The top foods you must try in Australia

If you’re planning a trip Down Under, you’re probably expecting beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and the dry red desert of the Australian Outback. But you might be surprised to learn that Australia also has a lot of unique foods and an exciting culinary scene. If you want a truly authentic Aussie experience, here are the top foods that you must try during your time in Australia.

1. Tim Tams

Tim Tams are a national treasure. This chocolate coated biscuit isn’t much to write home about on its own. But the experience is elevated if you take part in a Tim Tam Slam (bite off the opposite corners and drink a hot drink through it like a straw, so the chocolate filling melts).

2. Fairy bread

Fairy bread is an unusual mix of white bread, butter and multicoloured hundreds and thousands (that’s sprinkles to North Americans). It’s a nostalgic treat often associated with Aussie childhoods and birthday parties.

3. Lamingtons

“Lammies” are fluffy sponge cakes coated in chocolate and desiccated coconut. Whether you’re making them at home or buying a lamington from one of the many bakeries across the country, this is an Aussie staple. Some variations also include jam or cream in the middle.

4. Dim sim

Not to be confused with Chinese dim sum, “dimmies” are an Australian twist on the original. These oversized, deep-fried dumplings are filled with meat and vegetables, and you can usually buy them in service stations (“servo”) or fish and chip shops (“chippy”).

5. Vegemite

Vegemite is one of Australia’s most famous (and divisive) foods. The yeast paste is often eaten as a thin spread on toast or bread. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but it’s a must-try while you’re Down Under, if only to decide whether you love it or hate it.

6. Golden Gaytime

In quintessential Aussie fashion, the name is a bit of a joke, but it’s actually a family-friendly ice cream. A Golden Gaytime is made up of toffee and vanilla ice cream, coated in chocolate and golden biscuit crumbs. Find them at your local supermarket or servo.

7. Chocolate Ripple wreath

Another childhood classic that still makes the rounds, especially at Christmas parties, is the Chocolate Ripple wreath. It’s a no-bake dessert made from the Arnott’s Chocolate Ripple biscuit brand. Stack the biscuits into a wreath tin with layers of whipped cream and decorate with berries or mint for a festive treat.

8. Sausage sizzle

Aussies are known for their barbecuing and the sausage sizzle has become synonymous with charity fundraisers, often held in the car park of your local hardware store. For a small donation, you can get a sausage from the grill served in between slices of white bread (never a hot dog bun!), topped with onions and your choice of sauce.

9. Chicken salt

Australia may not have contributed much to the global gastronomic scene, but one gift to the world that Aussies did create is chicken salt. Originally invented in South Australia, this umami flavoured powder (made with real chicken stock) is best consumed by sprinkling on hot chips, popcorn or veggies.

10. Chicken parmi (or parma)

This simple pub grub sparks heated debates across the country over its name! Whether you’re team “parmi” or “parma”, you’re in for a classic Aussie treat. Chicken parmi is a breaded chicken schnitzel, covered in tomato sauce and melted cheese, often served with chips and salad. Pure comfort food and usually an affordable meal out.

11. Milo

Milo is a kitchen staple that is especially popular during wintertime (yes, it does get cold in Australia!). It’s a malted chocolate powder that you mix with hot milk, usually before bedtime, or cold milk if you prefer chocolate milk to hot chocolate. Some Aussies also use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt or cereal!

12. Pods

Despite Mars being an international chocolate brand, Pods have never managed to make it outside of Australia. We have no idea why they haven’t found success around the globe, as these bite-sized biscuits with Mars, Snickers and Twix filling are the perfect pick-me-up.

13. Caramello Koala

We’ve all had chocolate filled with caramel before, but the real reason the caramello koala is a hit is because it’s, yes, shaped like a koala! The cute little chocolate marsupial is a hit with children and adults alike, and makes for an easy souvenir to take home.

14. Shapes

Another of Australia’s popular snacks, courtesy again from the Arnott’s brand. Shapes are oven-baked savoury crackers (think the texture and taste of a Mini Cheddar if you’re from the UK or a Goldfish if you’re from North America). They come in various flavours like BBQ, Pizza and Chicken Crimpy (named as such because it’s chicken flavoured and crimped on the edges!). Be warned, Shapes are highly addictive.

15. Pavlova

Though there is debate whether this dessert was invented in Australia or New Zealand, it’s certainly an Aussie favourite, especially in the summertime. The pavlova is a meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit (often kiwi, berries or passionfruit). We’ll let you decide which country does it best…

16. Cherry Ripe

Cherry Ripe is now one of the oldest chocolate bars in the country and has become something of a cult classic. It features a sweet cherry and coconut filling, wrapped in a layer of dark chocolate.

17. Fresh fish

Although many of Australia’s top foods fall under the snack category, the country does have ‘real’ food to offer, too! Australia offers some of the best fresh seafood in the world, which is of little surprise, given the island is surrounded by ocean. There’s many varieties, but barramundi, snapper, flathead and trout are some of the most popular fish to try.

18. Wine

Australia is a major wine-producing country; you’ve probably heard of world-renowned regions like the Barossa Valley in South Australia, Margaret River in Western Australia, or the Yarra Valley in Victoria. Shiraz, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon (“Cab Sav”) are the standout varieties. If you’re a wine drinker, be sure to plan a wine tour or two during your stay in Australia.

19. ANZAC biscuit

This basic biscuit is named after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and dates back to the soldiers of the first World War. The flavour is similar to that of an oat biscuit, although there is also a hint of coconut and golden syrup. ANZAC biscuits go great with a cup of tea and are considered to be a symbol of national pride (make sure you’ve got your ANZAC biscuits ready for celebrating ANZAC Remembrance Day).

20. Unique meat (kangaroo, crocodile, emu, etc.)

For the adventurous eater, consider trying a meat you can only find Down Under. Kangaroo is often compared to lean meat like venison, emu is similar to beef, and crocodile is often compared to chicken or fish!

21. Smashed avo

There’s a big brunch scene in Australia, in particular smashed avo (avocado) on sourdough toast. Smashed avo is usually topped with feta, poached eggs, chilli flakes, lemon juice, or even dukkah. Smashed avocado might have become a millennial trend elsewhere, but it’s a long-standing tried-and-true favourite in Australia.

Share your favourite Aussie food with us in the comments!