It's not like we really need an excuse to visit one of Wollongong’s many multicultural cafes and restaurants. But Harmony Week does feel like a good time to celebrate Wollongong’s long history of cultural diversity through food.
Non-British migration to the Illawarra began in the early to mid 1800s with the arrival of settlers from Poland, Germany, France, Italy, Greece and, a bit later, China. Life was harsh with new arrivals struggling to make a living combined with learning to speak English.
Settlers found work wherever they could, many in the food industry such as butchers and abattoirs, market gardens, fruit and grocery stores, fishing and fish shops, cafes and restaurants.
The influx of post World War II migration to the Illawarra reflected government policies of the time, allowing entry to qualified people under refugee and displaced persons programs. The Port Kembla Steelworks provided work for hundreds of new arrivals. Social clubs such as the Fraternity Club, the Hellenic Club, German Club and the Polish Association arose from friendships developed in the community and migrant hostels. People came together and found comfort in an unfamiliar environment over food.
Today the Illawarra has more than 100 non-English speaking communities, with the most populous being North Macedonian, Indian, Chinese and Italian. Our growing communities include those from India, Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Bangladesh and Brazil.
This diversity of culture has contributed a rich variety to local cuisine and the Illawarra is home to specialist supermarkets to buy ingredients for home cooking.
Where to buy authentic ingredients
- Wan Long, Wollongong. In the heart of Wollongong and a mecca for students, this store is a cornucopia of products from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and other Asian cuisines. What they haven’t got you don’t need.
- Rosa Dora Annabella, Warrawong. This European supermarket has a huge range of deli items, cheeses, pickles, ferments as well as fresh veggies.
- Spice Corner, Fairy Meadow. With the biggest range of spices in Wollongong this store has Indian grocery items, fresh naan and rotis, sweet treats, cooked meals and snack items
- Supermarkets in Cringila. The commercial strip has several supermarkets catering to the Middle Eastern and wider community. Spend a leisurely couple of hours browsing them all and snacking on burek and date biscuits from the takeway stores.
- Fedora Pasta, Fairy Meadow. This family-owned business has been operating since 1974. They make fresh egg noodle pasta daily, as well as gnocchi, lasagna, tortellini and ravioli. There is a large range of frozen and dried pasta as well as sauces for your cooking convenience.
Try these local specialty restaurants
- Il Nido – With black and white family photos adorning the walls and motorbike in pride of place near the front counter, this is authentic home style Italian food from the Guiliani family who have been serving the Illawarra for over 45 years
- Dosa Houze – Dosa is a South Indian crispy crepe traditionally filled with spiced potatoes with spicy dipping sauce and chutneys. If dosa isn’t your thing, they have a range of other Indian dishes. If you can fit it in, try something from the Dessert Corner like the rasmalai dumplings.
- Ha Long Bay – With its large space, and always reliable, fresh, healthy Vietnamese food, this has been a favourite for over 19 years, especially for workers escaping the office for lunch. Service is always friendly and helpful.
- An Chut Chut – With its outdoor seating suited to our balmy climate, this small friendly eatery has traditional Vietnamese food – dumplings, rice paper rolls, banh mi, pho, pancake – in the Nha Trang style.
- Litani’s – A taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of Wollongong, this family-owned business is open from breakfast until late five days a week. To add to the Mediterranean ambience, they occasionally host live Greek music.
- Chef’s Choice – This specialist Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant on the Keira St restaurant strip has been serving Wollongong for more than 20 years. Try the Yunnan noodle soup or the spicy chicken nuggets.