We all know that every good meal begins with delicious starters and appetizers. It sets the tone and teases your palate. And gets you excited for what’s to come. Whether you’re out with friends, on a date, or enjoying a family meal. The right appetizer can set the tone for the entire experience.
At Nonnu’s Café in Perth, their starters are a perfect fusion of comfort and deliciousness. Offering a variety of exciting options to begin your meal in style. If you're on the hunt for something delicious and fun to eat. Here’s a look at 5 of their standout starters and appetizers. Along with a few tips on how to enjoy them with the right drink.
5 Must-Try Starters at Nonnu’s: Our Best Appetizers of All Time
One of the best things about appetizers and starters is how shareable they are. Appetizers and starters provide the perfect opportunity to sample a range of flavours before getting into the main course. Whether you’re dining with friends or family. Starters create a communal atmosphere that allows everyone to try a little bit of everything.
From crispy fried prawns to creamy baked Brie. The menu at Nonnu’s offers plenty of starter options that are perfect for sharing. Making it an ideal place for group gatherings or casual get-togethers. Here’s a quick look at their starters and appetizers.
Baked Brie (v)
Few dishes scream comfort quite like melted cheese. The Baked Brie is a warm hug on a plate. And Nonnu’s Baked Brie delicious starters take this to a whole new level. A wheel of Brie snuggled inside a crisp pizza base, baked to golden perfection.
It’s served with a dollop of sweet onion jam and a hint of thyme that lifts its rich, creamy texture. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves rich, creamy cheese paired with something light and satisfying.
Pair it with an iced lemon tea or sparkling water with a splash of lime. The acidity and refreshing bubbles help cut through the richness of the Brie. Making for a well-rounded start to your meal. This vegetarian-friendly starter is perfect for sharing—or not. If you’re feeling indulgent. It’s a warm, welcoming start.
Foodie Tip: Tear into the crusty base while it’s still warm and let the melty cheese ooze onto your plate. It’s therapy in a dish.
Mushroom & Cheese Arancini
Next up is the Mushroom & Cheese Arancini. A trio of golden-fried risotto balls stuffed with a hearty mushroom and cheese filling. Served alongside a fresh rocket salad. The outside is perfectly crispy. And the inside is wonderfully gooey and full of flavour. This dish brings a comforting, earthy vibe to the table. It pairs wonderfully with a refreshing cucumber or mint mocktail.
Arancini is one of those easy appetizers that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, whether you're a vegetarian or just in the mood for something simple yet delicious. If you’re planning a party or hosting a gathering, these bite-sized delights are always a crowd-pleaser.
Foodie Tip: Squeeze a dash of fresh lemon over the rocket salad before digging in. It adds to the dish's freshness and balances the richness of the arancini.
Crispy Flaming Prawns
Seafood lovers, take note—the Crispy Flaming Prawns at Nonnu’s Café are NOT TO BE MISSED. For those who enjoy a little heat, the Crispy Flaming Prawns are a must-try. Six plump prawns are battered, deep-fried, and served with a side of spicy mayo that adds a creamy yet fiery kick. The prawns have a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining their tender juiciness within.
If you’re in the mood for something zesty and flavourful, these prawns are sure to hit the spot. When pairing this dish with a drink, try a refreshing lemonade or a fruit punch. The citrusy notes will complement the spiciness of the prawns, offering a nice balance and cooling effect.
They’re great for sharing, though you might find yourself wanting the entire plate to yourself. The combination of the crunchy prawns and the smooth, spicy mayo is sure to delight your taste buds. This starter is bold, vibrant, and full of personality—much like Nonnu’s Café itself.
Foodie Tip: Dunk each prawn generously into the spicy mayo for maximum flavour. For an extra zing, ask for a wedge of lime to squeeze over the prawns before eating.
Buffalo Boneless Bites
If you’re in the mood for something crispy, spicy, and satisfying, the Buffalo Boneless Bites are calling your name. This dish features tender, boneless chicken thighs, deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and drenched in a tangy buffalo sauce. It’s served with creamy blue cheese dressing, which helps mellow out the heat of the buffalo sauce.
These delicious starters are perfect for sharing, making them ideal for group settings. The balance between the heat of the sauce and the coolness of the blue cheese creates an irresistible flavour profile. Pair these bites with a refreshing iced tea or a soda for a perfect balance of cool and spicy.
Foodie Tip: Mix a little of the blue cheese dip with hot sauce for a tangy-spicy combo that takes the Buffalo Boneless Bites to a whole new level.
Chicken Tikka Nachos
For a fusion twist on a classic favourite, try the Chicken Tikka Nachos. This unique appetizer features crispy corn chips loaded with tandoori chicken, fresh corn and tomato salsa, jalapeños, avocado, sour cream, and a drizzle of tandoori mayo. The combination of the tender, spiced chicken. And the cool, creamy toppings bring together a satisfying mix of textures and flavours.
This dish works wonderfully as a party appetizer. And it pairs delightfully with a mango lassi or rose lemonade. Both of these help to balance the spices in the dish while adding a touch of sweetness.
Foodie Tip: For the best flavour, scoop a little of everything—chicken, salsa, avocado, and mayo—onto each chip. This way, every bite is a mini flavour explosion.
A Quick Recap of Nonnu’s Best Starters and Appetizers
How to Pair Drinks with Starters and Appetizers?
When it comes to pairing easy appetizers and delicious starters. The goal is to match the intensity of the dish with the refreshing qualities of your drink.
Balance Rich Flavors
For rich, creamy appetizers like Baked Brie, you’ll want a drink that balances out the richness. Sparkling water works wonders, as the bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites. Alternatively, a citrus-based mocktail, such as lemon or lime, can offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the brie. This helps keep the flavours light and balanced.
Consider the Spice Level
Spicy appetizers like Crispy Flaming Prawns or Chicken Tikka Nachos require a drink that can either complement or cool down the heat. A sweet mocktail, such as a mango lassi or a berry-based drink, can work well to soothe the spice. Similarly, a cool, refreshing iced tea with hints of citrus or mint can balance the heat without overpowering the dish.
Match Intensity of Flavors
The intensity of your appetizers should guide the drink choice.
Lighter, more delicate appetizers like Mushroom & Cheese Arancini pair beautifully with lighter drinks such as crisp, fruit-infused sparkling water. Such drinks won’t overpower the mild mushroom and cheese flavours.
Bold appetizers like Buffalo Boneless Bites require a drink that can stand up to their intensity. Try a spiced mocktail or a strong citrus iced tea to balance the boldness and richness of the dish.
Contrast Textures
When pairing drinks with crispy appetizers. Think about texture contrast. The crunchiness of fried food calls for a smoother drink to balance it out. A creamy mango lassi or a mocktail can complement the crispiness. Offering a refreshing and smooth texture that contrasts with the crispy bite.
Sweet and Savory Combinations
Combining sweet drinks with savoury appetizers can create an interesting contrast. Savoury and spicy pairs wonderfully with a sweet, cool drink. A mock mojito or a sweet, iced tea offers a pleasant sweetness that cuts through the spiciness and complements the richness of the dish.
Appetizer | Recommended Drink Pairing | Purpose |
Baked Brie (v) | Sparkling Water or Citrus Mocktail | Cleanses the palate and balances the creamy richness |
Mushroom & Cheese Arancini | Virgin Mojito or Iced Tea | Refreshing contrast to the creamy texture |
Crispy Flaming Prawns | Mock Mojito or Lychee Tease | Cool, refreshing balance to the spice |
Buffalo Boneless Bites | Spiced Mocktail or Citrus Iced Tea | Balances the bold, spicy flavours with a cooling effect |
Chicken Tikka Nachos | Mango Lassi or Sweet Iced Tea | Sweet contrast to savoury and spicy |
Enjoy the Best Starters in Perth at Nonnu’s
So, next time you're in the mood for delicious starters. Head over to Nonnu’s Café and explore their amazing variety of appetizers.
Whether you’re in the mood for creamy Mushroom & Cheese Arancini or crispy Buffalo Boneless Bites. You're in for a treat. Bring your friends, your family, or just yourself. And enjoy a variety of flavours that will leave you wanting more.
Join Us Today for the Best Starters in Perth!
FAQs
What's the difference between a starter and an appetizer?
In most contexts, “starters” and “appetizers” mean the same thing. Small dishes served before the main course to whet the appetite. The term “starter” is more common in British English. While “appetizer” is often used in American English.
Why are appetizers important in a meal?
Appetizers serve to stimulate the appetite. Offering a preview of the flavours to come in the main course. They also provide an opportunity to showcase the chef's creativity. And set the tone for the dining experience.
Can appetizers be served as the main course?
Appetizers are typically smaller portions designed to precede the main course. They can be served as the main course. Especially in casual dining settings or when a lighter meal is desired.
What are the 6 types of appetizers?
Six main types of appetizers can be served at gatherings or meals. These include:
Hors d'oeuvres - small, often elegant bites served before a meal.
Crudités - fresh vegetables served with a dip, providing a healthy option.
Canapés - small pieces of bread or pastry topped with a variety of ingredients.
Salads - small portions of salad that can stimulate the appetite before the main course.
Dips - mixtures served with chips, crackers, or vegetables, such as guacamole or salsa.
Finger foods - items that can be eaten without utensils, like meatballs or chicken wings.
Which comes first, appetizer or starter?
The terms appetizer and starter are used the same thing. In American English, "appetizer" is more common. While "starter" is typically used in British English. Both are served before the main course to stimulate the appetite.