From its earliest settlers to the Asian and Mediterranean influence during the 19th and 20th centuries, Australian food mirrors the influence of multicultural cuisines. Australian foods have unique flavor combinations, from meat that supermarkets do not typically see to delicious chocolate biscuits. That’s why in this article, we are going to list down the most popular foods in Australia.
Hot Jam Donuts
Hot jam donut is an Australian specialty that originates from Melbourne. Unlike other donuts, hot jam donuts are often served hot. They are made with yeasted dough that was proved twice, and it is filled with jam before it’s cooked in the fryer. Hot jam donuts are meant to be eaten fresh and hot for you to experience its crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside texture. They are also covered with sugar and are usually served in white paper bags.
Green Chicken Curry Pie
This is a comforting pie that is filled with spinach, pumpkin, green beans, chicken pieces, coconut milk, coriander, and green curry paste. All of these tasty ingredients are stuffed inside an egg-brushed puff pastry shell and baked until it is golden brown. Australians like to pair green chicken curry pie with a rocket salad and it is one of Australia’s best comfort food.
Vegemite
Vegemite is probably one of the most common Australian foods that tourists like to try. But no matter how several people say that it tastes disgusting, you should give it a try at least once. Vegemite is a dark brown colored paste that is made from yeast extract, several vegetables, as well as spice additives. It’s like the counterpart of marmite in the UK. Australians like to spread Vegemite on bread or toast and pair it with butter. They also want to eat it with tomato, melted cheese, and avocado.
Fairy Bread
Fairy bread is not just a popular snack, but it is also a staple in almost every Australian kid’s birthday party. It’s cheap but pretty, not to mention delicious. This snack is composed of white bread that is spread with margarine and topped with rainbow-colored sprinkles that Australian’s like to call “hundreds and thousands.” Fairy bread is a beloved Australian snack. In fact, there is even a Fairy Bread Day every 24th of November each year to celebrate this colorful snack.
Tim Tams
Tim Tams are undoubtedly Australia’s favorite chocolate biscuit. This sweet snack got its name after confectionary company owner Ross Arnott named it after the winning horse of the 1958 Kentucky Derby. Launched in 1964, Tim Tams consists of a thin layer of chocolate cream that is sandwiched between two wafer cookies then covered in chocolate. Even if Tim Tams are already delicious on their own, Australians like to bite the opposite corners of the biscuit and dunk it in your hot drink, a time-honored tradition they like to call the “Tim Tam Slam.”
Kangaroo Meat
Kangaroo meat is produced throughout Australia. Because it has low-fat content, grilled kangaroo steaks ought to be served medium-rare. Kangaroo meat goes well with oranges, plums, rosemary, juniper, red currants, and garlic. Kangaroo meat tastes like a blend of buffalo mean and venison. It has a not too overpowering gamey flavor.
Emu Meat
Emu meat is a type of red meat that is known for having low cholesterol and fat content. Because of this, it should always be cooked carefully so that the meat would not be dried out. It has a mild flavor, which goes well with soy sauce, ginger, lemon juice, and honey. Emu meat can be broiled, roasted, grilled, or pan-fried.
Anzac Biscuits
ANZAC is actually an acronym that stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. There is also a public holiday in Australia called ANZAC Day, which celebrates the men that fought for the country during World War I. The wives first made Anzac biscuits to send off their men at war. These biscuits are cheap and easy to make; they also stay fresh during long board journeys. It is made with golden syrup, oats, and coconut.
Chicken Parmigiana
The name may not particularly sound Australian, but it is one of the most common dishes that you can find in any Australian pub. In fact, several pubs even have a parma night where they offer a decent-priced chicken parmigiana with a beer. Chicken parmigiana is a chicken in breadcrumbs, and it is topped with melted cheese and tasty tomato sauce.
Pavlova
Australians and New Zealanders have always fought for the title of the inventor of the Pavlova. This is a meringue cake that is topped with fruit and whipped cream. But, regardless of who invented it first, this is absolutely a delicious treat. You can typically find Pavlova in a bakery or cake shop, or you can find them pre-made from the supermarket.
Barramundi
Trust us, and when you’re traveling around Australia, you will be able to see Barramundi on almost every restaurant menu. Barramundi is the Aboriginal name for a type of sea bass that is found in Australia. The name literally means large-scared silverfish. When you’re in Australia, do not forget to try Barramundi at least once because it would not be a beloved dish for no reason.
Lamingtons
This very Australian food is a sponge cake that is covered with either raspberry sauce or chocolate sauce then covered in coconut. You might find them unappealing, especially if you’re not so keen on coconut, but they are delicious, and they make a perfect snack, especially when you pair them with a nice cup of tea.
Witchetty Grub
If you’re into exotic foods and you really want to experience some authentic Australian delicacy, then the Witchetty Grub is the way to go. These tiny worms taste like chicken, and it is packed with as much protein as a piece of steak. Indigenous Australians have consumed Witchetty grub for years, and its nutritional benefits may help you overcome its gooey texture.