Australia boasts a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural population and unique geography. Large-scale migration in the last two hundred years has created a melting-pot cuisine that reflects the culinary sensibilities of different cultures from around the world. When visiting Australia, be sure to try these must-try dishes from Australian cuisine:
Meat Pie:
A classic dish in the Australian cuisine, the meat pie is a savory pastry filled with minced meat, usually beef, and a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s often enjoyed with tomato sauce (ketchup). As an iconic Australian dish, the meat pie holds a special place in the country’s culinary history and culture. Its origins trace back to the British, but Australians have made the humble pie their own. Today, the meat pie continues to be enjoyed across Australia, though many innovative twists on the classic recipe have emerged.
Vegemite on Toast:
Vegemite is an Australian icon, enjoyed on toast by most Aussie’s for breakfast. It is a dark brown Australian food paste made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives. For the ultimate experience you want to start with toast that’s nice and hot and straight from the toaster. For those new to Vegemite it is best not to spread it thick like jam or peanut butter. It is far better to sample it (like a fine wine!) first with a light smearing of Vegemite.
Lamingtons:
There is no cake more Australian than Lamingtons! A moist butter sponge dipped in chocolate then coated with coconut, this is The Cake sold at every suburban bakery and weekend fundraisers. This cake is of course a must-try on your trip to Australia.
Pavlova:
Named after the Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova, Pavlova is a graceful, beautiful, and romantic dessert. It is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any dinner party (you can make pavlovas ahead!). The texture is crisp on the outside with a marshmallow-soft inside, and they are piled high with whipped cream and fruit.
Kangaroo Steak:
You know you’re in Australia when you see kangaroo on the menu. For an adventurous dining experience, try kangaroo steak. Kangaroo meat is tender, succulent and completely delicious! It’s a lean red meat with less than 2 per cent fat, and a bit like beef but more gamey, very healthy and very tasty. It is typically served rare or medium-rare and pairs well with native Australian spices.
Barramundi Burger:
A modern twist on the classic fish and chips, the Australian barramundi fish burger has a juicy, flakey fillet of barramundi with a crunchy golden brown herb crust, lettuce, paired with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, mayonnaise and a tangy sauce served in a soft bun. This hearty, meaty and super flavorful burger is a great way to upscale your mid-week Australian dinner experience.
Anzac Biscuits:
Anzac is made from oats, coconut, and flour combined together in a butter-kissed dough. You end up with a hearty, sturdy cookie, that isn’t overly sweet, with little fuss. A classic recipe! Nothing tastes better than a traditional Anzac biscuit. The perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea, these classic biscuits certainly mark Anzac Day in the most comforting way.
Bush Tomato:
A bush tomato is an Australian native berry related to the tomato with a tangy flavor that is used quite frequently in the Australian cuisine. It has a strong sun dried tomato, caramel and tamarillo flavor and aroma which is just delicious in recipes with tomato, cheese or eggs.
Australia’s food scene is incredibly diverse, and you’ll find a wide range of international cuisines due to its multicultural population. Don’t hesitate to explore local markets, food festivals, and restaurants to discover the full spectrum of flavors that Australia has to offer.
