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Australia Food & Culture

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Australia is a global destination that sees many visitors each year. While some people travel for work, a lot of these visitors come for tourism and Australia never disappoints! Apart from the stunning natural and man-made attractions, there are also many cultural attractions in this place, and food is one of them. The food of Australia is unique, delicious and of the greatest quality. Take a look at this article to know more about what to eat and when to eat when you are in this wonderful country.

Popular Dishes to Try in Australia

Did you know

The main flavours of Australian food are influenced by Aboriginal, Asian and European tastes, acting as a befitting honour to the history of the country. This is why you find a large variety of native dishes that may seem diverse but are actually quite closely related to one another.

When in Australia, don't forget to try:

1. Vegemite

Vegemite is a national icon in Australia. It is a salty and sticky spread that is most commonly had with toast. It is made with brewer’s yeast and is available in every part of Australia. The spread is highly unique to the country and you may not even find it in any other part of the world. Hence, give Vegemite a try and discover some really unique and delicious flavours.

A food tip:

Vegemite is delicious, but it is quite strong and overpowering as well. You may take some time to get adjusted to the flavour, so start with small helpings. It is also quite salty, so pair it with some bland food such as bread.

2. Lamington

If you like desserts, you will fall in love with the Lamington, the iconic Australian cake made with chocolate and coconut. It is a sponge cake stuffed with coconut and rolled in chocolate. It is a true Australian icon and is also considered to be the national dessert of the country. You will find small cubes of Lamingtons at all the eateries, big or small when you visit Australia.

A food tip:

In some parts of Australia, Lamonton is filled with jam. This is because jam is very popular in the country and some people like having some jam in their lamingtons as well. Ask the restaurant you are at if they have this variety and you may just be lucky to find some.

3. Meat Pie

Meat Pie is a simple and hearty dish that is made with flaky pastry and juicy meat, which is best consumed warm. Meat pie is another iconic Australian dish and is usually sold in small sizes and meant for snacking. You will find some really delicious meat pies at roadside food stalls or food trucks, so grab some on the go.

A food tip:

Meat pie is usually made with lamb or beef. In some places, you will also find chicken or vegetarian options. If you don't eat certain types of meat or are vegetarian, check with the chef about the stuffing before you consume the pie.

4. Chicken Parmigiana

This classic Australian food celebrates the European cultures and traditions of the country. A heart chicken dish made with bread and cheese, the Chicken Parmigiana has strong Italian influences. You will love the crispy and flaky crust while the juicy and tender meat inside will flood your taste buds with flavour.

A food tip:

There are many small eateries run by families. Some of them work as pop-up restaurants and others function out of their homes. Look for some small eateries like these, ideally one that is run by a native Italian family, and you will find the best Chicken Parmigiana there.

5. Kangaroo steak

Kangaroo meat is popular in Australia. The locals consume it on a regular basis. It is actually healthier than the other types of red meat such as lamb and beef. You will get a variety of kangaroo dishes, but the steak is the most popular. If you are ready to experiment and try something new, don't forget to have the best kangaroo steak in Australia.

A food tip:

Kangaroo meat is very lean and has very little fat. As a result, it can taste a little dry. If you wish to experiment with the flavour. Start with a burger where they use minced meat as that is always juicer.

Best Restaurants to Visit in Australia

A tip for foodies:

Australia is home to many fine dining restaurants and many of them are Michelin Star restaurants. They serve the best food, but you can't just walk in. You will have to make a prior reservation, so plan ahead and book a table well in advance.

Here’s a list of some of the iconic restaurants in Australia where you get the best of local and global cuisines:

1. Quay, Sidney

Quay in Sydney has two Michelin Stars and has consistently been ranked Australia’s best restaurant. It offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and offers some excellent dishes, curated by the most experienced chefs in the world. Try the bone marrow noodles, Black Pearl mushrooms, or the pasture-raised duck and get blown away by the flavours.

Do note:

You can order a set 8-course, 6-course or 4-course meal at Quay and pair it with the best of Australian wine, as recommended by the chef.

2. Attica, Melbourne

If you want to experience the best of local Australian produce and the gorgeous native flavours, head over to Attica in Melbourne. This restaurant also has two Michelin Stars. It lays heavy emphasis on the use of fresh, local ingredients which enhance the taste of the dishes. Try the finger lime cured kingfish, Black truffle with Warrigal greens and macadamia nuts, Lemon myrtle panna cotta with Davidson plum and quandong and other such unique dishes that you will get at Attica.

Do note:

You get an elaborate tasting menu at Attica, which at times even consists of 15 courses. Hence, it is best to go in a large group for a tasting.

3. Madalena’s, Perth

This is a casual and laid-back restaurant next to the coast in Perth. It has a spacious interior and also has some comfortable and relaxing outdoor seating for a better view of the bay. You get some excellent food and beverage options here. The hosts work in the restaurant and treat their guests very warmly.

Do note:

You will get many South American flavours, not just in the food but in the decor as well. The whole restaurant is set up in the style of a street in Brazil because the owners met and fell in love there.

4. The Point in Queenscliff, Victoria

One of the very best seafood restaurants in Australia, The Point is a large and classy restaurant that has one Michelin Star. It has a very beautiful outdoor deck from where you get uninterrupted views of the ocean as you dine. The pan-fried scallops with bacon and black garlic butter and the steamed mussels with chorizo and white wine are two of the most famous dishes available here.

Do note:

The waiters here are extremely knowledgeable about the food and flavours, as well as the food and wine pairings. Trust them and take their suggestions to enjoy the perfect meal.

Dining Etiquette and Tipping Culture in Australia

Did you know?

Knives and forks are not interchanged during the entire meal when dining at a restaurant in Australia. The fork remains in the left hand and the knife on the right, no matter what. After the meal is done, the two are laid on the empty plate, parallel to each other.

Listed below are some dining etiquette in Australia that tourists should be aware of:

1. It is absolutely essential to make a prior reservation when you wish to dine at any Australian restaurant. This holds true for fine-dining restaurants and smaller cafes too. It is very easy to make a reservation and you can do so via a phone call or online.

2. It is important to follow the dress code when you visit a restaurant in Australia. While some very formal places may ask you to dress in a black tie, most places are okay with the guests dressed in smart casuals. If you are unsure, check about the appropriate dress codes when making the reservation.

Do note:

Almost every restaurant and bar expects you to wear covered shoes, so do not step into any restaurant in open sandals.

3. The people of Australia are very cordial and friendly. Hence, they expect you to reciprocate that behaviour when you visit their restaurant. Be polite and respectful of the waiters and other restaurant staff. Smile more and do not forget to thank them before you leave the restaurant.

Do note:

Many of the smaller cafes and restaurants are run by families and they rely on publicity to expand their business. Sharing your experiences and tagging them on social media is highly appreciated.

4. It is completely alright to ask if you don't understand something on the menu or are confused about what to eat. The people are very friendly and happily guide you to make the correct choices.

5. The tipping culture is similar to many Western countries. In a fine dining restaurant, you are expected to pay 10% of the bill amount as a tip. In a casual restaurant, 5% of the bill amount is expected while in a takeaway place, you need not tip. Bars and cafes also don't mandate a tip, but not taking the change back is quite a popular practice at such places.

Local Culture and Traditions in Australia

Did you know?

You can get a variety of meats to try in Australia, and these won't easily be found anywhere else in the world. Emu meat and kangaroo meat are prime examples of this.

Australia has an amazing fusion of cultures. While the Aboriginal influences are very high and prominent, modern Western influences are quite widespread too. Subsequently, what we have is a beautiful mixture of several cultures and traditions woven together in a true Aussie spirit, which is unlike any other.

Australians are usually very casual in their ways. It is not uncommon for you to find several people dressed in shirts and tees at a wedding! Australians also use some very colourful language and swearing is not considered to be offensive at all. Meeting up for a ‘barbie’ (barbecue) while watching a sporting event together is quite common here. People enjoy eating and spending time with their loved ones in a casual and simple manner.

Tips Related to Food in Australia

Did you know?

You can enjoy a 2-hour couple’s dinner cruise buffet on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok for just 2300 THB. Some dinner cruises don’t charge additional fees for children under 3 years.

Listed below are some crucial tips about food in Australia that you must know:

1. Be aware of food allergies. You will find many new and unique dishes in Australia and may have some ingredients you have never tried before. Make sure you aren't allergic to anything. If you are unsure, skip that course and try the next.

2. Keep yourself hydrated. The weather in Australia can get humid and there is bright sunshine on most days. Keep sipping water to keep the dehydration away while you explore the local food and traditions.

Do note:

There are some special, native Australian beverages that you can try such as lemon barley water and ginger beer. They are amazing thirst quenchers and also give you the opportunity to try something new on the way.

3. The cost of food is on the higher side in Australia. So be prepared to pay more. However, if you wish to save up, try snacking from the local vendors or pop-up cafes where the food is more affordable.

FAQs

1) What are some popular street foods to try in Sydney?

Sydney is the food capital of Australia. Apart from the Michelin-star restaurants, you also get some amazing street food vendors. Try some street foods like fresh dumplings, delicious sushi and the tastiest churros.

2) What are some of the best home-grown beverages in Australia?

Both Australian wine and Australian beer are renowned across the globe, so don't forget to try some of these when you visit the country. If you want something non-alcoholic, try the famous Lemon lime and bitters (LLB) or the Fentimans Curious Creations Curiosity Cola.

3) Is vegetarian food easily available in Australia?

Many varieties of vegetarian food are available in Australia. You can also find several vegan restaurants in the country.

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