Visiting Australia is at all times thrilling. From the wildlife to the surf tradition and improbable street journeys and points of interest, the nation is filled with pleasure at each nook. But what about Australian delicacies? What are standard Australian meals ‘Down Under’?
There is an unlimited vary of Australian meals. The delicacies has an enormous European affect, and also you’ll incessantly spot tailored staples from British and Italian delicacies. Australian delicacies can be influenced by Asian delicacies, particularly Chinese, so be ready to see meals variations like spring rolls. And, after all, a few of Australia’s best meals are created initially in Australia itself – just like the beloved Tim Tam chocolate biscuits.
Best Dishes To Try in Australian Cuisine
This information will whisk you thru the most effective dishes to strive from Australian delicacies. If you’re visiting Australia, these Australian meals are positive to get you impressed earlier than you go. While if you’re on the lookout for new recipes to strive in your individual kitchen, many of those are appropriate for cooking at dwelling. Ready? Let’s start.
1. Vegemite
Vegemite is considered one of Australia’s most beloved and hated spreads. It is an acquired style, and also you’ll both fall head over heels for it. Vegemite is considered one of Australia’s most iconic spreads. We’ve personally discovered that the majority Australians we’ve met don’t hate it.
Vegemite is a darkish brown paste with a robust yeasty, salty style. It is an acquired style, and also you’ll both fall head over heels for it, slathering it onto your toast every morning, or rush to the sink for a glass of water. So, what precisely is vegemite fabricated from?
Vegemite is fabricated from brewers yeast, onion extract, malt, and celery – a bizarre-sounding concoction. It is offered in a small jar and could be bought at most supermarkets. Vegemite is one thing aside from one thing that’s made at dwelling. It could be very related to the British sauce Marmite, and that’s as a result of, in 1922, a meals producer needed to recreate an Australian model. Over 100 years later and the little jar continues to be prevalent. And right here’s a cool truth, Veggemite is nice for a hangover. With its excessive salt content material combined with vitamin B, it is going to assist your physique replenish these electrolites.
2. Anzac biscuits
It may very well be argued that scrumptious Anzac biscuits are the most well-liked Australian meals. Anzac biscuits are commemorative biscuits that pay respects to the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. They are popularly eaten on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day as a tribute to those that served in World War I, those that served all through historical past, and those that proceed to serve immediately. As its title suggests, it doesn’t simply acknowledge Australian troopers but in addition the New Zealand Army Corps.
An Anzac biscuit is tremendous candy. It consists of rolled oats, desiccated coconut, sugar, butter, golden syrup, flour, and baking soda. The components are combined in a big bowl, after which boiling water is added. Anzac biscuits are baked like every other biscuit – within the oven till golden.
While Anzac biscuits are mostly eaten on ANZAC Day or Remembrance Day, you’ll discover them in bakeries throughout Australia all year long. Thanks to its simple recipe, the Anzac biscuit can be simple to recreate at dwelling.
3. Fairy bread
Fairy bread is likely one of the strangest Australian meals. This dish appears to be like prefer it was ready and masterminded by a small youngster. It is becoming, contemplating it’s often served at youngsters’s events. Fairy bread consists of slices of white bread topped with butter and tons of and 1000’s. It has a colourful enchantment and a barely candy style. The dots of coloration are what give it its title ‘fairy bread’.
The Hobart Mercury newspaper first talked about Fairy bread in Australia within the Nineteen Twenties. The article cited that fairy bread was being eaten at youngsters’s events, and the pattern caught on. Fairy bread has been eaten ever since. It is a budget-friendly Australian meals shut to a cake but additionally uncommon sufficient to warrant novelty enchantment. The white bread is good and fluffy, and the tons of and 1000’s add sweetness. Give it a go, and also you’ll be impressed. Fairy bread is finest tried at dwelling since you’ll need assist discovering it in cafes as a homecooked Australian meals.
4. Tim Tam slam
For these at the hours of darkness about this iconic Australian meals, Tim Tams are Australias favorite chocolate biscuit. British readers will know Penguin biscuits, and Tim Tams are primarily the very same factor. A Tim Tam is made up of two malted biscuits break up by a yummy layer of chocolate sauce, then fully coated in a chocolate layer. The biscuit was masterminded by the Aussie biscuit firm Arnott’s in 1964. Now, Tim Tams are lovingly devoured all throughout Australia. The humble Tim Tam is even shipped internationally.
It received’t shock you that Tim Tams style candy and chocolatey. Tim Tams are finest loved with a sizzling beverage like a tea or espresso, and you should buy them in most supermarkets in Australia and get them organized on-line to be shipped overseas. An Aussie ritual when having a Tim Tam with a sizzling drink is to create a Tim Tam Slam, the place you chunk off reverse corners on every finish of the biscuit after which suck the drink by means of like utilizing a straw. This is especially standard with sizzling chocolate.
5. Kangaroo meat
Next to koalas, kangaroos are Australia’s nationwide animal. However, in contrast to koalas, kangaroos are additionally a well-liked Australian meals. Kangaroos are extraordinarily widespread throughout Australia and have such excessive inhabitants numbers that they’re thought-about pests in lots of areas. Kangaroo meat was unlawful till the tip of the twentieth century, when it was legalized for human consumption. However, Indigenous Australians have been consuming kangaroo meat for hundreds of years.
When staying on the Gold Coast, our good friend Duncan introduced over some kangaroo meat for us to strive. I informed him I wouldn’t eat it, however when he cooked it, I preferred it higher than my steak! The lean pink meat is exceptionally excessive in protein and low in fats – making it a wholesome dish to eat.
Kangaroo meat has a a lot stronger, richer taste than beef or lamb. It can be filled with iron and actually excessive in nutritional vitamins and minerals like zinc. Kangaroo meat is sourced from wild kangaroos, sourced throughout Australia from Queensland to Western Australia. The meat could be cooked in a pan, oven, or true Aussie model, grilled on the barbecue.
6. Pavlova
A pavlova is a scrumptious dessert that’s famed throughout the globe and truly originated in New Zealand. The pavlova acquired its title from the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It is usually eaten in Australia for particular events and public gatherings. The dish is meringue-based but appears to be like extra like a domed cake. It is incessantly adorned with whipped cream and recent fruits and has a crisp exterior and delicate inside.
Baking a pavlova is kind of a high quality artwork. It includes whisking egg whites and including sugar steadily. It is a kind of desserts that everybody is aware of one completed dessert maker and depends on them to convey a pavlova. If you feel courageous, strive making a pavlova at dwelling or deal with your self to a pleasant slice whereas visiting Australia’s finest cafes.
7. Barramundi
Barramundi is my favourite Australian fish. It is a white fish with a fantastic buttery taste. Barramundi could be present in nearly each seafood dish and is by far considered one of Australia’s hottest fish. Trust me, if you’re visiting Australia you don’t need to miss making an attempt the barramundi. Even if you’re not a fish lover you’ll love the style of this one. If you’re anyplace alongside the coast will probably be simple to monitor it down.
If you’re looking to catch and eat one your self then Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory provide the most effective barramundi fishing.
Barramundi could be cooked in some ways, together with being steamed, baked, barbecued, or fried. An Australian favourite is to barbecue it, or alternatively, marinate the meat with lemon earlier than baking it within the oven. No matter which method you put together it you’re assured nice taste.
8. Fish and chips
Fish and chips are a traditional British dish, so it’s no marvel that the recipe adopted British settlers to Australia. The Australian model of fish and chips could be very related – you’ll nonetheless discover battered white fish and chunky potato chips. The predominant distinction is that the Aussie model makes use of Australian fish like basa, New Zealand Hoki, and john dory. In Britain, white fish like cod or haddock are way more standard.
The fish is coated in a lightweight batter (with beer often added as an additional contact) and deep-fried. The potatoes are chopped into tough chunks and in addition deep-fried in oil. Aussies have a tendency to serve fish and chips drenched in malt vinegar with loads of salt.
Fancy making an attempt the Australian tackle this traditional dish? There are fish and chips outlets everywhere in the nation, and every store will favor completely different fish, providing a distinct expertise of this Australian meals relying on the place you choose. Fish is often recent and regionally caught. For occasion, john dory is quite common round Sydney, so that you’ll discover numerous john dory fish and chips across the metropolis.
9. Meat pie
Good outdated meat pies are beloved by Australians nationwide. The pies are sometimes across the dimension of your hand and are served as the perfect takeaway snack. The finest meat pie consists of minced meat, gravy, and infrequently additional components like mushroom, onion, melted cheese, or spice components. Aussies take the title of the ‘best meat pie’ very critically, although, and there are even specialty pie outlets dotted across the nation.
Hot meaty pies have been round for hundreds of years and are believed to have been developed as a method to include and maintain sizzling meat. It is such an age-old culinary idea that meat pies could be traced again to the 2nd century AD. However, Australia caught on to the meat pie within the early nineteenth century when a wheat mill was opened in Sydney.
Meat pies are simple to put together, and it simply includes filling a short-crust pastry base with fillings and cooking in an oven. Simple however scrumptious, a meat pie is a good Australian meals to strive when visiting.
10. Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken parmigiana consists of rooster schnitzel (breaded rooster) breast coated in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Nobody is aware of the place this tasty dish caught maintain to change into a pub favourite, however variations of ‘chicken parma’ have popped up the place it has change into a staple dish in Australian delicacies. The earliest reference could be discovered within the US in 1944. Still, for the aim of this information, we will likely be treating rooster parmigiana as an Australian meals. Besides, the Aussies do it finest.
Chicken parmigiana is ready with a mix of overwhelmed eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, and a particular tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and oregano. It is cooked within the oven and served alongside veggies or carbs like pasta and potatoes.
Chicken parmigiana is discovered in lots of Australian eating places and cafes. You may also discover a decent-priced rooster parma in most Australian supermarkets, like Woolies. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, recreate the dish at dwelling.
11. Salt and pepper calamari
Salt and pepper calamari is a massively standard Australian meals. Squid is caught throughout Australia by means of strictly sustainable fishing, and calamari is simply squid chopped into chewy meat rings. Calamari could be served in lots of types, together with battered or served amongst recent seafood. However, salt and pepper calamari is the most well-liked use of squid and is especially scrumptious.
The calamari is dipped in wheat flour and egg to create a salt and pepper batter. The smothered calamari is deep-fried till it’s gentle, crispy, and golden. The result’s scrumptious. The salt is essentially the most obvious style within the dish, though the distinction between the batter and the softness of the squid meat provides a pleasant texture.
It won’t shock you that calamari is an Italian dish. The phrase calamari means squid in Italian. The dish was adopted in Australian delicacies within the mid-to-late 90s. The recipe is so properly suited to Australia. It rapidly turned a match made in heaven for the reason that nation’s waters are surrounded by excessive squid populations. The relaxation is historical past.
12. Sausage sizzle
Sausage sizzles are massively related to fundraising and social occasions like a great outdated Aussie BBQ, from the Sydney Royal Easter Show to a college barbecue. So, what’s it? A sausage sizzle is a skinny sausage served diagonally on a slice of bread, a sausage sandwich. It is cooked on a barbecue and is often served with tomato or barbecue sauce. You’ll generally discover fried onions as an addition to the tasty tomato sauce.
Sausage sizzles are rapidly cooked at dwelling, particularly you probably have a barbecue. But in the event you go to Australia, you’ll positively come throughout one or two in your travels. There are loads of public barbecues too, the place you’ll be able to cook dinner up a storm in the event you don’t have one at dwelling.
13. Smashed avocado
Smashed avocado is a scrumptious meals in Australia’s native delicacies. While usually served as a standalone dish, simply with avocado on toast, smashed avocado may also be added to poached eggs on toast and eggs and bacon. It is a beautiful, versatile staple that Aussies add to many traditional dishes – often at breakfast or brunch.
Avocados are prevalent throughout Australia, and actually, many working vacation visa holders assist out with harvesting avocados to qualify for his or her second and third-year visas. Because avocados are produced regionally, they’re among the finest on the planet. Forget shopping for avocados that appear too ripe and brown earlier than you’ve even acquired them dwelling.
Smashed avocado is straightforward and includes peeling and eradicating the big seed from the middle. You then simply mash up the ‘avo’, including seasoning and a squirt of lemon or sprint of seed if you want. Avocado is massively standard in Aussie cafes and eating places, and in the event you exit for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, you’re sure to discover it on the menu.
14. Fresh prawns
Australians eat loads of recent seafood. However, prawns are an enormous staple and a particular Aussie traditional. They are farmed throughout the nation’s shoreline and are among the many hottest Australian meals decisions. It is widespread to have a bowl of recent prawns when assembly associates for a social occasion. It is taken into account a staple Australian dish at summer season backyard events and at an Australian BBQ.
Fresh prawns could be served peeled or unpeeled. If served unpeeled, keep away from being delay by the dish, as you’ll be able to simply tear off the pinnacle finish and flip off the exhausting shell by the ft. You rapidly get the cling of it, and the prawn meat is chilly and refreshing – value the additional effort.
What may sound unusual to non-Australians is that recent prawns are thought-about a Christmas particular in Australia. Seafood, basically, is a agency favourite festive meals, however prawns have a tendency to take heart stage. Try some in the event you go to; if not, contemplate including them to your subsequent Christmas dinner.
15. Lamb leg roast
Australia has a big sheep trade. And whereas farmers have skilled some ups and downs, particularly throughout current droughts, it’s nonetheless thriving immediately. British settlers virtually instantly started farming once they arrived within the 18th century, and lamb leg roast is a traditional from the early days. Lamb leg roast is an Australian assertion dish. It is often the centerpiece of a dinner for numerous individuals.
Lamb leg roast tastes a bit of gamey and has extra fats than meats like beef. Lamb’s leg can be one of the tender cuts, very best for roasting reasonably than braising or stewing since roasting makes use of dry warmth. It is cooked for an prolonged interval within the oven, for a few of which many individuals select to place foil over the meat to retain moisture. Some recipes add additional components like rosemary and garlic.
16. Crab sticks
First issues first, crab sticks are usually not really crab meat. Crab sticks encompass white fish meat that’s blended up into tiny sticks and dyed pink on the surface, meant to visually resemble a crab’s legs. The thought is a Japanese idea created to present an inexpensive different to costly crab legs. Crab sticks emerged in Japan within the Seventies, and never surprising contemplating Australia’s love affair with seafood, they quickly made their method Down Under.
Crab sticks have a really delicate taste, and the fish style is sufficiently subtle to not give away the crab disguise. You buy precooked crab sticks, that are finest eaten chilly, very similar to recent prawns. You can usually discover crab sticks paired with salads and dips. As a simple finger meals dish, it’s a standard addition to a backyard get together desk or social gathering.
17. Witchetty grub
Ready to go correct Aussie bush tucker? Witchetty grub doesn’t look appetizing however tastes surprisingly good. The huge white moth larvae are historically eaten by Indigenous Australians. However, others have caught on to the wide-ranging well being advantages as properly. Some go so far as to declare that witchetty grub tastes like almonds when eaten uncooked and rooster when cooked. The grubs are extraordinarily wealthy in protein, fats, and power. They additionally include excessive ranges of vitamin B1 and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
As you might have picked up on, you’ll be able to eat witchetty grub uncommon or cooked. We suggest making an attempt witchetty grub cooked, although. The grubs are finest cooked by roasting them on coals, which supplies them a lightweight smoky taste.
18. Emu meat
You don’t take a look at the large, flightless chook and instantly assume ‘food’. However, emu meat has been eaten by Indigenous Australians for hundreds of years. The big chook is the largest native chook in Australia and an ostrich relative. Its meat could be very lean, low in fats, and excessive in iron, excellent for human consumption. In the late 90s, emu meat immediately obtained loads of public consideration, with many calling it ‘the next red meat’. Only a couple of international locations aside from Australia nonetheless have an emu trade, although, with emu meat failing to overtake beef and show itself cost-effective.
Emu tastes so much like beef and incorporates loads of oils which might be hailed for anti-inflammatory properties. It is taken into account a more healthy different to mainstream meats like beef, rooster, and pork. So be courageous and take a look at some in the event you go to Australia.
19. Crocodile meat
Crocodile meat shouldn’t be one thing you’ll discover in your typical Aussie barbecue. You don’t even discover crocodiles dwelling wild in New South Wales, South Australia, or Victoria. So you’d have to head to the extra northern states to come throughout crocodile farms. However, the dish is likely one of the most uncommon Australian meals, and if you’re feeling adventurous, its value making an attempt. It has very excessive protein ranges and is commonly in contrast in style and texture to rooster.
Because it’s farmed on a comparatively small scale, crocodile meat is taken into account an Australian delicacy. There is a historical past of Indigenous Australians consuming crocodiles. While crocodiles had been protected as a species in 1971, the inhabitants grew so giant once more that the crocodile meat trade by no means ceased. As we mentioned, if you’re feeling adventurous, crocodile is likely one of the most uncommon Australian meals to strive. Make positive to analysis the product earlier than shopping for, although, because the crocodile trade has a status for having some unethical farms. Anyone promoting ethically sourced meat must be clear and reply your questions fortunately.
20. Mango
Stepping away from Australia’s most controversial meals, let’s take a look at its primary recent fruit; mango. Mangoes are usually not native to Australia, however the Portuguese unfold the fruit worldwide and it started to spring up in Australia by the 1800s. The fruit is predominantly grown in Queensland, with some timber in Western Australia and New South Wales.
Mangoes are tremendous candy and juicy. Throughout the mango season (September till February), mangoes are offered within the majority of supermarkets and in some small outlets. They are eaten recent, skinned then sliced off the big seed within the heart. You can discover dried mango 12 months spherical, however it’s nowhere close to as standard because the ‘real deal’. Aussies love mango as a refreshing summer season snack.
21. Lamingtons
Lamingtons are a tasty dessert served virtually as bitesize. It is a classy candy deal with designed to be loved with a sizzling drink similar to tea or espresso and coated with chocolate sauce. The dessert consists of a sq. of butter cake or sponge cake, evenly coated in jam and a layer of chocolate icing and sprinkled with desiccated coconut. Lamingtons style extremely candy, so these with a candy tooth will love this Australian meals.
The dessert was named in honor of Lord and Lady Lamington, the primary who served as governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. While the unique creator is unknown, the recipe was printed in {a magazine} in 1900 and shortly caught on. Quickly, lamingtons turned commonplace in Australian cookbooks.
22. Chiko roll
picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons by IanBailey at English Wikipedia, Public area
A Chiko roll is an adaptation of a Chinese spring roll. If meals may very well be copyrighted, Chiko rolls would definitely be responsible, because the dish appears to be like equivalent to a Chinese spring roll. The solely distinction is the filling, as Chiko rolls have beef and rice in addition to greens like carrot and cabbage – regardless of being offered initially as rooster rolls and never containing any rooster in anyway.
Chiko rolls are an incredible savory snack and have a meaty taste from the meat. As a responsible pleasure processed meals, Chiko rolls are a traditional Australian meals to strive from the native Aussie grocery store or native fish and chip. store. While it’s a branded dish and there isn’t a set recipe to make them at dwelling rapidly, you may additionally try to recreate the recipe as an additional problem. Otherwise, hold it easy and simply order some in.
23. Seafood pizza
Pizza, no doubt, belongs to Italy. It is, nevertheless, a well-liked Australian dish. One pizza, specifically, is standard all through the nation: seafood pizza. We’ve already talked about how a lot Australians get pleasure from seafood, and pizza is not any exception. On your pizza, you’ll be able to count on to discover all the things from prawns to calamari and mussels. The flavors complement one another completely, particularly with a garlicky tomato sauce.
When pizza turned standard in Australia, the seafood pizza was launched. It wasn’t till the late Forties that there was a rush of Italian and Greek residents who migrated to Australia following World War II. So Australia was late to understand that the remainder of the world loves pizza. In truth, the primary pizza restaurant was opened in 1961, and after that, the pizza scene took off quickly.
24. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are one of the pure Australian meals. The tiny little nuts are one of many solely native merchandise that Australia exports on a colossal worldwide scale. The nuts are praised worldwide for his or her dietary worth, together with dietary fiber and pure antioxidants that assist situations like heart problems and diabetes. Macadamia nuts are very low in sugar and carbohydrates however excessive in protein and magnesium.
Macadamia nuts are predominantly grown in New South Wales and southern Queensland (by the way, New South Wales is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Australia). You should purchase the nuts at most supermarkets and entire meals outlets and purchase them from outdoors of Australia as an exported good. If you go to New South Wales, you may also enterprise to macadamia nut hotspots like Byron Bay and take excursions of the farms. The nuts could be eaten uncooked or roasted at a low temperature in order not to lose their dietary worth.
Australian Food FAQs
Now that we’ve checked out the most effective Australian meals to strive at dwelling or in Australia let’s take a look at some widespread FAQs.
What is a well-liked meals in Australia?
Seafood, particularly prawns, is a well-liked meals in Australia. Prawns are even eaten at Christmas.
What meals are solely in Australia?
Kangaroo meat is barely present in Australia. Some meals, like macadamia nuts, are native to Australia however exported all world wide.
What is Australia’s most favourite meals?
Australia’s favourite meals is avocado. You discover avocados in all places in Australia, and avocado-themed breakfasts and brunches are tremendous standard.
What is Australia’s tradition meals?
Anzac biscuits are Australia’s cultural meals, representing the nation’s beliefs and respect for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
To Conclude
Food won’t have been your first thought earlier than a go to to Australia. Hopefully, now you already know that it must be. Australian meals is scrumptious and assorted – having cherry-picked the most effective components of quite a few different cuisines and added some gems of its personal. Adventurous eaters may also love the novelty of surprising meats, which comes with the territory of getting such an interesting wildlife scene.
Looking for extra Australian journey inspiration and data? Check out these guides on essentially the most wonderful issues to do in Tasmania and Brisbane. For non-surfers, we’ve additionally acquired a information on issues to do in Queensland in addition to browsing and a useful assortment of the finest locations to keep for these visiting Melbourne.