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9 Foods you MUST try when you visit Australia

Chicken Parma or Chicken Parmigiana
An Australian Staple in every pub and bistro in the country, the chicken parma is an Aussie take on the Italian classic made with eggplant as the hero base. The Aussie version is crumbed chicken topped with ham tomato sauce and cheese served with a side of salad and chips.

We challenge you to find a pub in the country that doesn’t have a Chicken Parma on their menu.


Vegemite

This is one of those Australian foods (condiments) that divides nations and probably causes some civil unrest with travellers when they go back home. There is no in betweens here. You either like it or you hate it.

Its a staple in many Aussie homes and usually eaten with toast for breakfast. Vegimite is one of those Salty, Malty and umami tasting spreads. First timers should try it cheese or avocado and a thin layer of the spread to get used to it and mellow out the strong taste. But this isn’t for everyone, but if you want to prove your worth being an Aussie you’re going to have to learn to love it, even if it means faking it till your last days in Oz.


Tim Tams

One of Australia’s most beloved biscuit items are Tim Tams. Having a Tim Tam with your afternoon Tea is a must when you’re in  Australia. Trust us when we say they’re amazing. Not only are they super YUM, but they also have their own way of being eaten. Get familiar with the term “The Tim Tam Slam”. There are 3 steps to the Tim Tam Slam. And it goes like this;

  1. Bite off opposite corners off
  2. Dip one of the bitten corners into your team
  3. Suck from the other bitten end like a straw and enjoy a burst of chocolaty goodness as your team makes its way through the Tim Tam.

You can thank us later!

This is one of those chocolate biscuits that makes it onto almost everyone’s luggage back when they leave the country and if you’re not doing it you can be guaranteed someone you know that has been to Australia will be asking for you to bring back a few packets for them.


Pavlova

Probably Australia’s most controversial desert not because of it taste or smell but it’s origin. Is it Australia’s desert or is it New Zealand’s desert? This is one of those questions that will be asked till the end of time just like the baklava… which country should rightfully claim it is one of those questions that will be debated forever.

The pavlova is a meringue desert with a crispy outside and a marshmallow centre usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

ANZAC Biscuits

These biscuits are stooped in history and were made to commemorate the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (hence ANZAC biscuits). These were made by wives of soldiers who served in the world war. Since then these biscuits have had a place in Aussie food culture. ANZAC biscuits are traditionally made and eaten on ANZAC day where all Australians and New Zealanders take the day to reflect and give thanks to past and present soldiers.

Meat Pie

The humble meat pie… No the most spectacular meat filled pastry but it’s one of those quick cheap eats you must eat at the footy (football) when watching a game. Its Australia’s version of a hotdog at the baseball. The meat pie is quite simple. Its pastry filled with minced or small chunks of meat and gravy. The best way to eat it is with tomato sauce.


Burger with the Lot

This is one of those menu items you will get at your local takeaway shop. Hands down beats the burgers from popular fast food chains. These burgers are the sloppy, juicy type with some fillings that may seem out of place but they all work. The standard ‘The Lot’ burger usually comes with beef meat patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, beetroot, pineapple, sauce and fried egg.

These are the quinte essential hangover burgers if that’s your thing.


Kangaroo Meat

Yes, that’s not a spelling mistake. You read it correctly, kangaroo meat. A little bit of trivia. The kangaroo is pictured in our coat of arms along with the emu, and with that being said we are the only country in the world that eats an animal on their coat of arms.

Kangaroo meat is somewhat gamey, but for the super health conscious it’s a great source of lean meat with very little fat.


Lamingtons

Arguably Australia’s national desert or cake the lamington is a simple sponge cake covered in chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut. Some variations also include cream or jam sandwiched between two sponge cakes then the entire thing is covered in chocolate sauce and desiccated coconut.

Traditionally these are also shared and eaten during afternoon tea with a nice cup of tea.

Simple but will easily satisfy any sweet tooth craving you have as a traveller.

Happy eating đŸ™‚

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