Sydney Harbour, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef are 3 of the most known icons of Australia along with its incredible wildlife. While not as known for its culinary scene, we compiled a list of our top Australia food and drinks and restaurant recommendations based on months of first hand experience eating all around the country.
Culinary Overview
Australia attracts visitors with its golden sand beaches, otherworldly landscapes, fascinating animals, and modern thriving cities. Some of the most famous wildlife in the country include kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, platypus, wombats, dingos, and Tasmanian devils. While the majority of these animals are not consumed, some such as kangaroos or crocodiles do end up being eaten. In fact, bush tucker is the cuisine of the Aboriginal people who lived off the land for over 65,000 years and perfected eating the local plants and animals. Though not widely consumed in cities, it has been growing in prominence alongside the more popular Mod Oz (modern Australian) and traditional European influenced cuisine.
Over the course of traveling to all regions of Australia with the exception of Western Australia, we were introduced to various distinct cultures of this vast country. We talked to many Australians about food that is culturally important to them and made sure to give it a try, even if we were at times a little hesitant at first such as with vegemite. The places we ate spanned various dining levels and cuisine types. We tried specific Australian dishes as well as international cuisine that was highly regarded. Besides dishes we were also recommended specific local brands across different areas such as desserts or drinks. Experiencing the Australian products and dishes helped us to better understand the Land Down Under during our visit, and we look forward to the next time we can enjoy some Tim Tams.
This list includes products, food, and drinks that have an importance to Australia and are worthwhile to try when visiting the country to get a better perspective of the culture from a culinary perspective. After reading about the items, there is a list of recommended places by region that you can reference for inspiration of places to add to your itinerary as well.
Popular Australia Food and Drinks
Food
Parmi (Chicken Parmigiana)
Australian pub classic containing a breaded chicken covered in marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and likely served with a side of chips (fries)
chicken schnitzel (Schnitty)
Another Australian pub classic that is a breaded chicken but can also be beef or veal, and likely served with a side of chips (fries)
Avo (Avocado) Toast
Smashed avocado on sourdough toast, many times served with cheese and a poached egg for quintessential breakfast (brekkie)
Barbie (Barbecue)
“Throw a shrimp on the barbie” was part of a tourism marketing push to the U.S. and UK in the 1980s. While barbies are common in Australia, it is more likely that it would be lamb, steak, burgers, prawns (shrimp), or snags (sausages) being cooked on them
Aussie Burger
Beef patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, egg, beetroot, pineapple made on the barbie or occasionally sold at Macca’s (McDonald’s) and Hungry Jacks (Burger King)
Bunnings sausage sizzle
Fresh baked pies with various filling such as traditional (Mince & Cheese, Beef & Mushroom), fusion (Butter Chicken, Prawn Laksa), or local (Lamb, Scallop)
Meat Pies
Fresh baked pies with various filling such as traditional (mince & cheese, steak & cheese), fusion (hāngī, butter chicken), or local (rosemary & lamb, venison & cranberry)
Sausage Rolls
Savory dish consisting of a sausage wrapped in a puff pastry and containing a mix of onion, garlic, and seasonings
Fish and Chips
Australian pub classic and sold across the country at seafood shops, it includes french fries and deep fried white fish (Cod, Whiting, Snapper, etc.)
Moreton Bay Bug
Also known as a flathead lobster or bay lobster, is a marine crustacean that can be grilled or boiled and eaten by themselves or as part of a dish such as pasta
Barramundi
Aboriginal name for a native river fish with large scales that is a popular white fish served in varying methods such as grilling, baking, or pan searing
Kangaroo
a lean meat has been consumed for thousands of years by the Aboriginal population and is recognized as a healthy alternative to beef
Emu
Another lean meat alternative to beef that has been consumed by the Aboriginal population for thousands of years, it can be found at specialty shops
Crocodile
A lean white meat that has been consumed by the Aboriginal population in the Northern Territory for thousands of years, it is farmed today and can be found at regional stores
Damper
A bush bread or seedcake that the Aboriginal population made for thousands of years using native seeds, nuts and roods
Laksa
A spicy noodle dish that is popular in Southeast Asia but has become a favorite in Darwin, so much so that they host an annual International Laksa Fest
Vegemite
Thick dark brown yeast extract spread that is used on sandwiches, toast, or biscuits and has a very distinctive taste that can be polarizing
Tim Tam
Brand of chocolate biscuits made by Arnott’s Biscuits Holdings with a variety of flavors such as original, double coat, chewy caramel, etc.
Pods
Delicious crunchy bite size wafer biscuit in a pod shape made by the candy brands Snickers, Mars, and Twix
Pavlova
A meringue based dessert that is covered with fruit and many times includes the green kiwi fruit but has disputed origins with Australia
Anzac Biscuit
A sweet biscuit made with rolled oats that is believed to have been created by wives of Australia and New Zealand Army Corps during World War 1
drinks
Coopers Brewery
The largest Australian owned brewery located near Adelaide selling popular beer styles such as the Pale Ale and Sparkling Ale
Shiraz
Red wine made from dark skinned grapes known for its full bodied nature that is the number one produced wine in Australia and grown throughout the country
Red Fizz
Sparkling red wine often made from Shiraz that is frequently served chilled and commonly made in the South Australia wine regions of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale
Chardonnay
White wine made from green skinned grapes originally from Burgundy but now grown all around the world due to its versatility and Australia’s second most produced wine
Semillon
An espresso made with steamed milk that has less milk than a latte and has disputed origins with Australia
Flat White
An espresso made with steamed milk that has less milk than a latte and has disputed origins between New Zealand and Australia
