Australia, known for its migrant population has its unique blend of many culinary combinations. It has its own native Indigenous Australian cuisines. The Europeans have contributed their part from the early 18th century, Pacific Islanders has contributed their part and the most recent - Asian population has added its own spice.
Indigenous Australians had a hunter-gatherer diet from the native flora and fauna called the “bush tucker” diet. The Europeans contributed with rice, meat, peas, sugar, alcohol, vinegar etc. After the Asian immigration, started in late 19th century the Chinese, Arabs, Indians, Filipinos etc have also contributed unique additions to the Australian cuisine. These days you can see specific restaurants and grocery shops which sells your food, whether you are a Chinese, Arab, Indian or Filipino - you name it, it is available.
Here are a few culinary delights you must treat your tongue to.
Nuts & Fruits
There are many native Australian fruits like Quandong (a kind of Peach) Kutjera, Muntries, Riberry, Wattleseed, native Raspberries and Lilli pillies, Davidson's & Illawarra plums, and finger lime. These usually fall under the category of "bush tucker", and are not seen in common these days.
Pears, Apples, Grapes, Cherries, Bananas, Pineapples, Mangos, Kiwis, Oranges and other Citrus fruits, Mandarin, Stone fruit, Avocado, Watermelons, Rockmelons, Lychees, Nectarines, Apricots, Papayas, Passionfruit and various berries are common in Australia. A very popular nut in Australia is the Macadamia.
Meat
Australia is one among the top countries that eats meat. Lamb is a very popular delicacy in Australia, along with lambs Australians consume Beef and delicacies like Emu and Kangaroo meat. Crocodile meat is also eaten. In the recent years a shift from red meat to white meat is a trend; as public health messages steered people away from red meat.
1 - Chicken Parmigiana
This is a delicacy popular in pubs and is consumed usually with beer.
2 - Meat Pies
An epitome of Australian food and an anytime food, it is colloquially referred to as “dog's eye”.
3 - Witchetty Grub
It may sound yuck for you but this is an authentic bush tucker that has been enjoyed by indigenous Australians for thousands of years.
4 - BBQ’s
What’s life, without a BBQ? When you think of Australia you think barbecue. A typical Aussie barbecue is with sausages, burgers, steak, fresh seafood, bread and tomato in barbecue sauce. Australians will literally have a barbeque anywhere, anytime.
5 - Pigs in a blanket
It is a double meat sandwich without bread. Double the delight!
6 - Hamburger with Beetroot
Nothing is more Australian than slinging a piece of beetroot on top of a patty made with Aussie beef.
Fish and Seafood
Fishing and aquaculture constitute Australia's fifth most valuable agricultural industry. Unlike meat, seafood consumption is less common. But these days, it is picking up. Salmonids, Tuna, Oysters and Prawns are commonly eaten. Other species like Lobsters, Abalone, Finfish, Mussels, Marine Sponges, Crab and Sea Cucumber are also highly sought after.
1 -Barramundi
Barramundi is one of the most delicious fishes available in Australia and is the aboriginal name for a type of seabass found in Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Barramundi literally translates as “large-scaled silver fish”.
2 -Seafood Pizza
A delicacy exclusive for Australians, the pizza is smothered with the freshest and tastiest seafood available in Australian waters. It is best served with a beer.
Vegetables
Vegetables are eaten seasonally, and a lot of vegetables are imported from countries around the globe. Artichoke, Asparagus, Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Capsicum, Eggplant, Leek, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Peas, Rhubarb, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, and Zucchini are widely consumed. Avocados are a favourite of Australians. It is mostly combined with eggs and makes for a very common breakfast dish.
Beverages
Australia is the fifth largest wine exporters in the world. The country is also well regarded for its locally made Wine. Beer, Rum & Vodka are also popular among Australian. Ginger Beer is one of the most famous Australian drinks and Vodka ranks as one of the best locally made Australian spirit.
Other Delicacies
1 - Vegemite
Vegemite is a dark brown paste made from various vegetables, yeast extract and spice additives. It is a very popular spread in Australia.
2 - Fairy Bread
Fairy bread is simply white bread with butter sprinkled on it and is very popular among kids.
3 - Pavlova
Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert, a cake base topped with whipped cream and fruit.
So, if you are in Australia, you must try these out before you go looking for any new food.
