Rene Redzepi's Noma food festival MAD is coming to Sydney

The world's leading food minds are set to descend on the Sydney Opera House in April when acclaimed Noma chef Rene Redzepi brings his annual Copenhagen-based food symposium, MAD, to Australia.

Described by the Wall Street Journal as "the food world's G20", MAD (the Danish word for food) is a non-profit event that began in 2011. It aims to bring food professionals together to present ideas and initiate new projects "that help shape a better, exciting and more delicious future" says Redzepi, who announced "MAD SYD" via Twitter on Friday.

Redzepi is currently in Australia for a 10-week residency of Noma at Barangaroo. "Announcing Noma Australia made us immediately think of the possibility of hosting a MAD gathering here as well," says the Danish chef. "We aspire to have a conversation that crosses borders and continents and we see Sydney as one of the most exciting and influential cities in the world."

Confirmed speakers for the half-day event on April 3 include Redzepi, Kylie Kwong, Momofuku mastermind David Chang, lauded Italian chef Massimo Bottura, Australian social researcher Rebecca Huntley, and Zimbabwean farmer and food activist Chido Govera.

The theme of MAD SYD is "Tomorrow's Meal" and speakers have been asked to contemplate what that might entail. "I think it fits with Sydney; a place that's bustling," says Redzepi. "It feels like you're on a high-speed train here that's always getting faster."

The Sydney event will not replace the MAD symposium in Copenhagen this year, which Redzepi confirms will take place on August 28 and 29 "in our circus tent in our usual spot."

MAD SYD tickets start from $99. Visit sydneyoperahouse.com to register for presale by February 16.