Top 15 Traditional Australian Food | Amber | Amber (2024)

Today, let's take a delicious ride through the flavours of the Land of the Kangaroo. Unlike Italy, Australia doesn't have any particular dish under its wing but has a range of Australian cuisines that one can relish while in the city. The nation is known for its nightlife and vibrant food scenes that make the country more lively and a popular destination. It is a top hit for adventure and beach lovers, serving some of the best of both. So, let's dive into the best Australian foods!

What Are Some Traditional Australian Foods?

From being an adventure spot to the best beaches in Australia, it is also emerging for its traditional food. Australian cuisine offers authentic taste and has a story of its own to tell. You will find a perfect blend of flavours in the typical Australian food with a dash of pepper. So, to help you find the best typical Australian cuisine, here is a list of the best Australian food!

Along with these traditional Australian foods, experience some of the best food in Australia and entertainment options across various destinations in Australia, from Perth to Sydney, and Melbourne to Cairns, with Experience Oz!

1. Chicken Parmigiana

Originating from Italy, Chicken Parmigiana is your traditional Australian food that is found in almost every pub in Australia. Parmigiana was once an eggplant dish in Italy, which soon turned into a chicken schnitzel combined with an Italian-inspired tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. It is almost heaven for people who love the combination of chicken and cheese. Pair this traditional Australian food with a beer at a pub, and you will understand what bliss actually means!

Best place to have: Enterprise Hotel, Charters Towers, Queensland.

2. Meat Pies

If you love meat and pies, then this Australian traditional dish is one that you have to try! Referred to as a 'dog's eye,' this flaky pie is a dish that is not only loved by locals but almost everyone who tries it! Meat pies have been on the list of typical Australian cuisine for a long time, and they deserve their spot there! You will find this delicacy in almost every house party, event, and concert; there are many variations of this Australian food but the best way to enjoy this pie would be with mashed potatoes and gravy!

Best place to have: Whittlesea Bakehouse, Harry’s Cafe de Wheels

3. Barramundi

When many think of fish and Australia, the only name that comes to mind is the Barramundi! Barramundi is a traditional Australian dish that literally translates to a "large-scaled river fish" in the Aboriginal language. It is usually served as a steak, meaning it is pan-seared with the skin side being seared first! You will find this delicious Australian food in almost every restaurant across Australia. If you are a fan of fish and want to experience the culture of Australia, then Barramundi is a dish you can't miss!

Best place to have: Doyles on the Beach, Barramundi near Darwin

4. Lamington

If you are looking for something to snack on while sipping on a cup of tea or coffee, then Lamington is the snack you deserve! This traditional Australian food is usually a square-shaped sponge cake that has a coating of chocolate icing, and then coconut shavings are sprinkled over it. Lamingtons are such a popular dish that they have been named the "National Cake of Australia." So that next time you are sipping on tea, try a Lamington with it to elevate your experience!

Best place to have: Tokyo Lamington, My Little Cupcakes

5. Barbecue Snags

If you are a meat lover, Barbecue snags are the perfect meal for you. Well, the snag is nothing but an Australian sausage made using beef and pork meat. It is one of the best Australian foods that will blow your mind away with its perfect combination of meat, garlic, onion, and so much more. This authentic Australian food is famous among people for its juicy flavours and texture. Barbecue snags are generally served with mashed potatoes, tomato sauce, chutneys, and loaves of bread.

Best place to have: Bluebonnet Barbecue, Snag & Brown.

6. Pavlova

After a scrumptious tummy-filling meal, your taste buds might demand something sweet. Well, don't worry, Pavlova has got you covered. Pavlova is a quintessential affair that one wouldn't want to miss. This after-dinner sweet is one of the traditional foods in Australia that breaks many cheat days' schedules. Pavlova is a mouth-watering cake topped with fruits and whipped cream. You can easily find Pavlova at bakeries and cake shops. So, do not forget to keep some room for this delicious delicacy. Pavlova has also become a new trend for birthday cakes; Australians are consuming Pavlova on important occasions and celebrations.

Best place to have: Ester Sydney, Pavlova Pantry

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7. Grilled Kangaroo

Australians consider Kangaroo meat as one of the healthiest of all since it packs a punch (literally!) This traditional Australian food is one of the most widely consumed meats in the country since it has all the necessary nutrients to keep you full and healthy. Kangaroo meat is packed with iron and is incredibly lean in shape, leaner than a steak, making it a go-to meal for many people. This Australian food is usually served with veggies containing onions, potatoes, etc.

Best place to have: Grill Steak Seafood, The Promenade

8. Australian Burgers

We know you must be thinking about how a burger could be one of the traditional Australian foods. But there's a catch to this. Burgers are one of the most popular foods, widely consumed in the world. However, what makes this particular burger a typical Australian food is what you find inside it. Unlike the regular stuffing of meat, salad, and sauce, you might be surprised to learn that 'beetroot' is a common ingredient in Australian burgers. Beetroot has incredible health benefits, is responsible for increasing stamina and lowering blood pressure, and is now an important aspect of Australian traditional food.

Best place to have: Ze Pickle, Burgerman

9. Fish 'n' Chips

Beware! This Australian food is known for its mind-boggling flavours and taste. If you want to try something unique, then we would suggest you try this Australian traditional food. Fish 'n' Chips is a popular food in Australia that covers a majority of seafood in the country. Fish 'n' Chips is a combination of grilled fish made in white or brown vinegar served with hot, crispy, and long-shaped potato chips. Generally served as a snack, Fish' n' Chips have found their way into the list of traditional foods in Australia. If you don't feel like dining in a restaurant, you can carry them with you to the nearby beach or a place of your choice. It goes best with a glass of wine or beer. This also serves as a great evening snack with your favourite beer or juice.

Best place to have: Costa’s Seafood Cafe

10. Vegemite on Toast

Another authentic breakfast delicacy of the Aussie land which has made its way onto our list of traditional foods in Australia is Vegemite on toast. Vegemite is an ingredient that has made its way to the Australian kitchen since 1922 when a chemist came up with a unique spread rich in Vitamin B. The dark-coloured textured spread is a little salty and is a go-to food for Australians. This Australian traditional food has a huge fan following in Kangaroo Land and is commonly found in the traveller's backpack. ‍

Best place to have: Incinerator Cafe

11. Prawn co*cktails

Also known as the Shrimp co*cktail, this particular co*cktail is made of shelled prawns. This classic Australian food is dipped in mayonnaise and tomato chutney or ketchup, this prawn dish stands unique as it is served in a glass. That is how it gets the name Prawn co*cktail. Sometimes, it also has lettuce leaves in it. Now, the world has recognised this dish, although Australia has always welcomed the prawn co*cktail since the 1970s. If you wish to experience fine dining the Aussie style, then this is a must-have traditional food in Australia.

Best place to have: Back Beach Café & Restaurant, Etch

12. Sausage Rolls

If you are a sausage fan, then this is the best Australian food for you. With pastry wrapping around the meat, this overbaked lunch is one of the best food in Australia. A famous lunch option, it is unique in its own way and is different from other sausage options in various countries as it has adapted the modern way to elevate the taste of a simple scoff. This dish represents the culinary blend from around the world to create a distinct taste and make people experience the traditional food in Australia.

Best place to have: Banana Boogie Bakery

13. Vanilla Slice

Although this pastry's origin is in France, this is also a famous traditional Australian food. The original name of this dish back in France is Mille-Feuille, which basically means a thousand sheets. This is a multi-layered pastry with vanilla custard filling in the centre. Lastly, dusted with some icing sugar on top, this Australian dish is a creamy slice of vanilla burst with a fruity aftertaste. There are different names for this dish when we talk about it in different nations, although it is called Vanilla Slice in Australia and is the most loved traditional food in Australia.

Best place to have: The North End Bakehouse, North of Mildura

14. Cheese & Bacon Roll

If you are a crazy cheese lover, then this Australian dish is for you. It is a simple dish to make at home if you are a student tired from your day at uni but still wish to cook something that tastes good and is fulfilling. It is a renowned bread snack which originated in Australia. Topped with small slices of bacon, they are loaded with mozzarella cheese. Along with being a traditional food in Australia, it is also one of the best alternatives for lunch in the country.

Best place to have: Banana Boogie Bakery

15. Crab Sticks

Seafood lover? Well, here is a pretentious seafood dish which is not exactly crab but is made into one. Confused? We were, too, but it was easy. It is just white fish flesh that is cut and shaped in a manner that resembles that of crab's leg meat. This dish includes fillers such as wheat and potato starch along with egg whites. With crab flavoring, the dish also gets food coloring to make it look and feel like a crab, while in reality, it is not.

Best place to have: Ocean World Seafood Market

Well, this was our list of the top 15 traditional foods in Australia. Don't forget to taste these Australian dishes on your next visit to Aussie land and unlock your inner connoisseur. Make sure to go through these Australian slangs before you fly to Australia! Bon Appétit! You can check out our easy recipes for student and cook some delicious breakfast on the go.