Our Culinary Journey
At Food Culture, dining is more than a meal — it is an immersive experience that connects people to the stories, landscapes, and traditions behind every dish. Founded by Mitch and Lyla, Food Culture brings the rich culinary heritage of Yunnan, China, to life through personalised banquets, curated fine foods, and immersive travel experiences.
Mitch, a professionally trained chef with a passion for culinary excellence, and Lyla, a proud representative of the Yi minority and a descendant of chefs and agriculturalists from Yunnan, have dedicated their lives to sharing authentic Yunnanese cuisine. Having lived in Yunnan for several years, they draw upon their deep experiences to create menus that reflect the region’s diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Now based in Tasmania, they manage their permaculture property, South of the Clouds Permaculture, cultivating fresh produce and raising animals sustainably — ensuring every banquet is rooted in seasonality, authenticity, and respect for the land.
Banquets are at the heart of Food Culture. Specialising in intimate, tailored dining experiences for small groups, events, and private functions, each menu is inspired by the ethnic diversity and stunning terrain of Yunnan. Traditional recipes are paired with rare teas, including exceptional Puer varieties, offering guests a journey through flavour, story, and tradition.
Beyond the table, Food Culture extends its ethos through a curated selection of gourmet foods, artisan teas, and tea-ware, available through our online shop. Each product reflects the craftsmanship, terroir, and cultural legacy that define our philosophy.
For those seeking a deeper connection, Food Culture invites you to journey with us to Yunnan. Our bespoke 10-day culinary tours offer a rare opportunity to explore the region's vibrant food traditions, local communities, and breathtaking landscapes — an unforgettable extension of the experience we cultivate here in Tasmania.
At Food Culture, every offering — from banquets to retail to travel — is crafted with respect for tradition, terroir, and the timeless joy of sharing food.
Meet Our Founders
Mitch and Lyla share a lifelong passion for food, tradition, and cultural connection.
For Mitch, travel deepened his love of cooking, revealing food’s extraordinary ability to bring communities and strangers together. Trained as a chef, he approaches every dish with simplicity, honesty, and a focus on flavour — seeking out new techniques and ingredients to create meals that are both comforting and inspiring. His journey led him to Yunnan, where he fell in love not only with the region’s vibrant landscapes and rich traditions, but with Lyla herself.
Lyla’s roots run deep in Yunnan. A proud representative of the Yi minority, her connection to food is both sensory and spiritual — a source of comfort, memory, and identity. The philosophy of her heritage, where fire is sacred and farming is intertwined with daily life, shapes every aspect of Food Culture. Through their work, Lyla brings the spirit of Yunnan to life, celebrating authenticity, simplicity, and the joy of sharing.
Together, Mitch and Lyla invite guests into a world where every banquet, every dish, and every journey is crafted with care — a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and the timeless art of connection through food.
