lifetime achievement award from the restaurant industry.
Charcoal Kebab (Woodridge) is known for its Afghan dishes, Mongolian King (Underwood) is renowned for its barbecued meats, Abboud Bakery (Underwood) specialises in Middle Eastern fare while The Alley Pit Stop (Slacks Creek) is a favourite among New Zealand and South Sea Islander diners.
Modern and innovative western dining is also available at City of Logan outlets including Kiwanda Café (Eagleby), St Coco (Daisy Hill), Thom and Ann's (Yarrabilba), Hop Space (Springwood), Extraction Coffee (Slacks Creek). Sweet tooths are catered for at bakeries including Devon Pixies (Logan Village) and Sooo Sweet Mediterranean (Logan Central).
The spicy plan to capitalise on the cuisines of Logan's diverse communities is outlined in the Logan Food Tourism Development Plan endorsed by Council today.
It includes a food tourism strategy based on successful learnings from other regions across Queensland who have used food as a key tourism experience over the last decade.
Logan City Council was also one of five local government areas that participated in a Culinary Tourism Pilot Project facilitated by Tourism and Events Queensland.
The report from that project identified Logan's cultural diversity as a "value-add" to Queensland food tourism.
Council's Food Tourism plan will incorporate three key strategies:
- Developing a local seasonal and diverse food culture that brings the community together through events and recreation activities
- Encouraging Logan residents to invite relatives and friends to enjoy local cuisine
- Capitalising on Logan's location to grow day-trip visits
The plan also involves Council driving business growth and development by supporting and encouraging collaboration and innovation between the agri-food, culinary and tourism sectors.
