The average Australian household spends $100 per week eating out Australian cuisine.
But what exactly is Aussie cuisine, you ask? Well, it’s more than just meat pies with gravy and Vegemite on toast (although those two are pretty iconic).
It’s a delicious blend of multicultural influences that date back to the late 18th century.
There are so many unique dishes to try if you’re visiting Australia or just want some new recipes for your next dinner party.
Here are 10 of our favourites!
Meat Pie
Meat pies are a staple of Australian cuisine, and they’re one of the most popular dishes in the country.
Originating in the 19th century, these savoury pastries are made with a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, and lamb.
The pastry crust is usually shortcrust or puff pastry and is typically baked in a pie dish or on top of another food (such as mashed potatoes). Meat pies are often eaten with gravy or ketchup, and they’re an easy way to spice up any Australian culinary experience (for example, a Melbourne private chef experience).
Tim Tams
Tim Tams is a delicious chocolate biscuit that is loved by many Australians. They are made by the Australian company Arnott’s, and they have been a staple of the Australian diet since their introduction in 1964.
The name Tim Tam comes from the word “Tim Tam Slam,” which is an Australian coffee break ritual that means to eat the diagonal corners of the biscuit and dip it into the hot chocolate, and sip it from the other corner.
Tim Tams are made from wheat flour, vegetable oil, sugar, cocoa powder, skim milk powder and natural flavourings. They also contain hydrogenated vegetable oil and palm oil.
Vegemite
If you’ve ever been to Australia, you know that Vegemite is a big deal. It’s a savoury spread made of yeast extract, and it’s typically eaten on toast. It’s also very salty and strong-tasting, so not everyone likes it!
But for those who do, well… you’re in luck. That’s because Vegemite is so popular in Australia that there are dozens of different ways to enjoy it.
You can slather it on sandwiches or toast or use it as a marinade for meat or fish. You can even add it to chilli con carne.
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits are a quintessential Australian treat. They’re popular all over the country, but they’re particularly beloved in New South Wales.
The biscuits are made with rolled oats, sugar, golden syrup (a thick brown sugar syrup), and desiccated coconut. And they’re usually dipped in chocolate.
According to the Australian War Memorial, they were initially called “soldier’s biscuits” because the ingredients were things that could be found in military rations during World War I.
In fact, the name “Anzac” comes from the acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Fairy Bread
You don’t have to be Australian to love Fairy Bread. This simple, sweet treat is a staple of Aussie cuisine and one that’s enjoyed by locals everywhere.
Fairy Bread is made by spreading a mixture of butter and sugar on white bread and then sprinkling it with Hundreds and Thousands (a type of colourful confectionery). Once the bread has been cut into triangles, it’s ready for consumption.
It might not sound like much, but trust us: this simple dish is delicious!
Witchetty Grubs
Aussie locals love witchetty grubs, but they aren’t for the faint of heart. These little guys are more than just a meal; they’re part of the culture here.
Witchetty grubs are the larvae of a creature called the witchetty bush, which is indigenous to Australia.
They’re made by burying the grubs in hot ashes for about 15 minutes, then digging them up and eating them.
The grubs are also eaten raw — but then again, so are a lot of foods that don’t sound very appetising.
Pavlova
Pavlova is a classic Australian dessert that has become the pride of New Zealand too. It’s easy to make and tastes like clouds on your tongue.
Pavlova is made with meringue (egg whites and sugar) topped with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and nuts. The recipe is simple, but it takes time to make because you have to cook it in the oven for at least an hour.
It’s not hard to see why this dessert is popular: it’s light and fluffy while also being creamy and crunchy. Plus, it looks beautiful!
Lamingtons
It’s a well-known fact that Australians love lamingtons. But what exactly is a lamington?
It’s a dessert sandwich made from two pieces of sponge cake — with a layer of chocolate cream in the middle — and covered in desiccated coconut. They’re usually served with coffee or tea.
Lamingtons are so popular in Australia that they’ve been adopted as the national food of Queensland state — and you can’t visit Brisbane without trying one!
Golden Gaytime
The Aussie dessert of your dreams, this treat is a must-try for anyone who’s ever visited the Australian shores.
The golden wafers, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce are all blended together for a creamy treat that’ll leave you wanting more — and we mean it!
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Parmigiana is a traditional Italian dish that has become a favourite in Australia. Parma ham and cheese are layered over chicken breast and then baked in the oven.
The dish has become a popular choice for lunch or dinner mainly because it is considered to be a healthier alternative to other types of fast food.
Closing Thoughts
Australia is a country of great diversity, and its cuisine reflects that. From the iconic meat pies to the traditional Australian barbecue, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for something new and want to try some of the classics, these are some of the most popular dishes in Australia that locals love.
