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.

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 | August – September 

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 | October

Diwali is a festival of lights and new beginnings celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The festival celebrates culture and traditions food and different performances.