What’s Happening?
The 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is taking place from September 13 to October 7, and this year’s #trEATS food trail is set to be the biggest and most delicious yet. With a record-breaking 65 floral-inspired dishes available across local cafés, restaurants, and bars, visitors can indulge in unique culinary creations inspired by the carnival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Why It Matters
#trEATS bridges the gap between Toowoomba’s famous floral displays and its culinary culture. It’s not just about flowers; it’s about celebrating the local food scene, supporting small businesses, and offering festival-goers a chance to savour the essence of springtime in every bite.
By the Numbers
- 65 #trEATS: A new record for the food trail, showcasing the creativity and diversity of local eateries.
- 6 Regional Venues: The trail extends beyond Toowoomba, bringing regional flavours into the spotlight.
- $10 – $20: Affordable pricing ensures that everyone can enjoy these special dishes.
Zoom In
Highlighted dishes include:
- The Baker’s Duck: Raspberry Peach Blossom – Croissant pastry filled with vanilla mascarpone, peach, and raspberry compote, topped with a peach-glazed raspberry mousse.
- Kajoku: Dumpling Festival – Stuffed zucchini flowers, handmade kimchi mandu, and pork gyoza, topped with soy glaze and edible flowers.
- Ground Up Café: Waffles – Topped with berry mousse, pistachio gelato, and lavender-infused maple syrup.
- Gelatissimo: Orange Blossom and Pistachio Gelato – A nutty and refreshing spring treat.
- Savour This Eatery (Highfields): Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fillet – Served with bacon peanut butter sauce and a touch of Frank’s Hot Sauce.
Zoom Out
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a significant event attracting visitors for 75 years. The #trEATS trail is a newer addition, introduced in 2020, and has quickly become a favourite, offering a culinary journey that complements the festival’s stunning floral displays. This year, the theme “It’s A Party” reflects the celebratory mood of the 75th anniversary, with more than 80 events planned across the city.
Local Impact
The #trEATS trail boosts local businesses by drawing locals and tourists to explore Toowoomba’s food scene. With a diverse range of dishes available, the trail not only promotes economic growth but also highlights the region’s culinary talent.
What to Look for Next
Don’t miss the floral displays at Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park, featuring 37.2 million petals across the city’s parks. The #trEATS trail will be available throughout the carnival, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the festival’s flavours. Below is a complete list of all participating venues and their featured dishes:
Complete List of 2024 #trEATS for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
- 95 Mary Street
Traditional Portuguese tart paired with Botero coffee. - Blue Mountain Hotel
Char Siu Pork Salad – Sticky smoked pork belly with honey cashews, apple slices, and ginger lime dressing. - Bru Vibe Café
Acai Bowl with fresh fruit, granola, and coconut. - Burger Urge Toowoomba South
Smashing Pumpkin Burger – Spiced pumpkin patty with smoky tomato relish. - Burrow Café
Bibimbap Bowl – Sautéed vegetables on kimchi rice, topped with a crispy fried egg. - Club Glenvale
Slow Cooked Maple and Red Wine Beef Cheek with mashed potatoes. - Dream Café & Bar
Spicy Bang Bang Pork Burger with slaw and chips. - Engine Room Café & Restaurant
Juicy Lamb Chop with sautéed green beans and gravy. - Fritz Pasta
Fresh Rainbow Pasta – Vegetable fettuccine with chicken, cheese, and garlic sauce. - Gelatissimo
Orange Blossom and Pistachio Gelato. - George Banks Rooftop Bar
Mini Spring Savoury Tasting Plate with arancini, pork belly, and local meats. - Gip’s Restaurant
Spicy Pulled Pork Burger with coleslaw and thick-cut chips. - GPO Bar and Café
Asian Style BBQ Pork Belly with mashed potatoes or java rice. - Ground Up Café
Waffles with berry mousse, pistachio gelato, and lavender-infused maple syrup. - Hello Harry The Burger Joint
Chicken Caesar Burger – Grilled chicken patty with bacon, egg, and Caesar dressing. - Highlands Café
Raspberry Cake with coffee syrup, raspberry mousse, and coffee-infused meringue. - Hog’s Breath Café
Creamy Biscoff Cheesecake with butterscotch sauce. - In a Dash Coffee
Chocolate Lined Donuts filled with coffee or hot chocolate. - J. Jaks Family Pies
Spiced Apple and Rose Custard Tart with a Crow’s Nest soft drink. - Jilly’s Café
Grilled Cinnamon Donuts with passionfruit cheesecake, mallow fluff, and lemon curd. - Kajoku – Korean & Japanese Cuisine
Dumpling Festival – Stuffed zucchini flowers, handmade kimchi mandu, and pork gyoza. - Kajoku Backdoor
Table Top / Meewah Bingsoo – Shaved sweetened milk ice with matcha, misutgaru powder, and red bean “magma.” - Karan-An: Asian Boutique Restaurant
Short Beef Ribs Adobo with Java rice. - Kasian Restaurant
Eggplant Clay Pot with Vietnamese caramel, chilli, garlic, and onion, served with Jasmine rice. - Koala Carte
Crispy Korean Fried Chicken with loaded chips and caramelised onion. - KuroBeko
Sparkling Sake and Strawberry Bite. - Loulaki
Baklava Soft Serve – Pistachio ice cream with flaky pastry soaked in cinnamon honey syrup. - Mouse Proof Brewing
Street Naughty Marietta Tacos with a passion flower gose. - Muller Bros
Spring Bliss – White chocolate panna cotta with Spring berry coulis and toasted coconut. - New Brew Café
Grilled Halloumi and Mushrooms on toasted sourdough with avocado and poached egg. - Ortem Café
Spring Citrus, Berry and Gin Tart – Shortcrust pastry filled with blueberries, orange, and gin. - Padthai @ Margaret Street
Padthai Noodle – Wok-tossed noodles with colourful veggies. - Piccolo Papà
Black Truffle and Mozzarella Croquettes with cacio e pepe mayonnaise. - Potters Boutique Hotel
French Crepes filled with lemon custard crème and blueberry compote. - Queensland Museum Cobb+Co
Cobb’s Handmade Sweet Treats – Slices and truffles for a park picnic. - Rak Thai Kitchen
Deep Fried Pork Belly stir-fried with vegetables, basil, and chilli paste. - Ruby Lane Flower Co
Drink of Your Choice nestled among fresh spring flowers. - Sage & Butler Café
Burnt Basque Cheesecake with whipped Earl Grey ganache and matcha meringue. - Sofra Turkish Cuisine
Kanat – Chargrilled marinated chicken wings with spicy mayo. - Stellarossa
Roast Baby Beetroot and Turnip Salad with marinated goat’s cheese. - Stoney the Fishmonger
Queensland Green Prawns with chilli, ginger, and garlic. - Sushi Asakusa Shop
Seasonal Floral Cream Cheese Chicken Sushi Rolls. - Tailgate Sports Bar
Buffalo Chicken Cob Loaf. - The Baker’s Duck
Raspberry Peach Blossom. - The Coffee Club
Double Chocolate Loaded Frappe. - The Finch
Tom Yum Soup – Thai fragrant prawn soup. - The Irish
Pancetta and Pea Risotto with pea puree and pesto. - The Other Bird
Soba Noodles with edamame, carrot, red onion, and tahini dressing. - The Spotted Cow
Prawn Rolls – Brioche with sriracha mayo, prawns, and dill. - The Store Room
Mini High Tea for a Picnic in the Park. - Toowoomba Coffee House
Waffle with Fried Chicken and special Korean sauce. - Toowoomba Sports Club
Chicken and Tarragon Vol-au-Vent. - Top of the Range Tea Rooms
Lemon Myrtle Syrup Cake with sticky gingerbread ice cream. - Urth Café Bar
Rose and Lychee Cake with mascarpone and flower petals. - Walton Stores
Spring Feast – Grazing platter with cheese, cured meats, olives, and dips. - Wara Sushi
Floral Sushi Platter. - Westbrook Tavern
Grazing Plate – Selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and sourdough. - Windmill Café
Cherry Cheesecake with lemon curd and white chocolate. - Zev’s Bistro
Miso Marinated Atlantic Salmon with pickled cucumber, green tea noodles, and shiso. - Zinc Café
Passionfruit Cheesecake with coconut crumble and lemon balm.
What to Look for Next
Explore the breathtaking floral displays at Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park, where 37.2 million petals are in bloom. The #trEATS trail runs throughout the carnival, ensuring there’s plenty of time to savour the delicious flavours of the festival. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy Toowoomba’s rich culinary and floral heritage during the 75th Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers!
