Australia is an excellent country to visit for many reasons, including its food. The country has some hard-core authentic foods as well as some adopted ones that have gotten the Aussie twist.
If you ever happen to find yourself in the land down under, here are some foods you must try. Believe us; they are worth every bite.
1. Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is a common thing, but you haven’t tasted anything if you haven’t had Australian pumpkin soup. Not that pumpkin is different, but this comes with an authentic Australian taste that is dangerously delicious.
The pumpkin soup you will have here is likely to include a Granny Smith apple. These were initially grown right outside Sydney before taking root in other parts of the country. You can get this hearty soup in restaurants or make your own.
When short on time, a meal prep service can be a lifesaver.
2. Pavlova
Pavlova, named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, is a national dessert. Pavlova is made of a crisp meringue crust encompassing a soft filling.
This is topped off with fresh fruits like kiwi, banana, strawberries, and passion fruit and then doused in a healthy serving of whipped cream.
If you have a sweet tooth, this is bound to knock your socks off every time.
3. Grilled Kangaroo
Kangaroo is a local delicacy, but you can only keep a secret for so long. Today, the country packages and exports kangaroo meat to over 60 markets.
Aside from being a national icon, the kangaroo produces some of the healthiest meats in the world. Going by taste, kangaroo is closest to beef. It, however, has fewer fat and calories than beef and delivers more iron and protein. It is also rich in omega-3.
Kangaroo meat is best enjoyed medium-rare as this preserves taste and juiciness. But preparing this dish requires a skilled hand because it dries out pretty quickly.
Aside from a juicy kangaroo steak, you can get it in burger patties, minced meat, and sausages.
4. Barramundi
In the Aboriginal language, barramundi means ‘large-scaled river fish.’
This fish is grilled, fried, or seared. The result is a crispy exterior with a mild, buttery, meaty texture. Because of the way it is prepared, it is a healthier alternative to regular battered fish.
For a real barramundi experience, head up to Queensland and attempt catching one yourself before having it pan-seared to perfection.
5. Meat Pie
The traditional Aussie meat pie has a filling of your choice like it does anywhere else. However, it also has gravy and is topped off with tomato sauce. The gourmet variation of this features mushy peas and mashed potato. An authentic one is hand-sized with a healthy meaty filling.
6. Chicken Parmigiana
Truth be told, this is not a 100% Australian dish. Still, it has become so Australian that most natives will name it on their top authentic meals.
Chicken parmigiana is made of chicken schnitzel topped off with tomato sauce and a healthy dose of cheese. This can be served with vegetables, a salad, and chips. Some variations add ham. Either way, chicken parmigiana is delicious to the last bite.
7. Continental Roll
Because you will be up and about so much, it’s nice to have a convenient on-the-go snack.
A continental roll is a fine choice.
This is basically an Australian sandwich with chewy, crusty bread filled with mixed meats and cheese. Sundried tomatoes, pickled eggplant, carrots, and beetroots are also added.
There You Have It
Call this your ultimate bucket list for the most authentic, whole-heartedly adopted Aussie foods. Whichever ones you choose to try first, expect nothing short of a palate-fest.