If you are wondering what the most popular Aussie foods are or which iconic Australian foods you must try when visiting, 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, I have not eaten it since being here. I’m not sure how much it features on many Australian family menus, either.
However, there are some classic Australian foods you will inevitably come across if you spend 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, let’s 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 1902, the Marmite Food Extract Company was formed in Burton-upon-Trent in England. (Where I happen to have lived for 18 years before 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 and 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 comes in a variety of flavours to cater to all tastes.
Anzac biscuits
Anzac biscuits were named after the biscuits that wives and women’s groups sent to soldiers abroad.
The biscuits’ ingredients do not spoil easily (no eggs), which means they are kept well during naval transportation.
Anzac Day (25th April) is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. It commemorates the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and NZ forces in WWI.
Children make Anzac biscuits in school, and although Anzac biscuits can be bought all year round, they are 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), pavlova is an incredibly popular dish here.
Crunchy meringue with a classic topping of cream and passionfruit is popular, particularly in summer, and is a classic Christmas dessert!
Lamingtons
The Lamingtons were apparently 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—it’s easy if you attend a school fundraiser or “Lamington drive!”
Moreton Bay bugs
Don’t be put off because this delicious seafood looks like a giant cockroach or woodlouse—it is truly scrumptious! They are 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, and sprinkle hundreds and thousands over the top!
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 dine at the Mount Pleasant Tavern’s House of Schnitzel in North Mackay, 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! The great snag sizzle consists of one sausage, one slice of bread, optional onions, and a range of sauces—all for $2.50.
No visit to Bunnings is complete without a snag sizzle. Look 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 on the best food in Switzerland, France, Australia, England and South Africa.