With sunny beaches and a stunning landscape, Australia is a spectacular country with so much to offer. And while we are all accustomed to the natural beauty of this country, one thing that it’s also known for is its food culture.
With over 8.2 million out of the total 26 million of the population born overseas, Australia is famous not only for its local Australian cuisine but also for having some of the best international cuisines in the world.
So if you’re an Aussie or are a traveller looking to visit this country, here are our top recommendations for the best food to try in Australia.
So, let’s get started.
The Best Foods to Try in Australia
- Anzac Biscuits
- Fairy Bread
- Kangaroo
- Pavlova
- Meat Pies
- Barramundi
- Roasted Lamb
- Hamburger with Beetroot
- Vegemite
- Lamington’s
The 10 Must Foods to Try in Australia
- Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are one of the most popular snacks in Australia, and rightly so. This popular food item in our list even comes with its own unique history! Back in World War I, the wives of soldiers who were fighting sent them these biscuits. During the time of war, it was easy to make and also very cheap and had a long shelf life, perfect for the soldiers to snack on. And as Australia celebrates Anzac Day on the 25th of April every year to commemorate the members of ANZAC who fought in wars, these biscuits were named after this. Although, these biscuits are made with coconut, golden syrup and oats, don’t let these humble ingredients fool you! Anzac biscuits are as delicious as they come.
- Fairy Bread
Although strange to our international readers, Fairy Bread is a staple in Australia. Although, you likely won’t come across this strange but yummy creation besides a kid’s birthday party. Made with simple ingredients such as white bread that is spread with butter and then doused in colourful sprinkles, fairy bread is sure to bring out the child in all of us.
- Kangaroo
Similar to fairy bread, kangaroo isn’t a food most people are accustomed to, besides Australians. But people have been consuming Kangaroos for hundreds of years, making it somewhat of a traditional food for the Australians. If you are worried about the meat being sustainable, here’s a fun fact: there are more Kangaroos in Australia than humans! Kangaroo meat is lean and tends out to dry faster. Therefore it is mainly used in burgers, as steaks, etc. Kangaroo burger is one of the most popular street foods in Melbourne and in entire Australia. You can easily find kangaroo meat on supermarket shelves or an Australian restaurant that specialises in Australian cuisine.
- Pavlova
Now this food item on our list can be a little controversial as Australians and New Zealanders have been fighting over the origin of this dish for years. Nevertheless, named after Anna Pavlova (a Russian ballerina), pavlova is a delicious dessert is made up of a light crunchy white meringue that is topped with whipped cream and an abundance of fresh fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and more. Pavlova is one of the most beloved desserts in Australia and rightly so.
- Meat Pies
Although most people associate pies as a sweet pastry-based dessert, meat pie is a famous savoury pie in Australia. Aussies have an undying love for these delicious pies that have been passed down through generations. Usually filled with minced beef sauteed in onion, garlic and a few spices, they also come in other varieties including chicken and leek pie, pork and pepper pie, curry steak pie, lamb and rosemary pie and more! These perfect little pies can be found anywhere from service stations to bakeries and restaurants.
- Barramundi
Owing to its proximity to the ocean and various water sources, one of the most popular food categories in Australia is seafood. While there are a plenty of sea creatures such as fish, lobster, crabs, scallops, mussels, and oysters to try, one that’s unique and special to Australia is the Barramundi. Barramundi is a large freshwater fish and is served seared, grilled, pan-fried or deep-fried across restaurants all over Australia. Moreover, it is not only healthy (low in fat but high in omega-3 fatty acids), it also tastes great and has a wonderful texture.
- Roasted Lamb
While Australia is known for many things, one thing it is pretty famous for is roasted lamb. So much so that, it was recently declared as the national food of Australia by a poll conducted held by News Ltd websites all across the mainland capitals. Available throughout small restaurants to fine dining restaurants, this dish is prepared with slow-roasted lamb that has been prepared by using ingredients such as mint, lemon myrtle, bush tomatoes, etc.
- Hamburger with Beetroot
Among many other things, Aussies have a profound love for beetroots and it shows in the food they prefer. Although an unusual burger topping for our international audience, Aussies have been know to add slices of beetroot to their hamburgers to make it even more delectable. Since beets are a good source of vitamins and minerals, these delicious add-ons also add a little bit of health to your not-so-healthy burger.
- Vegemite
The counterpart to its British cousin Marmite, Vegemite is a popular breakfast item among the Aussies. It is made up of yeast extract, various vegetables and is a dark brown paste usually enjoyed with a buttered toast, veggies or crackers. It has an umami taste and is not everyone’s cup of tea.
- Lamington’s
Popular as Australia’s national cake, Lamington’s are sponge cakes that are coated in chocolate frosting and sprinkled with shredded coconut. They also come in a variety with layers of cream or jam in between layers. These tasty delights are available throughout Australia in coffee shops, bakeries, supermarkets and restaurants. Usually enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, these tiny cakes are sure to brighten your day.
So there you have it folks, the 10 best foods to try in Australia. Whether you are craving something sweet, savoury, hearty or a light snack, these tasty delights are a must-try for all. You can directly order these dishes from online ordering platforms like Food and Wine with Love, OpenTable, Yelp, etc. So, don’t wait; order your favourite dish today!
