The Bao Shed food van secures spot on Kalbarri Foreshore until June despite attracting some opposition

Tourists and locals can enjoy bao buns in the sun after the Shire of Northampton approved a food truck to serve Malaysian cuisine on the Kalbarri foreshore until June. Shire of Northampton councillors backed the temporary food truck to operate seven days a week at Sally’s Tree carpark along Kalbarri’s foreshore, despite some residents raising concerns it would create a disincentive for fixed food outlets. The Bao Shed arrived in Kalbarri from Broome two months ago and will operate 12-8pm serving Malaysian-style curries, rice noodle soups and steamed bao buns. After mixed views during public submission, council voted to approve business operations until June at this month’s meeting and would later review the operation of food vans in the tourist hub. Northampton Shire president Liz Sudlow said the council understood businesses’ fight but at the same time there needed to be food options during Kalbarri’s tourist season. “The council has approved the food van to operate until June. When the time comes we will review how food vans operate in the future,” she said.