Bankstown, one of Australia’s most vibrant multicultural communities, is gearing up for a delicious milestone as the Bankstown Bites Food Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in style. With over 10,000 food lovers expected to attend, this year’s event promises a feast of flavours, fun, and festivities right in the heart of Western Sydney.
In a new twist, 2025 will feature a special Preview Event the night before the main festival, welcoming a who’s who of TikTok food creators, culinary innovators, and rising social media stars. The spotlight will shine on viral chef Mahmoud Ismail, who will unveil his latest culinary creation for the first time.
Hosted by Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, the preview offers the public a chance to mix and mingle with top food influencers and sample some of Sydney’s most talked-about dishes before the crowds descend. Pop-up food stalls, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content will provide plenty of action for media and food lovers alike.
Main Event – A Multicultural Culinary Carnival
📅 Saturday, 26 July 2025
📍 Olympic Parade & Griffith Park, Bankstown
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM
The main event is set to sizzle with celebrity chefs Big Sam Young and Karima Hazim facing off in a potato bake-off that’s sure to draw a crowd. My Kitchen Rules fan favourite Arrnott Olssen will emcee the day’s events and take the stage for a special performance.
Visitors can expect over 30 multicultural food stalls, Live music, dance performances, and street art. Guided food tours exploring Bankstown’s hidden culinary gems and Interactive cooking demonstrations and activities for all ages
“Bankstown Bites isn’t just a food festival,” said Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, “It’s a celebration of who we are — a diverse, passionate, and creative community that brings people together through flavour, culture, and connection.”
For the Indian and South Asian diaspora in Sydney, Bankstown Bites is more than an event — it’s a recognition of the neighbourhoods that have grown through migration, entrepreneurship, and cultural fusion. Whether it’s a traditional biryani stall, a Filipino dessert corner, or a Lebanese sweet shop, the flavours of Bankstown represent the richness of Australia’s multicultural identity.