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A world of flavour: celebrating diversity through food across WA and the NT

Sharing food, family recipes and the stories behind them is often a literal way of consuming culture and connecting with communities.

It means the food has the power to influence and transcend all boundaries because of how easily it can bring people from different backgrounds together.

From the diversity of local ingredients and quality of fresh produce to rich cultures at home and across the globe, there’s plenty to expand and enrich our tastebuds and knowledge right across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Flavours of the world in WA

WA is a diverse place. In fact, 32 per cent of Western Australians were born overseas, 54 per cent of the population has one or both parents born overseas, and there are over 240 spoken languages across the state.

WA’s rich multicultural influence has bubbled up in restaurants, cafes, bakeries and grocers across the state – with growing numbers of migrants from Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries.

A taste of Asia

Dim sum cravings can be satisfied at Northbridge Chinese Restaurant (famous for their salted-egg-yolk-custard bun), Authentic Bites Dumpling House and Little China Girl.

Meanwhile, Spencer Village Food Court in Thornlie is a local mecca for Asian hawker comfort food – and Sauma restaurant in Northbridge boats creative modern Indian dishes that don’t compromise on flavour.  Annalakshmi restaurant in the Perth CBD will also leave you satisfied in both your belly and heart.

Craving Japanese flavours? Head to local yakitori specialists,  Restaurant Jun, or try Ichirin Japanese and Yuuma for fresh and delicate flavours at reasonable prices.

Enjoy a taste of Asia at home with Jenny Lam’s Thai green curry or Brendan Pang’s garlic chives and pork dumplings.

Flavours of the Middle East

If you’re in the mood for some tasty Lebanese fare and love to share a bit of everything on the menu,  then The Prophet, Beiyrut Restaurant and Maroosh are where you can delight your tastebuds.

Also, serving up tasty Middle Eastern cuisine is Bivouac and The Hummus Club in Northbridge, while Hadiqa delivers a fusion of Mediterranean flavours from Morocco and Greece.

If you’re in the mood to cook, try our recipe for lamb koftas and enjoy a taste of the Middle East.

Africa

African cuisine may not be as mainstream, but it can sure pack some of the most mouth-watering new flavours you’ll experience.

For Ethiopian cuisine head to Injera House, choose Mamma Africa for East African flavours, or Kalahari, a Taste of Africa for South African spices, sauces, biltong. Don’t forget their Soweto Shebeen featuring more than 150 imported wines, beers and ciders.

Cape to Cairo offers biltong enthusiasts delicious premium air-dried meats and an extensive range of others meats, gifts and other household essentials – conveniently located across at Osborne Park, Canning Vale, Rockingham and Bunbury.

Experience WA’s world of flavour and events for yourself

WA’s growing international food scene means there are always new opportunities to sample amazing multicultural cuisine at local community events and festivals.

Jumbo Africa | April

Experience WA’s largest celebration of African cultures, which kicks off annually over two days. The vibrant, family-friendly festival brings Africa’s diverse traditions and features authentic food, markets, dance lessons and drumming.

Shinju Matsuri | 21 August – 5 September 2021 

This iconic ‘Festival of the Pearl’ celebrates Broome’s cultural heritage and the surrounding Kimberley region. The festival celebrates the local Aboriginal community’s culture and the Japanese,  Chinese, Malay, Koepangers, Filipino and Europeans.

Twilight Hawkers Market | Every night from November

Perth’s first and most significant street food market celebrating food from around the globe in the heart of the city

Harmony Week | March

Harmony Week is celebrated widely across communities, businesses, schools, and government organisations to acknowledge and appreciate cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic diversity. It also includes the Western Australian Multicultural Awards, which recognise champions of multiculturalism in the state. Get involved and explore celebrations near and far.

Diwali Mela 2021 | 30 – 31 October

Diwali is a festival of lights and new beginnings celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Held at the Claremont Showgrounds, the festival celebrates culture and traditions with stalls of food and different performances, ending each night with a spectacular fireworks display.

A diverse taste of the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse places. A population of more than 100 nationalities (over 30% born overseas) and around 140 social, cultural and religious organisations – not to mention 65,000 years of Indigenous culture.

In Darwin, you’ll find a thriving Asian and Greek food culture scene with some of the top spoken languages being Greek, Filipino, Mandarin and Malayalam.

As home to Australia’s largest population of First Nations people, the NT offers a rich culture that’s inextricably linked to the food and the stories they hold.

With such a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, the Northern Territory is a vibrant community with cross-cultural influences in dishes made with fresh, local seasonal ingredients in unique dining experiences.

A taste of Asia

Inspired by Thai, Indian and Nonya cuisines, chef-turned-TV-presenter Jimmy Shu dishes up some of the best south-east Asian cuisines at Hanuman, a favourite for locals visitors in Darwin and Alice Springs.

You can also find budget-friendly and authentic Asian dishes at Mitchell St Mall, Hong Kong-style roasted meats (Hong Kong style), Roast & Noodle, or quality Indonesian dishes at Sumatra Café.

Get your Greek on

Enjoy Greek food with a view at Yots overlooking Cullen Bay Marina, or for traditional fare, head to Kalidonis Taverna in the heart of the city.

Manoli’s Greek Taverna is another excellent spot for celebrating fresh but simple flavours.

Cooking at home? Take your seafood barbecuing to new heights with this side dish of calamari souvlaki.

A taste of our backyard

There’s no better place to experience local native Australian bush food than in the NT – whether it’s magpie geese and crocodile meat or quandongs, Davidson plums, desert oak and other ancient native herbs and spices.

Whilst you’ll find many local restaurants celebrating these unique native flavours in their dishes, organised tours by local Aboriginal guides are the best way to learn more about foraging for bush tucker, being ‘on country’ and sharing knowledge of this ancient land.

Discover modern bush food creations at Kakadu Kitchen in the heart of Kakadu National Park, or a unique outback dining experience at Marksie’s Stockman Camp Tucker in Katherine.

You can also get an introductory taste of bush tucker and herbal medicine with Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours, owned and operated by the Limilngan clan.

Bring bush tucker into your home kitchen with our charcoal toasted peppermint meringue with samphire curd or this saltbush pork tenderloin with mandarin glaze and multigrain fried rice.

Experience NT’s melting pot of flavours and events for yourself

Parrtjima: A Festival in Light | 9 – 18 April

Australia’s biggest light installation festival features ten nights’ artwork, performances, live music, workshops, and more from Aboriginal artists in Alice Springs, using the latest technology to celebrate the world’s oldest living culture.

Barunga Festival | 11 – 13 June

The three-day event draws crowds from local areas and across the world. Barunga Festival features music, sport, traditional arts, and cultural activity that showcases the Katherine region while engaging and celebrating collectively.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market | 28 May – 28 October

Salivate over different cuisines on offer from over 60 food stalls serving local delicacies, Thai, Sri Lankan, Chinese, Malay to Portuguese, Greek, against a beautiful tropical sunset at Darwin’s annual market. Soak in the electric atmosphere while experiencing the diverse showcase of arts and culture at one location.

Darwin Laksa Festival | 26 October – 29 November

Darwin’s iconic spicy noodle soup brings together Chinese, Indonesian, and Malaysian influences. Follow the Laksa Food Tour to savour different takes on laksa from restaurants to market stalls as they compete for the People’s Choice title.

 


 

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