It’s never been so easy to eat something delicious in Perth yet so hard to venture out in the cold to enjoy it.
Sure, our winter doesn’t require thermals or knitted gloves, but some of the four-degree lows make sitting next to the heater at home a far more tempting offer than braving the cold.
These dishes however are ones that I’m willing to don my biggest jacket and get rained on for to warm my stomach and soul.
Pierogi, Cracovia Club
A highlight of my culinary calendar is my big Polish family’s annual lunch at the Cracovia Club in Bennett Springs each year. You’re guaranteed to roll out after a carb and butter heavy meal filled with placki ziemniaczane (potato cakes), bigos (a traditional sauerkraut stew with smoked meats) and of course pierogi in three different varieties — beef, sauerkraut and mushroom and potato and cheese.
Charred green cabbage, Shui
Never did I think I’d be adding cabbage to a list of dishes I’d recommend to others – yet here I am endorsing the best version I’ve had of this humble veg (perhaps it’s the Polish in me). The wizards in the kitchen at Shui in Subiaco char it within an inch of its life before drizzling over a gorgeous green onion and ginger sauce and sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds for added texture.
Rigatoni all’amatriciana, Vin Populi
If you are what you eat, during my first trip to Italy I was this dish. After ordering it for nearly every meal, I was on a drought upon returning to Australia, until spotting it on the menu at Vin Populi. The winter-friendly rich tomato based pasta is spiked with chilli and crispy nuggets of guanciale (salt-cured pork).
Veggie pasty, Daisies
Typically I’m a sausage roll girl, but when I recently saw these golden beauties staring at me from the corner of the cabinet, I decided to give them a shot. I’ve now been back for about five since. Warm and packed with vegetables — which makes them healthy, right? — they’re an easy take-away lunch to enjoy in your dressing gown at home — if they last the car journey.
Afternoon tea, Cape Arid rooms
I’d like to preface this by saying I drink tea around four times a year — I’d be a terrible addition to the Royal Family. But the herbal tea sipped during an afternoon tea experience at Cape Arid rooms (in the State Buildings) was so delicious, I emailed the maker to find out more. It’s the Rejuvenate blend with lemon myrtle, lavender, eucalyptus and green tea, for anyone wondering.
Bread and salumi, Vinotto
Thick, crusty bread, mortadella and chunky pickled cucumber — sometimes simple is best. Paired with a glass of pinot and comfy seat in this intimate bar, this cosy experience is worth braving the cold for.
Bun Chay, Bun Mee
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at this small but mighty Vietnamese spot in Leederville, but this massive tofu noodle salad has been a go-to for years. Owner and former MasterChef contestant Jenny Lam isn’t shy in bringing the heat, including a hit of chilli in the nuoc mam dressing as well as freshly sliced on top.
Tandoor rack of lamb boti, Will St
This dish is the definition of greater than a sum of its parts. While the lamb is perfectly tender and cooked and the sambal of pickled bits and pieces are a welcomed touch, it’s the rich dal tadka swimming underneath that is the show-stopper and unlike anything I’ve eaten before.
Fish and chips, North Street Store
It was a sad day when People’s Cafeteria in Northbridge closed recently, but fans of its wholesome and filling meals can still find them each weeknight at its sister store North Street Store. A Friday night favourite is their fish served with some of Perth’s best chips (I stand by this call) served with homemade tartare sauce.
Potato gems, Dandelion
These nostalgic nuggets are a little like the grown up cousin of the potato gems of our childhood, jazzed up to make them a bit fancy. Served with a spiced fire dust and garlic yogurt dip, they’re a tasty trip down memory lane.
