8 of Darwin's best cheap eats
Taking inspiration from Australia's capital cities as well as neighbouring Asia, Darwin blends street-style food – from Indonesia and beyond – with a bounty of hip, artful cafés.
By Jennifer Pinkerton
From flavour-packed laksas to expertly brewed espressos, the cheap eats on offer in this tropical town are laid-back and best enjoyed outdoors – much like Darwin itself. Start in the city centre and its adjoining Waterfront Precinct, then venture out along the Stuart Highway to the northern food-filled suburbs of Coconut Grove, Nightcliff and beyond. As well as the eateries listed here, Darwin hosts regular markets from Thursday to Sunday.
Laksa House
Where: Stuart Park
Perched inconspicuously on the Stuart Highway, five kilometres (three miles) from the city centre, the East Timorese-run Laksa House is quite the locals' secret. A trip to this ramshackle gem transports diners to South-East Asia. Here, fresh and fragrant laksas and soups are served, as is charcoal chicken with a sweet and spicy Timorese sauce. Chat to the flamboyant lady owner, Amye, while you’re here, and be sure to get in early for dinner, as the restaurant closes at 8pm.
Sari Rasa
Where: City centre
Newcomers to Darwin often waltz right past Sari Rasa's easy-to-miss exterior, at the end of a plaza corridor filled with tax agents and massage shops. But don't make that mistake – come lunchtime, all the café's tables fill. Try the chilli beans in coconut sauce, grilled eggplant and white fish curry. If the weather warms up outside, sip on a chilled, homemade ginger drink. Note that the café is open until the early afternoons on weekdays only and does not accept credit cards. Their food truck can also be found at local markets.
Crazy Acres
Crazy Acres Mango Farm and Cafe, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Natalie Sum
Where: Berry Springs
If you're day-tripping to Litchfield National Park or Berry Springs Nature Park, make a pit stop at family-run farm shop Crazy Acres. The farm is famed for its range of tropical fruit-inspired homemade ice creams, but owner and chef Karen makes a mean picnic platter with smoked barramundi, honey roast ham, salad and roast beef as well as the yummiest mango cheesecake you're likely to meet. Crazy Acres is only open during Darwin's dry season, between May and September.
Little Miss Korea
Where: City centre
Don't pass up the opportunity to taste incredible Korean food from an award-winning chef without breaking the bank. Little Miss Korea is a Korean charcoal BBQ restaurant with a creativity not often seen. It's laid-back and friendly, perfect for a quick lunch, but the cocktails and extensive wine list beckon you to settle in for a relaxed dinner. With specials changing often, you may get $1 dumplings or bibimbap and beer for $20.
Rays Patisserie and Cafe
Where: City centre
Rays Patisserie and Cafe is a purveyor of delectable breads and pastries and some of the best brunch staples in Darwin. The team make and bake everything on site, so just follow your nose toward the unmistakable aroma of sourdough baking in the oven. Over a cup of Mecca coffee, a brand that hails from Sydney's suburb of Alexandria, tuck into croissants, scrolls and danishes or go for something heartier like the chicken waffle. You can also grab loaves of their tasty sourdough and frozen pies to take away.
Chow
Chow, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna
Where: City centre
Set at the pedestrian entrance to the Darwin Waterfront, a harbourside area to the north of the city centre, Chow is a shining star of this precinct, not to mention a genuinely fun place to dine. The restaurant's vibe is bright, colourful, modern and youthful. Chow's menu largely draws its inspiration from Vietnamese cuisine, as well as Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian fare. Start with a plate of spring rolls, then – while sipping fresh coconut water straight from the husk (this is a popular pastime in Darwin, owing to its abundance of palm trees) – move on to a scrumptious laksa, pad thai or Vietnamese chicken curry.
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Frying Nemo
Where: Waterfront
The people of the Northern Territory have spoken and Frying Nemo is their pick for the best fish and chips. They've won the top spot several times over the years and are consistently ranked as finalists in the national awards. The speciality here is wild caught Australian seafood, including the NT's famous barramundi. The menu features all the classic fried favourites, as well as range of burgers that will make you feel like a true-blue Aussie. Try the Territory crocodile, kangaroo, buffalo or even a camel burger.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Helen Orr
Where: The Gardens
There's one dining option in Darwin that brings together all of the city's best attractions - the beach, the sunset and the diversity of cuisines. At the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, held on Thursdays and Sundays from May to October, you'll have your pick from dozens of food stalls selling everything from paella to pad thai. Mix and match to create one unforgettable meal, then grab a sweet treat and enjoy the sunset from the beach.
