Shopping on an empty stomach can be a dangerous game. Impulse purchasing, buyer's remorse, decision fatigue—they all come into play when you're low on fuel.
The usual suspects of a food court don't always cut it either. Thankfully, Hawaiian Centres—found across Perth—are home to a stack of independent restaurants and cafes dishing up tasty eats, all made with the love of a home-cooked meal.
Give one of these must-try dishes a go when you're next in need of a shopping spree refuel.
Signature Fried Chicken At Wutang Fried Chicken
Shop 11/64 Marangaroo Dr, Girrawheen WA 6064
Satisfyingly crispy on the outside and delectably juicy on the inside, the signature fried chicken at Wutang has a cult following for good reason. You may have seen the giant pieces of perfectly fried chook on your feed before—they’re easily as big as your head.
Take your pick of seasonings with mala, salt and pepper, curry, New Orleans and plum—and if you’re a little intimidated by the signature serve, they also dish up fried faves like popcorn chicken, burgers and curly fries to satisfy your salty cravings.
Nepalese Momo At Street Eats
1/148 Scarborough Beach Rd, Scarborough WA 6016
A common street food in Nepal, momos are whipped up with a simple dough wrapper and filled with spiced meat and veggies. Steamed or fried and served up with a spicy dipping sauce, these savoury dumplings are seriously moreish.
Street Eats owner Richie grew up eating his grandmother’s homemade momos, with his version following the same recipe. Hand-made dough, a special ground spice blend and jhol (an aromatic, nutty sauce). All made in-house, the momos at Street Eats will leave you feeling like you’re dining in a bustling family kitchen.
Gozleme At Noranda Kebabs And Gozleme
44A Benara Rd, Noranda WA 6062
There are few foods as comforting as a gozleme—soft, fluffy bread stuffed with fresh, perfectly spiced ingredients.
Serving locals for over five years, Noranda Kebabs and Gozleme keeps fans coming back with their home-made spice blends. The masala in particular is a generational secret recipe (the best kind, if you ask us). Owner Mehul sources local produce to deliver only the best flavours, with many dishes marinated in yoghurt, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and of course, his secret mix of aromatics.
Seasonal Gelato At Pietro Gelato
789 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park WA 6101
They're all about high-quality ingredients at Pietro Gelato, where you’ll find a continuously evolving menu that heroes seasonal flavours.
The best part of a visit to Pietro Gelato is the fresh and unique flavours you encounter on every visit, with scoops like pumpkin pie, caramel and gingerbread, tea and treacle, and apple crumble.
Banh Mi At Xpresso Lane
Shop 9/Lot 2 West Rd, Bassendean WA 6054
You’d be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like banh mi, so stopping in at Xpresso Lane for one of their fan-favourites is a surefire way to satisfy your team of shoppers. They’re stacking their rolls with barbecue beef, roast pork, chicken, and fried tofu, so there’s an option for whatever mood you’re in. Pro tip: grab a Vietnamese iced coffee to make the most of your fuel stop.
Eggs Benny At Flinderz Cafe
Shop 9/110 Flinders Ave, Hillarys WA 6025
The best way to kick off any day out is a classic brunch—we’re talking eggs, smashed avo and all the nutritious brekkie go-tos. Fuel up at Flinderz Cafe before hitting your shopping list, or stop in for a mid-morning energy hit. The hot chocs top the locals’ list, so treat yourself to a warm cup of chocolatey goodness and thank us later.
Take-Home Meals At Williams Meats
20 Strelitzia Ave, Forrestfield WA 6058
Powering through your shopping expedition without a pit stop? A night of easy cooking after a long day of cruising the aisles is just what the doctor ordered.
While Williams Meats is primarily a butcher, it’s also a one-stop shop for tasty pre-prepared meals you can take home and chuck in the oven. Don't sleep on the pies, pastries, or burgers—once awarded “Best Butcher Burger” at the Royal Show. They’ve got all the classics too, with koftas, meatballs and satay sticks for easy midweek dinners.
Hungry? Whether you need a halftime refuel or an easy dinner after a big day, head to Hawaiian shopping centres to find more local eats.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Hawaiian. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Pietro Gelato on Instagram, Street Eats on Instagram, Flinderz Cafe on Instagram.