EASY TRIPS
WORDS: RAEWYN KOH. PHOTOGRAPHS: RAEWYN KOH
Australia’s east coast cities like Sydney and Melbourne may be
known for their international cuisines and contemporary café
scene but for true Australian cuisine, foodies around the world
are heading to Perth. The capital of Western Australia is drawing
gourmands from around the world thanks to its flourishing food
and beverage scene that is supported by Perth’s surrounding
farms, wineries and breweries. For those who live to eat, drink
and be merry, Perth City, Fremantle and Swan Valley are the ‘it’
places to visit in Australia right now.Perth City
Cuisine in Western Australia has a few
distinct characteristics. As a city surrounded
by farms, wineries and breweries, local
restaurants really pride themselves in
showcasing local seasonal produce and their
local wines and craft beers in their food. This
farm-to-table philosophy ensures whatever is
served is always fresh and tastes exceptional.
Arrive in Perth ready to eat because there is
much to cover within the city. Head down to the
State Buildings bright and early in the morning for
coffee at Telegram Coffee. The baristas at Telegram Coffee offer
meticulously crafted coffee using locally roasted beans. A piece of
the State Buildings’ history can be found at Telegram Coffee. Look
out for the 135-year-old crank wheel that has been salvaged from
the building’s first years. Telegram Coffee is located just behind
the Postal Hall in Postal Place (telegramcoffee.com.au).
The State Buildings are located in the historic heart of Perth and
connects three iconic heritage buildings formally known as the
Lands, Titles and Treasury buildings. Beautifully restored, the
State Buildings now hold a mishmash of retailers like fresh
wildflower shop Fox & Rabbit and designer eyewear brand, Bailey
Nelson. For a light tea break or to find souvenirs to take home,
visit Sue Lewis Chocolatier and The Honeycake, both of which are
located just on the outside of the State Buildings. Sue Lewis, the
owner of Sue Lewis Chocolatier, creates fresh and handmade
chocolates using ethically-sourced covertures and local, seasonal
ingredients. Most of the flavours available are only sold once or
twice a year, depending on the ingredients she’s able to get from
Perth’s farms (suelewischocolatier.com.au). Her shop is just next
to The Honeycake, which sells a delightful honey-flavoured cake
with caramel and ground walnuts. On a hot summer’s day (or any
day for that matter), get the Honeycake ice cream that will help
stave off the heat (thehoneycake.com.au).
Luxury hotel chain, COMO Hotels owns the Treasury building
with its COMO The Treasury hotel. And those with time to spare
should even indulge at the award-winning COMO Shambhala
Urban Escape for hands-on healing that combines traditionalRoam the capital of Western Australia on an empty stomach
PECKISH AND
PARCHED IN PERTH
Eastern techniques with cutting-edge advances in holistic
healthcare. For an equally indulgent lunch, stop by Wildflower,
COMO The Treasury’s rooftop space that serves a farmer-and-
forager-driven menu revolving around the indigenous six
seasons (comohotels.com/thetreasury). Another place to eat at
is Petition Kitchen by Head Chef Jesse Blake. Inspired by the
hard work of local producers, the menu is a showcase of an
assortment of rustic, quirky and fun dishes reflective of Perth’s
harvests, such as its roasted pork knuckle served with black
vinegar cavolo nero (black kale) and buckwheat salad
(petitionperth.com/kitchen).
For the night, stay at the pinnacle of luxury in
Perth at Crown Towers. Sitting on the eastern
banks of the Swan River, Crown Perth Hotels is
an entertainment nucleus with a 24-hour
casino, three hotels (Crown Towers Perth,
Crown Metropol Perth and Crown Promenade
Perth), spa, nightclub, a host of recreational
facilities and 32 restaurants and pubs
(crownperth.com.au). Its extensive list of
diners includes three extraordinary gourmet
eateries, Nobu, Rockpool Bar & Grill and Bistro
Guillaume.
Nobu is easily the world’s most recognised Japanese
restaurant known for its innovative Japanese cuisine that
marries Japanese cuisine with South American flavours.
Expect flavours like a tart seafood ceviche amuse bouche, and
classic yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and yuzu, a signature
of Nobu. Pairing these innovative fusion dishes are imported
Hokusetsu Sakes, signature cocktails, house creations and an
extensive selection of reds, whites, rosés, champagnes and
other liquors.
For a real treat, try Rockpool Bar & Grill, a steak and seafood
restaurant renowned for its menu dedicated to fine and fresh
Australian produce. Watch the team at work at the open
kitchen complete with its trademark wood-fired grill. The
must-have here is its grilled steak, sourced exclusively from
Australia. Three types of beef can be chosen: David
Blackmore Wagyu, Cape Grim Grass-Fed Beef, and Forest
Grange British, each one tender and full of flavour. Served on
the side are a medley of choices, such as a rich potato and
cabbage gratin, wood-fired grilled creamed corn with chipotle
chilli butter and manchego cheese, and a selection of charcoal
roasted vegetables.
Light bites can be had at Bistro Guillaume, a modern French
provincial dining space inspired by Parisian bistros serving
French classics. Dessert is what Bistro Guillaume is best
known for and diners are encouraged to order a few to share
among friends. Our top picks are the profiteroles with vanilla
bean ice cream and warm chocolate sauce, and the chocolate
delice with macadamia ice cream and grapefruit gel.