🇦🇺 Perth Food Guide — Dishes, Street Food & Dining

When visiting Perth, be sure to try the city's unique fusion of Australian, Asian, and European cuisines, which showcases the best of Western Australia's fresh produce and seafood, with must-try dishes including Chilli Mutton Ribs, Fish and Chips, and Lamington.

Food Culture Overview

Perth's cuisine is defined by its coastal location, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, as well as its cultural diversity, which has led to the incorporation of Asian and European flavors and ingredients. The city's food scene is also influenced by its proximity to Western Australia's renowned wine regions, including the Swan Valley and Margaret River. Perth's regional variations include the use of native Australian ingredients, such as bush tomatoes and kakadu plums, in modern Australian cuisine. The city's cultural events, such as the Perth Festival, also showcase its culinary diversity, with a range of food stalls and vendors offering everything from traditional Australian meat pies to international cuisine.

Perth's food culture is also characterized by its casual, outdoor lifestyle, with many restaurants and cafes offering alfresco dining options. The city's food trucks and street food markets are also popular, offering a range of cuisines, from traditional Australian fish and chips to international flavors. The city's culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and cafes opening regularly, offering a range of innovative and traditional dishes.

The city's cultural diversity is also reflected in its multicultural festivals, which celebrate the city's diverse culinary heritage. The festivals feature a range of traditional cuisines, including Asian, European, and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as traditional Australian cuisine. The festivals also offer a range of food workshops and cooking classes, where visitors can learn about the city's culinary traditions and techniques.

Must-Try Dishes

Street Food & Snacks

• Fish and Chips: a classic Australian snack, available at various fish and chip shops throughout the city, priced around $10-$15 USD
• Chiko Rolls: a popular snack filled with meat, cabbage, and seasonings, available at various stalls and shops, priced around $5-$10 USD
• Meat Pies: a traditional Australian savory pastry, available at various pie shops and bakeries, priced around $5-$10 USD
• Vegemite on Toast: a popular breakfast or snack option, available at various cafes and restaurants, priced around $5-$10 USD
• Kakadu Plum Ice Cream: a unique and refreshing dessert featuring native Australian kakadu plums, available at various ice cream shops, priced around $10-$15 USD
• Lamington: a square-shaped sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut, available at various cafes and bakeries, priced around $10-$15 USD
• Dim Sum: a range of steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat, seafood, or vegetables, available at various Chinese restaurants, priced around $10-$20 USD
• Barramundi Burgers: a unique burger featuring grilled or pan-seared barramundi, available at various restaurants and food trucks, priced around $15-$25 USD

Drinks

• Flat White: a popular Australian coffee drink, available at various cafes and coffee shops, priced around $4-$6 USD
• Victoria Bitter: a popular Australian beer, available at various bars and restaurants, priced around $10-$15 USD
• Margaret River Wine: a range of wines from Western Australia's renowned Margaret River region, available at various wine bars and restaurants, priced around $20-$50 USD
• Kakadu Plum Juice: a refreshing and healthy juice featuring native Australian kakadu plums, available at various health food stores and cafes, priced around $10-$15 USD
• Australian Iced Coffee: a cold coffee drink made with coffee, milk, and ice cream, available at various cafes and restaurants, priced around $10-$15 USD
• Coopers Beer: a popular Australian beer, available at various bars and restaurants, priced around $10-$15 USD

Dining Customs

• Tipping: it is customary to tip 5-10% of the total bill at restaurants and cafes
• Eating Etiquette: it is customary to use utensils, such as forks and knives, when eating, and to keep your hands clean
• Reservation Culture: it is recommended to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak dining hours
• Dress Code: the dress code varies depending on the restaurant, but it is generally casual and relaxed in Perth
• Table Manners: it is customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your phone on silent mode during meals
• Food Allergies: it is recommended to inform your server of any food allergies or dietary restrictions, and to ask for recommendations on gluten-free or vegetarian options

Where to Eat

• The Merrywell: a popular restaurant and bar located in the Crown Perth complex, offering a range of modern Australian cuisine
• Cicerello's: a seafood restaurant located in Fremantle, offering a range of fresh seafood dishes
• The Fish House: a seafood restaurant located in Perth, offering a range of fresh seafood dishes
• The Green House: a cafe and restaurant located in Perth, offering a range of healthy and sustainable food options
• The Lobster Shack: a seafood restaurant located in Cervantes, offering a range of fresh seafood dishes, including Western rock lobster

Food Markets & Food Experiences

• Perth City Farmers Market: a weekly market located in the heart of Perth, offering a range of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food
• Fremantle Markets: a historic market located in Fremantle, offering a range of fresh produce, handicrafts, and street food
• Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail: a self-guided tour of the Swan Valley region, featuring a range of wineries, breweries, and restaurants
• Margaret River Food and Wine Festival: an annual festival celebrating the region's renowned food and wine, featuring a range of cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and food stalls
• Kakadu Plum Farm: a farm located in the Perth hills, offering tours and tastings of native Australian kakadu plums and other bush foods