21 Best Australian Traditional Food To Try As A Traveler 2024

Australia is between the Pacific and Indian Oceans in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia is the world’s smallest continent and the largest island in the world. It is a land of unique and diverse beauty and a must-go country for travelers. Australia is known as a paradise for travelers and is famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, picturesque rainforests, and deserts. If you are visiting for the first time, you discover that there are several Australian traditional foods.

However, aside from the country’s attractions, one of Australia’s best features is its food. Their food can enhance one’s vacation and make it more interesting and fun. We have put together a list of 21 great Australian traditional foods that you should try when you visit.

What food must you try in Australia?

A must-try food in Australia is the humble meat pie. These savory pastries are a quintessential part of Aussie cuisine and culture. You’ll find them everywhere, from gas station convenience stores to gourmet bakeries.

The beauty of the meat pie lies in its versatility. Traditionally filled with ground beef or lamb in a rich gravy, they can also come with chicken, vegetables, or even seafood. They’re a complete and satisfying meal on the go, perfect for a picnic lunch at the beach or a bite to eat between sightseeing adventures.

Besides the delicious filling, the pastry crust is another star. It’s flaky and golden brown, providing a delightful textural contrast to the savory interior. So next time you’re in Australia, don’t miss your chance to try a true Aussie icon – the meat pie.

Related: Romantic Getaways In Australia

What is Australia’s most loved food?

Picking a single “most loved” food for Australia is tricky, as there are strong contenders across sweet and savory categories. However, a serious argument can be made for the sausage on the barbie.

The “barbie,” as Australians affectionately call it, is a national institution. It’s more than just grilling; it’s a social event, a way of life. And at the heart of the barbie is the humble snag, a plump sausage sizzling on the grill. Australians love their snags for a reason – they’re simple, delicious, and versatile. They come in all sorts of varieties, from classic pork sausages to gourmet options with lamb, kangaroo, or even native herbs.

But the true magic of the snag is its role in bringing people together. Whether it’s a backyard gathering with friends or a massive public barbecue, the barbie is a celebration of community. The smell of sizzling snags in the air is practically synonymous with a good time in Australia.

So, while there are many delicious contenders for Australia’s most loved food, the snag on the barbie captures the essence of Australian culture, making it a strong favorite.

AUSTRALIAN TRADITIONAL FOOD TO TRY AS A TRAVELER

Here is a list of some of the best Australian traditional food:

1. Lamingtons

Lamingtons is one of the best Australian traditional food. Lamington is a small sponge cake that is filled with jam or cream, depending on your choice of fillings. The sponge is usually coated with chocolate sauce and then rolled in desiccated coconut. You can enjoy the dish with a hot cup of tea. You can try this traditional snack during your visit to the country.

2. Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Parmigiana is a popular addition to the Australian dish. It is one of the best Australian traditional food, and it is mostly called Parma. It is made from Chicken Schnitzel topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce.

It is much more tasty when served with side dishes that complete its taste. A quantity of hot chips, pasta, roasted veggies, or crunchy salad, can be added. Chicken parmigiana is a delightful meal you should try out during your visit to Australia.

3. Pavlova

Pavlova is, without a doubt, one of the best Australian traditional food. Nothing beats Pavlova in Australia. It is an iconic Australia’s national dessert made with a crisp white meringue layer filled with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi fruit, raspberries, and peach. The meringue has a light and delicate crisp crust and marshmallow on the inside that makes it taste lovely. You should eat pavlova during your visit to Australia.

4. Fairy Bread

Fairy bread is yet another best Australia traditional food. Fairy bread is an unusual yet popular dessert in Australia, made from triangle-shaped slices of white bread that are smeared with butter and covered with multicolored balls of sugar called sprinkles. Taking a bite will have you looking for more.

5. Tim Tams

Australia has made a name for itself globally for its Tim Tams. Tim Tams are very popular in Australia. It is Australia’s most loved chocolate biscuit that contains two malted biscuits that are separated by a light chocolate cream filling, then coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate. The cream used in Tim Tams is a mixture of vanilla, butter, and chocolate.

Tim Tams come in different types: dark chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate mint, caramel, honeycomb, and more. Tim Tams is one of the best Australian traditional foods.

6. Fish and Chips

Yes, we know fish and chips do not sound Australian, but it is one of the most common foods you will find in Australia. Fish and chips are a dish that originated in England. It is also a common food in other countries.

The major difference between Australia Fish and chips is that Australians use fish like the Mekong Delta catfish known as Basa for their fish and chips instead of Cod, Pollock, and Haddock. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should eat during your visit to the country.

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7. Chiko Roll

Chiko Roll is an Australian savory snack inspired by Chinese spring rolls. They make the snacks with beef, cabbage, carrots, onions, green beans, celery, and barely. The Chiko rolls are usually deep-fried in hot oil.

The name Chiko roll refers to the original name, “Chicken roll” although the snack does not contain chicken meat. Chiko Roll is one of the best Australian traditional food you should eat during your visit to the country.

8. Vegemite

Vegemite is one of the best Australian traditional food. It is a popular Australian food spread with various vegetables, spice additives, and yeast extracts. It has an acquired taste that has a strong flavor. It tastes salty, malty, and slightly bitter.

Vegemite is highly nutritious. It has a range of B vitamins, including Riboflavin and Thiamine. You can use it as a spread for sandwiches and toast. Consider eating Vegemite during your visit to Australia.

9. BBQ

BBQ is, without a doubt, one of the best Australian traditional food that unites friends and family. A typical Aussie BBQ is like an event where everyone brings what is needed. BBQ In Australia is all about the meat. You can either bring something for the grill (as a guest) or choose a selection of meats to be prepared (as the host).

A normal Australian barbecue includes sausages, beetroot, prawns, steaks, and lamb.

10. Beetroot

Beetroots are one of the most natural Australian traditional foods. It is a root vegetable that is also known as red beet, garden beet, or table beet.

Beetroot provides a wide range of benefits. It contains nutrients that can boost heart health, reduce blood pressure, and manage glucose levels. People experience the health benefits of beetroot, by eating them with salad, blend into smoothies or add it to burgers or sandwiches. It is a healthy meal to consider eating during your visit to the country.

11. Anzac Biscuit

Anzac Biscuit is, without a doubt, one of the top Australian traditional food. The Anzac Biscuit is a sweet biscuit made from rolled oats, flour, sugar, golden syrup, butter, desiccated coconut, and baking soda. These chewy-crisp cookies had their origin back in the world war.

it is celebrated every year on April 25) Anzac biscuit day is a national celebration for Australians and New Zealanders. It is a remembrance of the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) who fought in world war 1.

The Anzac biscuit was made and sent by wives and women’s groups to soldiers abroad because the ingredients did not spoil easily. It is a special food in Australia.

12. Witchetty Grub

Witchetty Grub is another unusual yet common food in Australia. It is a chubby, white, wood-eating larvae of moths that feed on Witchetty bushes. The grub is a nutty flavored bite that has the taste of almonds if eaten raw, and scrambled eggs or chicken when cooked.

These moths are extremely rich in proteins and provide multiple nutritional benefits. Witchetty grub is one of the Australian traditional food. Consider trying one during your visit to the country.

13. Barramundi

Barramundi got its name from the Aboriginal language meaning “Large-scaled river fish Barramundi is a white fish with a sweet and buttery flavor. The fish has delicate skin and does not smell too fishy.

This makes it very popular among seafood and non-seafood lovers. Barramundi contains various nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and fat. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should eat during your visit to the country.

14. Dim-Sim

For those who do not know this iconic Australian food. Dim-Sims are Chinese-inspired meat and vegetable fillings that are very popular in Australia. It is made with meat, cabbage, and seasonings and can either be fried, steamed, or baked. Dim-Sims are usually served with soy sauce for dipping. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should eat during your visit to the country.

15. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia Nuts are another natural food in Australia that can be eaten raw or used in different recipes. The nuts can be for preparing ice cream and baked foods.

Macadamia Nuts are rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and fats. It is good for those trying to lose weight. And it is one of the best Australian traditional food you should eat during your visit to the country.

16. Avocado

OK, I know avocados do not sound originally from Australia, but it is one of the most common ingredients you will find in Australian food. Avocados are served on toast, in a salad, sometimes mashed or blended to make milkshakes, and sometimes used in sweet dishes such as cakes and ice cream.

It is one of the best Australian traditional food you should consider eating, during your visit to the country.

17. Meat pie

You may think pies are the same everywhere and only the flavors change. However, that isn’t entirely true. Australians’ traditional pies differ from other countries’ pies. They are usually small to fit in your palm making them a perfect snack while walking. For this very reason, they are often held as hand or pocket warmers.

Australia’s meat pies are made with minced meat, mushrooms, gravy, onions, and cheese. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should consider eating while visiting the country.

18. Cheese and Bacon Roll

Cheese and Bacon Roll is a classic Australian bread snack, that is well-loved by everyone. Although it is like other bread dishes, it is very different in the aspect of its softness.

They make cheese and Bacon rolls with a mixture of Bacon, grated cheese, yogurt, and self-raising flour. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should consider eating while visiting the country.

19. Pie Floater

Pie Floater is a dish you need to try whenever you visit Australia. It comprises a beef pie in a thick pea soup to make it look floating. They usually topped it with tomato sauce.

The thick pea soup is made with blended peas and the beef pies are made with onions, beef, plain flour, stock, Vegemite, and puff pastry. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should consider eating while visiting the country.

20. Fritz

Fritz is a sausage made with beef, flour, pork, pork fat, and seasonings. Fritz is usually eaten in a sandwich with tomato sauce. It is one of the best Australian traditional foods you should consider eating while visiting the country.

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21. Barbecue Snags

You should not be surprised if you find barbecued snags at every barbecue event you are invited to in Australia. Snags are mildly flavored Australian sausages made with a mixture of beef, pork, onions, & garlic, and served with tomato sauce, loaves, and mashed potatoes.

Barbecue Snags are one of the best Australian traditional foods you should consider eating during your visit to the country.

FAQs

What does Australian eat for dinner?

They include Lamingtons, Chicken Parmigiana, Pavlova, Fish and Chips, Vegemite, BBQ, and others.

What does Australian eat for breakfast?

Foods such as Fish and Chips, Avocado, Meat pie, and Fritz are good choices for breakfast in Brazil.

What is the top traditional Australian food?

Some of the top traditional Australian food, include Lamingtons, Chicken Parmigiana, Fairy Bread, Fish and Chips, BBQ, and others.

CONCLUSION

As said earlier, Australia is a beautiful country with top attraction locations for tourists and backpackers. However, one of the country’s features is the food you can find in the country. Whether or not you are traveling to Australia for the first time, you will most likely enjoy Australian traditional foods. We hope you find this overview helpful to your search.