SUSTENANCE
50 guests joined Sustenance, a meticulously curated experience that embodies SUIKA's ethos. A multi-sensory, human centred experience that connected food, culture and creativity - designed to make people feel, think and question. Most importantly, it was a celebration of human curiosity and creativity through taste, sight and sound.
taste meets Curiosity, creativity & human stories
CREATIVITY
In 2022, Makers brought together 500 creators, sparking collaborations that led to groundbreaking digital projects.
CULTURE
Sustenance 2025 took guests on a journey of exploration through Vietnamese & Japanese culture.
Menu
ACT ONE
Sounds of stories
Opening soundtrack composed by Glowtone, using interview dialogue from SUIKA projects across the globe.
Amuse bouche
Sapo melon & Plum Seed with Mac Khen Pepper.
the journey
A film about Pham Van Lam, our grandfather's harrowing boat journey fleeing Vietnam.
Last Sip
Roasted prawn heads infused with smoked duck bones & roasted banana leaf oil.
Thi
A film about Chef Thi Le's identity as Viet Kieu in Australia & fermentation.
Between Two Worlds
Hand minced raw wallaby laap, sesame leaf with blackberry & fish sauce dressing.
Rice & Canvas
A short film about Akane, Japanese rice & the canvas that is onigiri. The film also explores the origin of sushi - "nare zushi" as a fermentation technique that originated in Vietnam.
Full circle Onigiri
Onigiri using Chef Thi's cured mackerel, anchovy & fermented beancurd.
ACT TWO
Kurt Lam
Live improvisation by Kurt Lam. Using sounds from train stations across Japan.
Breaking bread & butter, butter, butter
A culinary art installation by Thao Bee. Breads of the world: Injera, Roti, Banh Mi, Shokupan & Country Loaves (Oji House); paired with 3 compound butters - Miso Bone Marrow, Garlic Parmigiano, Spring Onion.
Quali Yakitori & Jungle Spice
Quail on hibachi (outdoor experience) - Jungle Spice.
grandma's recipe
A short film about a dish close to our childhood -Thit Kho, made grandma's way.
Devilled Egg
Jason's creative interpretation of Thit Kho as devilled egg.
ACT THREE
prawn, potato, double bass
A bite paired with a track.
food and music
Behind the scenes of creating
run it back
An intentional repeat of the bite with full context.
banana leaf fish
End the day networking over a gourmet dinner, connecting with fellow creators in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
watermelon treats
SUIKA
memories
A hand drawn card of each guest's favourite childhood dish.
collaborators
A collision of creative worlds to create something truly human; by a curated group of exceptional people.
Chef Thi Le is a significant voice in shaping Australia’s cultural dining landscape. She is a pioneer of vietnamese cuisine in Australia.Good Food Chef of the Year 2025
chef thi le | anchovy
Zai Bennett, known online as Oishimate is a Melbourne-based culinary creative and content creator. His creativity is impressive, sharing Japanese-influenced and fusion recipes, collaborating with chefs and restaurants across Melbourne.
oishi mate
Akane is a Melbourne based multidisciplinary artist working at the intersection of art, design, food and music.
qqq akane
Keyboardist, synthesist and improviser Kurt Lam has carved out a reputation as one of Sydney's most exciting musicians in the Australian nu-jazz sphere. As one half of Manfredo Lament, he has electrified clubs, warehouses and parties alike with his slew of synthesisers and his dynamic approach to improvisation and sound-making.
kurt lam
Glowtone is a musical collaboration between Elijah Lee and Felix Wallis, both Melbourne based musicians and composers. Elijah is a producer and artist known for his lush, melodic production with hugely popular releases across streaming platforms. Felix is an experienced composer who works across film, TV and original music.
glowtone
Michael leads Creatify Labs, empowering creators with cutting-edge tools for immersive digital experiences.
quentin | Oji house
Alex pioneered AI integration in design tools, revolutionizing how creators approach digital content creation.
kurious kat
Sophia shapes global digital trends, driving innovative strategies in multimedia content and user engagement.
Thao Bee
Michael leads Creatify Labs, empowering creators with cutting-edge tools for immersive digital experiences.
rhianna sanders
Community Impact
Proceeds from this year's event have proudly gone to supporting World Central Kitchen.
guests
Pricing plans
Choose one of three available ticket tiers, all of which are available for purchase when you reach out.
Basic Pass
Access to sessions, exhibits, and networking events throughout the conference.
Premium Pass
Includes all basic features plus priority seating and workshop access.
Special Pass
All premium benefits plus exclusive speaker meet-and-greet and VIP dinner.
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