Perth’s food courts abound with diverse offerings all under the same roof, tables acting as meeting places and stalls offering something brand new or a taste of home.
From suburban treasures and weekend marketplaces to more contemporary city hubs, there’s plenty to explore. Here’s our guide to the best Perth food courts, along with insider tips on what to order.
The Underground at Allendale Square
Located in the centre of Perth’s CBD on St Georges Terrace, The Underground is a thriving dining precinct for city workers with an urban industrial fit-out. Authentic Bites Dumpling House and Chicken Rice Corner are both there, drawing newcomers as well as fans of their renowned restaurants. Line up for signature soup-filled xiao long bao at the former, or go the fragrant Hainanese chicken rice or nasi lemak at the latter. Up on street level, Mary Street Bakery offers reliably delicious baked goods and coffee.
Allendale Square Arcade, 77 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Cambridge Forum
Cambridge Forum provides options aplenty with cuisines ranging from Malaysian and Chinese to Vietnamese, Japanese and more. For some of the city’s best satay, join the queue at De Honey Charcoal Grilled for Malaysian honey-marinated charcoal-grilled sticks with addictive sauce for dipping. For dim sum any time of day, Dumpling Palace handmakes everything right in front of you; go hard on the lacy pan-fried pork dumplings. The Forum is also BYO (glasses provided) and family-friendly, with an indoor children’s playground. Win, win, win.
23/350 Cambridge Street, Wembley
Old Shanghai
Set in the heart of Northbridge, this large, lantern-adorned dining hall has been a regular haunt for more than three decades. Connected to Chinatown, Old Shanghai skews towards Asian cuisine, but one of Perth’s best burger joints, Hoodburger, has a counter here, too. Offering smash burgers made with organic beef patties as well as juicy Nashville-style chicken tenders, it’s one to put right at the top of your hit list. Keep the fried chicken theme going at Hwaiting Korean Kitchen, a go-to for their crunchy, crisp KFC-style batter. Old Shanghai is also fully licensed, with the bar out back offering wine, spirits and local craft beers so you can really make a night of it.
123 James Street, Northbridge
Spencer Village Food Court
Spencer Village Food Court in Thornlie is revered among those seeking a hawker hall experience similar to those in Singapore and Malaysia. This suburban food court buzzes with energy, drawing in both locals and visitors from near and far. Regardless of where they’ve come from, everyone is on a culinary mission, lining up in front of their favourites for Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian and more.
Repeat visits are imperative, but kick off with roti and chicken curry from Suzie’s Prata House. And while it’s a guarantee that the steamed buns from Fook Kee will grace plenty of tables, don’t skip their char tau kueh (aka fried radish cake).
202 Spencer Road, Thornlie
Wanneroo Markets
In the northern suburbs, the Wanneroo Markets are a weekend hub, offering fresh produce and an array of food stalls. Expect everything from gourmet hot dogs to Mauritian delights and traditional Thai food. For a true hawker experience, Hawkers Delight Malaysian Cuisine delivers satisfyingly charred char kway teow and beautifully scented Hainanese chicken rice. Try the Indian street food offerings from Aksharam Catering, especially the vada pav, a fried potato dumpling in a bun served with chutneys.
33 Prindiville Drive, Wangara
Looking for more foodie finds? Check out the best restaurants in Perth and WA.
