The quandong has bright red flesh - packed with vitamin C – with an edible nut on the inside (used for jewellery back in the day). Nyoongar people would eat the quandong in the season of Kambarang (October and November) as they travelled towards the coastline for the Birak season. Kambarang and Birak are two of the six Nyoongar seasons. 

“We go to our little secret spots and then we all collect it together. We’re laughing…our aunties and our grandmothers and our mums are all yarning. It’s yarning time. It’s very therapeutic for us as well that we’re all together as a family and continuing to share our culture to keep it strong.” Marissa explains.

The quandong is just one example of the versatility of Nyoongar ingredients, something you can experience for yourself with Marissa’s business.

Bindi Bindi Dreaming

Bindi Bindi Dreaming is an award-winning, 100% Aboriginal owned and operated business delivering a range of cultural activities around Perth. Marissa runs workshops on Country, bush tucker school programs, youth mentoring programs and cooking lessons to show you how to infuse native ingredients into your everyday cooking. Great for those looking for a foodie experience as well as an authentic cultural experience! Marissa is happy to adapt the experience based on what you’d like to learn more about.

CONTACT BINDI BINDI DREAMING

Native dining experiences in Perth

Native ingredients are growing in popularity on restaurant menus. Perth’s poster-child for native dining is Wildflower, whose menu changes with the six seasons of the Nyoongar calendar. Situated in the beautiful State Buildings, and with views of the river, you can taste WA’s most interesting native ingredients with their four and six-course tasting menus. 

Down at Ritz Carlton on Elizabeth Quay is Hearth. Executive chef Jed Gerrard, previously of Wildflower, is bringing his love of native ingredients to the venue. This includes in the food (think: boab leaves), in the smoker (think: fruitwood sawdust) and in the centrepieces (think: Kimberley stone). A full showcase of Western Australia here in Perth!

BOOK WILDFLOWER BOOK HEARTH

Looking for other Aboriginal cultural experiences in Perth?

Learn some basic Nyoongar words with Eric, Ben, Jake and Fraser from Koolangkas Kreate. 

Visit the beautiful photographic exhibition celebrating the life, legacy and culture of the Nyoongar Elders in Perth. 

Discover the spiritual importance of the different Aboriginal Ceremonies.