Not so long ago, many Australians lived on a meat-and-three-vegetable diet. Sunday roasts and croissants used to be considered fine food. Australia’s gastronomic culture is a fusion, showcasing the multiculturalism of its people. The country’s award-winning wine, world-class espresso, appreciation for organic and sustainable produce, as well as a booming beer industry all contribute to the gastronomic scene.
The diverse landscapes and climates of Australia – the tropical north, the outback, the southern region’s cool temperatures – are ripe to produce a wide range of foods. The Indigenous Native flavors have been known by the Traditional Owners for centuries, but now the rest of Australia is beginning to appreciate them. Here are some of the best foods and drinks to try in Australia.
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Munch on Modern Australian
The term Modern Australian (Mod oz) was coined in order to classify contemporary Australian cuisine. It is a fusion of East and West, a swirling of Atlantic and Pacific Rim, and a flourishing of authentic French and Italian.
This culinary creation is a result of immigration. Since WWII, an influx of immigrants from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as Africa, has introduced new ingredients and new ways of using staples. No matter what cuisine you’re interested in, whether it’s Fijian, Japanese, or Vietnamese, there will be expat communities who are eager to learn how to prepare and eat the dish.
Fuel up a flat-white
Australians take coffee very seriously. Melbourne, Australia’s coffee capital, is best experienced in the cafe-lined lanes of the city center. However, these days, you will be hard-pressed to locate a decent café with a hipster barista serving third-wave brews.
There are many options, from the classic Italian espresso to the slow-drip filters using single-origin coffee beans. But if you’re looking for a truly Australian coffee, opt for a flat white. It is similar to a latte but with less microfoam.
Taste the Australian landscape with Indigenous flavors.
Native cuisine, a nutrient-rich and delicious food based on Indigenous Australians’ expert knowledge of the environment and cultural knowledge passed down through generations, is now gaining the recognition it deserves in Australia’s culinary scene. In high-end Australian restaurants, native bush ingredients like bush meats and fruits (emu and crocodile), as well as spices (wattle seed, lemon myrtle, and quandongs), are sought after to enhance flavor and texture.
Enjoy seafood
Australia is an island and has a wide variety of high-quality, fresh seafood. There are many other dishes to try. While the classic is fish and chips, which is usually a type of shark known as flake, don’t worry; it’s delicious, there’s more.
There are a variety of wild fish to choose from, such as the prized barramundi found in the Northern Territory. Connoisseurs love the Sydney Rock oysters that are native to the New South Wales coastline. Prawns can be amazing, especially the school prawns and eastern king prawns (Yamba), which are located along the northern NSW coastline.
Wines that will make you snort with their award-winning wines
Wine is one of Australia’s most popular exports, so no matter where you are in the country, you will never be too far from a good glass. There are award-winning vineyards and wineries all over the country, ranging from large commercial operations to smaller family-run ones.
Try it in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, which is Australia’s oldest region of wine. South Australia has a thriving wine industry. Try cabernet from Coonawarra or riesling in the Clare Valley. The Adelaide Hills produce Sauvignon Blanc. Shiraz comes from the Barossa Valley, as well as McLaren Vale. Margaret River is known for its cabernets, chardonnays, and other fine wines.
Tasmania’s wine regions are the Pipers River and Tamar Valley, located in the north, and Coal River Valley, near Hobart. The Yarra Valley in Victoria produces excellent chardonnay, pinot noir, and the Mornington Peninsula. Rutherglen is home to many wineries that produce champion fortifieds, shiraz, and durif.
Bend your elbow when drinking craft beer.
There’s no doubt that beer is synonymous with Australia. The days of Fosters, Victoria Bitter, or XXXX being the only beer available in pubs are long gone.
Craft beer is a growing trend in the United States. You can find craft beer bars and microbreweries on suburban backstreets as well as city lanes and country towns. The list of beers available at local pubs continues to expand.
Vegans and vegetarians
In the cities, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options. Regional restaurants are also more likely to have them.
Many of the best restaurants in the country have separate menus for vegetarians or vegans. These can even include multiple-course meals. Some of the better-established restaurants have clearly marked their menus with only vegetarian and vegan options.
If you want to eat at an Asian or Indian restaurant, they will usually have a large selection of meatless dishes. However, if you prefer Chinese, Vietnamese, or Thai food, you can ask for soy sauce instead.
Try these foods
Vegemite: It’s either you love it or you hate it. The umami-rich, tar-black yeast extract is a taste acquired, but Australians love it. It tastes best spread on buttery bread. They’re also delighted that the ownership of this iconic national product has recently returned to Australians for the first since 1928.
Kangaroo Although some people can’t stomach the idea of eating the national symbol, Indigenous Australians have been eating kangaroo for thousands of years. The lean meat, which is similar to venison, can be found in many supermarkets, pubs, and top Australian kitchens.