A quick word with Thelma Plum

The award-winning singer and Gamilaraay woman on her favourite Brisbane takeaway, fast food on tour, and learning to take her mum’s advice.

- By Charlotte Wishart

Growing up, I spent a lot of time between Brisbane and Delungra in rural New South Wales. My mum lived in Brisbane and my grandparents out in Delungra, which is a tiny, little, dusty town. At my grandparents’ house we would have more of a sit down dinner that my grandmother would cook from scratch. She’s an incredible cook and my favourite thing that she would make for us were these fantastic little golden syrup dumplings.

My mum was a single mother, which meant she was raising us while working and studying full time, so just by the demand of circumstance we would often get takeaway. My mum is very cool and a big foodie so it was never just Maccas or KFC, it would always be very interesting takeaway; like the tasty, authentic Thai around the corner. Looking back it was a really great introduction to different cuisines.

One of my favourite places for takeaway in Brisbane is Lefkas Greek Taverna in West End. It’s my local favourite, but I especially love it when I return home from tour. It’s this really old and classic Greek restaurant and I always get the chicken and rice with their amazing garlic potatoes. I love it so much that even recently, when my boyfriend and I went to the Turkish restaurant across the road, which is also amazing, I still had to get a rice pudding for dessert from Lefkas, because they seriously have the best rice pudding.