At the chef's table with Jack Stein

Chef and broadcaster Jack Stein offers his culinary recommendations in Western Australia

By Jack Stein
Published 2 Apr 2019, 15:07 BST, Updated 15 Jul 2021, 13:25 BST

Long Chim

Photograph by Rebecca Mansell

I've spent a lot of time in Australia's largest state recently — my partner is from Perth. She's shown me how incredible the food scene is there. We did a walking tasting tour, where each course is served in a different restaurant — I'd never done one before. The Margaret River Gourmet Escape food and wine festival, held each November, has been great for WA too, bringing world-class chefs to the region who then shout about its amazing produce.

Where to eat in Perth

Long Chim
From aromatic curries to grilled seafood, I love David Thompson's city centre temple of Thai food. Whenever I'm in town, I have to eat here at least once.

Good Fortune Roast Duck House
I can't recommend this Chinese restaurant in Northbridge highly enough — it has the best duck pancakes I've ever tasted.

The Prophet
This casual pit-stop in East Victoria Park serves Middle Eastern food to a packed crowd. It's always busy and the owner is the perfect host. T: 00 61 8 9361 1101.

The ingredients

Chia seeds
A vast amount of chia seeds are produced in WA. They have a huge protein and oil content and are great for adding to smoothies.

Dhufish
This beautiful fish is found along most of the coast of WA; it has a wonderful texture and a delicate, sweet flavour.

Finger limes
I first encountered these citrus fruits when I was on work experience at Tetsuya's in Sydney; they have an unusual texture like caviar and are incredibly versatile.

Must-try

Whole baked fish in paper bark: This is the dish of the Kimberley region, in the north of WA. The best fish to use is sweetlip, and it's served with a local take on belachan, a savoury Southeast Asian shrimp paste.

Jack Stein is chef director of The Rick Stein Group. His debut cookbook, Jack Stein's World on a Plate, is published by Bloomsbury. RRP: £26

Follow Jack: @JackStein

 

Featured in the November 2018 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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