Just hearing about some good Aussie food is not what you expect to satisfy your taste buds, but trying them all will certainly do. Australia is also a very well-known dream holiday destination for many, not just for its friendly natives, idealised landscapes, and distinctive wildlife but also for its exceptional cuisine. This nation’s food and culture haven’t remained unnoticed by anyone at a global level. The recipes people prepare here and eat give people the best gastronomic experiences for themselves, leaving them amazed for ages.
In contrast to the belief of many, Australia’s culinary scene is very much influenced by the recipes of those who travelled and settled here years ago. With time, these extraordinary preparations have been passed on from generations, allowing the current people to spread their aromatic aroma to all. Keep on reading, as in today’s blog you’ll get to know about the best Australian foods and dishes you need to try at least once in your lifetime.
1. Vegemite
It’s a dark brown paste prepared from multiple vegetables, with a lot of yeast extract and spice additives added to it. This paste is very much related to British marmite, which is also based on yeast extract. It’s widely known for its heavy umami flavour, which most people will either love fully or resent at all.
As per various Aussie people, the best way to eat Vegemite is by spreading it on toast combined with butter. Many of the locals also say that eating it the right way is to consume it with avocado, melted cheese, or tomato. For your convenience, you can easily locate it at any Australian grocery store.
Where To Try/Buy: Head over to the official website of Vegemite to try it.
2. Fairy Bread
Not just for kids, but this exceptionally well-prepared scrumptious is something people of all ages must try at once. Most of the time, one will find it while paying a visit at a kid’s party but that doesn’t mean you can’t find and eat it anywhere else.
Even though being a simple delicacy made from three ingredients alone, namely white bread, butter and rainbow sprinkles that locals refer to as hundreds and thousands, it’s fully capable of acquiring its spot in the list of the “best foods in Australia” for sure that one can easily prepare.
Where To Try/Buy: You can try making this bread on your own by going with this recipe.
“All sorrows are less with bread.” – Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
3. Tim Tams
If you’re planning to go sea kayaking or backpacking across Australia, make sure to add Tim Tams to your list of essentials. A product of the renowned Australian biscuit company named Arnott’s, Tim Tams is a chocolate-malted biscuit that has double-layers and is filled with chocolate cream and covered in even more chocolate.
For years, this product has successfully secured its name as Australia’s favourite chocolate biscuit that not only you can take a bite of, but you can even use it as a straw to sip your glass of warm beverages that could be coffee, milk, hot chocolate, etc. Being one of Australia’s most palatable eatables, Tim Tams has different ways of being eaten, and one needs not worry while exploring a new one.
Where To Try/Buy: Buy Tim Tams them from their official website from here
“I love biscuits. I have a real thing for a biscuits, and if it's not made right, I'm gonna come down hard on somebody” – Johnny Iuzzini
4. Meat Pies
Another item on our list of popular Australian foods one needs to try is “meat pies.” It’s one of the most popular snacks one needs to try at least once in their lifetime. It is available at almost every bakery, supermarket, and corner shop, with its own separate display case and lots of options.
Most of these pies are filled with minced beef, emu, or kangaroo meat, but one might also come across a vegetarian option such as gravy, mushrooms, onions, or cheese. At most party events, it serves as their best option to try and end their night on a high note.
Where To Try/Buy: Try your hands at this excellent recipe of Australian meat pie by clicking here.
“We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” – David Mamet
5. Anzac Biscuits
In order to commemorate the comradeship of the Army of Australia and New Zealand, which fought together during World War I, Anzac biscuits were made. Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, witnessing the same phenomenon covered before. Celebrating the bravery of these soldiers, a day is also celebrated as ANZAC Day marked by a national holiday in Australia.
Once sent to the war, these baked biscuits, which were inexpensive, remained good for a long time; they are now easily available at most of the local grocery stores. One can even buy them fresh through bakeries and at fundraising events as well.
Where To Try/Buy: Head over to this site, for a detailed recipe of making Anzac biscuits with a video.
“When I eat biscuits, I also eat grits” – Taylor Hicks
6. Milo
Renowned for the unique malty, chocolatey taste that it carries, many Aussies grew up on this only. Not just once, but the ways it can be used are so many, including making chocolate milk, being an additive to some bakery products, or turning it into a snack bar or a breakfast cereal as well.
Due to its wide popularity and usage, it’s also been referred to for many sporting activities, such as badminton and football. Despite having a native Australian origin, at present, it’s easily available across the globe as owned and provided by Nestle.
Where To Try/Buy: Buy them from Nestle‘s official website.
7. Goon
For those looking to try something new, Goon could be on their list of favourite drinks in the coming times. Basically, it’s a boxed white wine quite admired across the Australian nation. For those trying it for the first time, combining it with fruit juice might help them prevent tasting it a bit odd.
Being an economical drink, for many Australian backpackers, it’s a part of their daily regimen. At first, most people don’t like it much, but after consuming it for a while, their optimistic side starts to show.
Where To Try/Buy: Head over to this website to give it a try.
8. Witchetty Grub
For those living in the outbacks of Australia, Witchetty Grub is an outstanding option, acting as a highly nutritious meat alternative for them. They are high in healthy fats and protein, making them worth hunting for.
Being a perfect option in place of steak for Aboriginal women and children for years, ways of eating it are just one or two. Those having no issues with its gooey texture might eat it in its pure raw form, and to do it, they need to pick them up by their heads and take a bite. If you are looking for a genuine chicken-like flavour, cooking it on a barbeque will do the job for you.
9. Archie Rose Gin
One of the most renowned distilleries in New South Wales, The Archie Rose Distilling Co., is one of the first distilleries in this Aussie nation to craft their own range of signature drinks. One well-known spirit of theirs is the Archie Rose Gin, which is definitely very smooth and worth spending a penny on.
The palatable flavour that it carries with it is truly amazing and can be taken to a whole new level by combining it with a tonic of your choice to enjoy its extraordinary taste. Despite being a bit costly, it will definitely be a great addition to your alcohol cabinet.
Where To Try/Buy: You can buy it from here.
10. Pavlova
Despite having doubts in relation to the nation of its origin, Pavlova can’t be missed on your list of the best Australian desserts to eat. The mouth-watering taste it carries with itself is just tremendous, leaving people amazed for days.
Being a cake topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits, “pav” has been served at many barbecues and celebratory meals for years now. First served as a way of welcoming the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova in the 1920s on her first visit to Australia, now it’s celebrated every summer at many bakeries and cake shops and as ready-made in supermarkets as well.
Where To Try/Buy: Looking to give it a taste test after preparing it at your home? Head over to this recipe of Pavlova and check out your culinary skills.
“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.” – Ernestine Ulmer
11. Kangaroo Meat
For foreigners, the kangaroo is an animal worth capturing and remembering, whereas local Aussies actually eat its meat. Regardless of being the national animal of Australia, its meat is highly enjoyed for plenty of reasons, its health benefits being the major one. Kangaroo meat is a lean red meat that has supercharged characteristics like being low in fat and high in protein, rich in iron, and omega-3.
As it gets dry very fast, it’s preferably bought and cooked on only one single side, not fully with plum, juniper, garlic, rosemary, orange, or any other ingredient depending upon the dish to be made. One can easily buy it on most supermarket shelves in the form of either sausages, fillet steaks, or minced meat.
Where To Try/Buy: Buy it from here and prepare it accordingly.
12. Lamingtons
As the kangaroo is Australia’s national animal, likewise, they have chosen Lamingtons as their national cake is referred to by many. Basically, these are sponge cakes bearing square shapes based on three main ingredients, i.e., coconut, chocolate frosting, and butter. Sometimes they also come with a layer of cream or jam in the middle.
Being so appetising and delightful, they often make people lick their forks and fingers. They are one of the best snacking options for many, especially when they are sipping on a cup of coffee or tea. They are easily available at most bakeries and coffee shops, but occasionally locals also bake them as a part of their fundraising programmes.
Where To Try/Buy: Try out a pack of 4 Lamingtons and share its love with your loved ones.
“Cake is happiness! If you know the way of the cake, you know the way of happiness! If you have a cake in front of you, you should not look any further for joy!” – C. JoyBell C.
13. Ginger Beer
Because of its Australian roots, we can’t afford to miss Ginger Beer from our list of the best Australian drinks. If you’re a veteran in drinking, drink it straight from the bottle or opt for blending it with some other drinks and cocktails that will carry a whole different experience.
Made from dried ginger, sugarcane, and water and fermented with a special type of yeast, the flavour that it carries with it is truly scrumptious, making it a must-try drink for all. If you are someone who hates the taste of ginger, then Bundaberg’s Ginger Beer might change your views on it.
Where To Try/Buy: Leading all the way comes Bundaberg’s Ginger Beer asking for your review on it.
14. Barramundi
For those looking to get the classic experience of an Australian luscious dish, barramundi is an ideal option. Even though it is not freshwater or sea fish, this seafood dish is prepared in many different ways, consisting of either the pan-seared method or being fried and served with vegetables.
It’s a widely available seafood delicacy that one can easily find on the menu of many Australian restaurants. This fish also carries multiple health benefits, like being significantly higher in omega-3 fatty acids than other fish. Its mild flavour, buttery taste, and silky texture easily charm small children.
Where To Try/Buy: Head over to this site to buy it.
15. Chicken Parmigiana
Even after having Italian roots, Chicken Parmigiana has effectively secured its place in the list of the best Australian foods one needs to try. It’s one of the few dishes that most Australian pubs serve in a very great manner, either in its traditional way or by topping it with parmigiana and slices of ham or prosciutto too.
Based on the original “melanzane alla Parmigiana,” which was made with slices of bread, fried eggplant baked with tomato sauce, and finished with mozzarella cheese, its Aussie version has replaced the eggplant with breaded chicken schnitzel for all the chicken lovers.
Where To Try/Buy: You can buy it from here.
“I make a good roast chicken” – Claudia Winkleman
So What Are You Going To Try Now?
Whether you are on a long vacation or looking to try them for some fun only, all the above mentioned foods and drinks are a must to try for you. Ranging from pies, spreads, meat, biscuits, cakes to drinks we’ve got you covered in every sense making it easier for you to not miss anything at any cost.
Some might raise a question about their origin, but no one can abstain themselves from enjoying these toothsome cosmetics. Plus, after going through this list of the best Australian food and drinks one should try, you’ll also get to know what the traditional aussies use to and eat at present as well.
