If you are wondering what are the most popular Aussie foods or which iconic Australian foods you have to try when you visit this post will give you all the answers!
Delicious fruit may spring to mind. While Australian fruit is pretty good it is only available when in season (in Queensland anyway) unless you want to pay an exorbitant price.
In terms of meat kangaroo seems to be the expectation. While kangaroo meat is for sale in Coles and Woolworths it is not something I have eaten since being here. Not sure how much it features on many Australian family menus either.
However there is some classic Australian food which you will inevitably come across if you spend any time here.
There are some typical Australian foods that are so iconically Australian that you really have to try them (even if they make your toes curl or cause you to chunder – yes I am talking Vegemite here!) so lets check them out!
What are the top 10 iconic Australian foods to try when you visit?
Vegemite
Well what can I say about vegemite?? Probably the most iconic Australian foods! First of all it in NOT marmite.
According to Wikipedia “Vegemite is a thick, black Australian food spread made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives. It was developed by Cyril Percy Callister in Melbourne, Victoria in 1922.”
Marmite was invented a few years earlier in the late 19th century by a German scientist and in the 1902 the Marmite Food Extract Company was formed in Burton-upon-Trent in England. (Where I happen to have lived for 18 years prior to moving to Australia!)
Vegemite is pretty popular in Australia and has I believe a thicker texture and is more meatier than its British counterpart. Luckily for my husband he can buy marmite here as he is not a fan of the Aussie rip-off!
Tim Tams
From one Aussie creation I can’t stand to one I LOVE! Tim Tams are NOT like UK penguin biscuits. No. They are a MILLION times better!
Coming in loads of great flavours do the Tim Tam SLAM and try not to eat the entire packet!!!!!!
- A Tim Tam Slam involves drinking your tea through the Tim Tam like it was a straw then eating it seconds before it melts. Just suck quickly or watch the biscuit dissolve into your tea!!
Golden Gaytime
As the catchphrase goes you can’t have a gaytime on your own!
This iconic Australian ice cream snack was created in 1959 by Aussie company Streets. Golden Gaytime come in a variety of flavours to cater to all tastes. And they have the best name ever. So you really do have to try one!
Anzac biscuits
Anzac biscuits were named after the biscuits that were sent by wives and women’s groups to soldiers abroad. The biscuits have ingredients that do not spoil easily (no eggs) which meant they kept well during naval transportation.
Anzac Day (25th April) is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand and commemorates the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and NZ forces in WW1. . Children make Anzac biscuits in school and although Anzac biscuits can be bought all year round you will see them more prominently displayed in shops.
Click here for a recipe to make your own Anzac biscuits!
Pavlova
Although not invented in Australia (as many Aussies think) the pavlova is a dish that seems to be incredibly popular here.
Crunchy meringue with a classic topping of cream and passionfruit is popular particularly in summer and is a classic Christmas dessert!
Lamingtons
Lamington’s were apparently named after were named after Lord Lamington who served as Governor of Queensland between 1896 and 1901.
Sponge cake covered in chocolate and rolled in coconut typifies a lamington (though some can have a layer of raspberry jam between two halves of sponge)
A true Queensland-born sensation make sure to buy homemade – easy if you attend a school fundraiser or “lamington drive!”
Moreton Bay bugs
Don’t be put off by the fact that this delicious seafood looks like a giant cockroach/woodlouse because it is truly scrumptious! A type of lobster if you see them on the menu or are (as we were) offered them at a BBQ do try them!
Fairy Bread
A favourite at kid’s birthday parties fairy bread is simple to make! Take a slice of white bread, butter it then sprinkle hundreds and thousands over the top!!!! Easy!!!
Schnitzel
So you don’t think of schnitzel as one of the iconic Australian foods? Do you think schnitzel is an Austrian dish???
Nope here in Australia, they own it! Schnitzel is everywhere and if you are lucky enough to ever dine at the Mount Pleasant Tavern’s House of Schnitzel in North Mackay there you will find every possible combination of sauces and other accompaniments to ensure you find something you will love!
My favourite? The wedgie. I am not saying another word!!
Snag sizzle
Head to Bunnings for a snag sizzle! Basically one sausage, one slice of bread, optional onions and a range of sauces make up the great snag sizzle! All for $2.50.
No visit to Bunnings is complete without a snag sizzle. Just keep an eye out for the canvas tent outside the door and have your $2.50 on hand!
Plan your visit to Australia
I have lots of information on my blog about travel in Australia so do check out some of these posts. There is sure to be something to help you plan your trip or move to Australia.
- Enjoy sampling different dishes around the world? Read my guides to the best food to try in Switzerland, France, Australia and South Africa.