Australian cuisine draws influences from all over the world. Thanks to migrant influences, especially Asian and Mediterranean, Australia has absorbed a wide range of culinary tastes from all over the world.
Australian cuisine is diverse. If you are not afraid to experiment, an exciting Australian food scene awaits you. Whether you are on holiday for the first time in Australia or you are a local looking to expand your horizons, there are plenty of incredible eats and drinks that you can enjoy. Here is a list of the must-try Australian dishes.
1. Meat Pies
No “Best Australian Foods” list would be complete without mentioning meat pies. There is no way you can visit Australia without trying out meat pies. The Australian meat pie is always a winning choice. You can have it for breakfast or as a midday snack. Meat pies are a service station staple in Australia; they are usually eaten with a squeeze of ketchup on top.
You might think that a pie is a pie, available in any flavor. However, the traditional Australian pie is different. It is hand-sized and is filled with gravy and mincemeat and topped with tomato sauce. A gourmet version with mushy peas and mashed potatoes is also popular.
2. Fish & Chips
Nothing is more Australian than fish and chips. Australia has some of the world’s best seafood. Therefore, you are guaranteed beautifully fresh battered fish served with hot chips.
Nothing beats fish and chips when you are down by the beach. Sample some calamari rings coated in crispy butter. What about some Asian seabass with your chips? This beautiful flaky white fish has a sweet and buttery flavor. It is the perfect choice for a summer evening on the beach.
3. Barramundi
Why not try out the popular Australian fish barramundi, arguably the most Australian of fish varieties. Fried or grilled, it is a much healthier alternative to battered fish.
You can catch your own barramundi or let someone do the hard work for you. For the best Barramundi in the country, head up to Queensland.
4. Chicken Parma
This Aussie chicken dish is worth trying. It has roots in Italian-American cooking. This Italian classic is made of chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and ham. It is usually served with a side salad and crunchy hot chips. The ‘parma’ is an Aussie pub classic. It is the ultimate comfort dish.
5. Pumpkin Soup
Australian cuisine is not all about seafood and meats. It also has many vegetarian dishes including a hearty bowl of pumpkin soup.
There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of pumpkin soup served in the colder months. For an authentic Australian taste, add a Granny Smith Apple.
6. Pavlova
Pavlova is a popular dessert in Australia. New Zealand and Australia have a long-running dispute about who invented this dessert but Australians are convinced about their ownership claim. You can’t attend any Australian birthday, Christmas, or summer party without finding pavlova on the buffet table.
Pavlova is made of a crisp meringue crust and a soft filling, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits such as strawberries, passionfruit, and bananas.
7. Fairy Bread
Fairy bread is the queen of party snacks. It is easy, quick, and cheap to prepare. It also tastes great. Preparing fairy bread involves spreading white bread with butter, it is then topped with brightly colored rainbow sprinkles and cut into triangles.
8. Vegemite on Toast
Vegemite on toast is a simple dish to prepare. It is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack in between meals. Vegemite is made from yeast extracts and not vegetables.
Ask any Australian about how to prepare the perfect vegemite on toast and you will get a different answer. It’s completely personal, not only about the ratio of butter to vegemite, but also additions such as honey, avocado, and cheese.
9. Roast Lamb
A poll conducted by News Ltd indicated that roast lamb is Australia’s National Dish. Roast lamb is a family favorite. It is traditionally cooked in garlic and rosemary and served with potatoes, gravy, and lashings.
Australia is a melting pot of cultures, customs, and nationalities. That is why it has different kinds of foods. Australia has no shortage of unique dishes and iconic snacks.
