A Culinary Tour of Australia: Dishes to Discover

Australia, with its vibrant cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, is home to a culinary scene that reflects its rich history and multicultural influences. From native bush foods and indigenous ingredients to contemporary fusion cuisine and beloved national dishes, Australia’s food culture is a delightful exploration of flavours, traditions, and innovation.

With its multicultural heritage, Australian cuisine offers something to satisfy every palate. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the popular dishes of Australia to try during your journey. Whether you’re savouring fresh seafood in Sydney, indulging in a classic meat pie at a local bakery in Melbourne, or enjoying a modern take on bush tucker in the heart of the Outback, Australia delivers a food experience that will leave you wanting more. Wondering when is the best time to visit Australia? You can visit during the shoulder season from September to November and March to May, to witness pleasant weather with fewer tourist crowds.

What are the Famous Australian Dishes That You Need to Try?

When it comes to food, Australia offers nearly unlimited culinary options, but we have tried to reduce this list to the most popular dishes in Australia. You must not miss these iconic Australian foods listed below when you are Down Under.

• Australian Barbecue
• Barramundi
• Crab sticks
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Pavlova Roll
• Hamburger With Beetroot
• Tim Tams
• Meat Pies
• Calamari
• Lamington Cake

Australian Barbecue

One of the most famous Australian phrases is, “Put another shrimp on the barbie.” So when you are in Australia, you will want to gather your friends, go to the backyard, park or even the beach and cook on a grill for a regular Aussie barbecue. The Australians also have many varieties of food that they like to prepare on the grill, from traditional burgers to seafood, snags, and of course sausages.

Grill your meats and serve them with a salad, vegetables, or even some sliced bread. Last but not least, finish it off with a generous helping of ketchup or BBQ sauce to truly feel like you’re in Australia.

Barramundi

No seafood lover should miss the chance to taste barramundi, one of the typical dishes of Australia. The origin of the name ‘barramundi’ can be attributed to an Aboriginal word which means ‘large-scaled silver fish’, and this sea bass is a Pacific Ocean native.

If we talk about the flavour, Barramundi has a mild but full flavour and has a smooth, buttery taste and a tender, flaky texture. Compared to other white fish like snapper, grouper or striped bass, it has a surprisingly higher omega 3 content than most of them.

Crab sticks

Crab sticks are a very tasty seafood option, which is made from high-quality fish. With a mild and slightly sweet taste, with a firm texture, they can be used in many ways and are therefore popular in many Australian homes.

As a quick and easy snacking option, you can relish the crab sticks on their own, or with some soy sauce or spicy mayo for that extra zingy taste. They are also great to use in salads, sushi rolls and seafood platters to add some texture and taste. However, from raw, to grilled, to being part of a larger meal, crab sticks are a convenient way to satisfy your craving for seafood.

Chicken Parmigiana

Originating from Italy, it is now one of the most popular dishes in Australia. Chicken parmigiana is a classic non-vegetarian must-not-miss. The dish originally evolved from ‘melanzane alla Parmigiana,’ layers of baked, breaded, fried eggplant with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This is one of the Australian traditional cuisines you must try.

There are also some variations which have slices of ham or prosciutto for extra flavour. Chicken parmigiana is a pub favourite, and is best served with crispy fries or a fresh salad. To finish the experience, enjoy it with a fruity beer, which perfectly complements the hearty flavours of the dish.

Pavlova

For years, Australians and New Zealanders have debated over who first created this beloved dessert. Regardless of its origins, the pavlova remains a staple treat, especially on warm Australian days.

This light and delicate dessert was named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova and is made of a crisp and airy meringue base, which is then topped with fluffy whipped cream with a generous amount of fresh fruit. It is popular to have barbecues, celebrations, and other festive gatherings. Pavlova is the national dish of Australia, a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, whether you are purchasing from bakeries, cake shops or even the supermarket as a ready-made option.

Hamburger With Beetroot

A uniquely Australian twist on the classic burger, the addition of beetroot has become a defining feature of an Aussie-style hamburger. Some say this tradition began as a lighthearted joke played on American troops during wartime, while others link it to the rise of beet canning companies. Regardless of its origins, one thing is certain—beetroot burgers are Australia's national dish.

This is because the earthy sweetness of roasted beetroot enhances the savoury flavours of the meat in this burger. Further, the beautiful dark red maroonish beetroot is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate, vitamin C, potassium,  and manganese, so this burger is as good for you as it is tasty. You’ll know you’re enjoying an authentic Aussie burger when you see the bright pink beetroot juice running down the bun.

Tim Tams

Among Australia's most loved biscuits, Tim Tams is a chocolate lover's heaven. These award-winning treats are made of two thin layers of chocolate biscuits, a creamy chocolate filling in between, and a smooth chocolate coating on the outside. Their rich, indulgent flavour makes them the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Australians have a certain way of  eating Tim Tams, it’s called the ‘Tim Tam Slam.’ To give it a try,  break the two opposite corners of the biscuit, then use it like a straw to drink a hot beverage, be it coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. As the liquid soaks through, the Tim Tam becomes soft and melts in your mouth, creating an irresistible chocolatey experience.

Meat Pies

In the U.S., the word ‘pie’ almost always refers to sweet-filled pastries, but a meat pie is one of the popular dishes in Australia. Meat pies are generally made with minced beef, but you can try emu or kangaroo meat pies if you are lucky enough to find them. Some other filling ingredients may include gravy, vegetables, mushrooms and spices. Meat pies are a very popular fast food item that is readily available from most corner stores, grocery stores and bakeries. They are also great as late-night snacks when you are out enjoying the nightlife.

Calamari

Australians have a special place in their hearts for seafood and calamari is one of their most favourite kinds. Whether served as a light starter or a full-fledged dish, calamari can be prepared in different ways, from raw and fresh to crispy and fried.

Fried calamari is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, or herbs before being dipped into the batter and deep-fried to golden brown. Salads with calamari are a lighter version of the dish and are accompanied by a combination of crisp vegetables, fresh herbs and tasty dressings. However, the way the calamari is cooked is one of the staples in Australian cooking.

Lamington Cake

Another famous cuisine in Australia is Lamington's cake. Soft, square-shaped sponge cakes, coated in a rich chocolate frosting and shredded coconut, and are generally regarded as Australia’s national cake. Some versions include a sweet jam or cream filling though, for an extra burst of flavour.

Australia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse influences, and its culinary landscape is a delightful reflection of that. Famous cuisine in Australia is both native traditions and global flavours mixed into a unique gastronomic experience. There are hearty classics like meat pies and barramundi, and beloved treats like Tim Tams and lamingtons, the food scene of Australia has something to offer to every palate, a flavorful journey. At Veena World, we offer a wide selection of Australia tour packages, making it easy for you to plan a seamless and unforgettable vacation.