There’s no denying it, Australia is a melting pot of nationalities, cultures and customs. This is why we have practically every food you can think of on offer. Although we might not have a signature cultural cuisine – like Italy has its pasta or Spain has paella – Australia has no shortage of iconic snacks and unique dishes.
I’ve rounded up the (unofficial) top 25 truly Aussie foods you have to try during your visit. Or Scroll to find your favourite!
1. Vegemite on toast
You either love it or hate it, but this salty savoury spread is a national icon. For a real Aussie breakfast, pair it with avocado, salt and pepper on toast, which makes a surprisingly delicious combo.
2. Meat pies
These hot, flaky packages are on the menu of every social party, sporting match and even for breakfast after a big night out. Try one with tomato sauce from the local bakery or service station.
3. Tim Tams
These much-loved chocolate-malted biscuits are now sold around the world due to their addictiveness. Do the ‘Tim Tam Slam’ by biting a corner off the top and opposite bottom side of the biscuit, then use it like a straw to drink a warm glass of milk or hot chocolate. you’ll thank me.
4. Fairy Bread
A childhood classic at every kids birthday party (that I still wouldn’t refuse as an adult), it’s made of three simple ingredients: white bread, butter and hundreds and thousands (rainbow sprinkles).
5. Fish and chips
Nothing beats fresh fish and chips with a lemon wedge down by the beach. Try the popular Australian fish Barramundi, named from the Aboriginal language meaning ‘large-scaled river fish’. And don’t forget to ask for chicken salt on your chips.
6. Pub chicken parmigiana
Despite its Italian name, the “parmy” is an Aussie pub classic that consists of a chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese.
7. Pavlova
Pavlova is Australia’s national cake, made of a soft filling and crisp meringue crust, topped with whipped cream and seasonal fresh fruits like banana, passionfruit, kiwi fruit and strawberries. Australia and New Zealand have a long running dispute over who invented the dessert.
8. Lamingtons
These square sponge cakes are Australia’s next most-cherished cake – filled with jam and cream and coated in chocolate and coconut icing.
9. Aussie barbecue
Sausages, pork, lamb, steak, you name it – Australians sure know how to grill up a feast. But I’m not sure where the infamous saying “chuck a shrimp on the barbie” came from… a) we call them prawns, and b) I’ve never seen an Australian actually BBQ them!
10. Golden Gaytime
Arguably Australia’s most-loved ice-cream, the Gaytime has a vanilla and toffee ice-cream centre, dipped in chocolate and coated in biscuit crumbs. “It’s hard to have a Gaytime on your own”, so says the iconic tagline.
11. Freddo Frogs and Caramello Koalas
These little chocolate frogs and koalas are made from the best of the best, Cadbury Milk Chocolate. They come in a range of delish flavours like strawberry, peppermint, pineapple and popping candy.
12. Pods
Pods are crunchy yet gooey bites of heaven with Mars bar, Snickers or Twix filling. Shockingly you’ll only find them in Australia and New Zealand.
13. Snags
“Snags” or sausages, are Australia’s version of the USA’s hotdog. Our version is simply a slice of white bread paired with a sausage and whatever sauce you fancy, and even caramelized onions if you want to be fancy. Head to the hardware store Bunnings Warehouse on the weekend to find yourself an iconic sausage sizzle.
14. Arnott's biscuits
Arnott’s is the brand responsible for our beloved Tim Tams, Mint Slices and Tiny Teddys. Buy an assorted biscuits pack to taste all the classics. They also have a range of savoury biscuits called Shapes that come in moreish flavours like Pizza, BBQ, Cheese and Bacon, and Chicken Crimpy.
15. Fantales
These are extremely chewy caramel lollIES coated in milk chocolate. The best part is their wrappers – each one comes with a different movie trivia question. It now comes in an ice cream flavour, too!
16. Caramel slice
This treat has a simple biscuit base with soft caramel filling and chocolate topping – all the ingredients for a recipe of success. It would be un-Australian for you to not indulge in one while you’re here!
17. Milo
Milo is a malt drink powDer added to milk to make a delicious, chocolatey, crunchy beverage. Ignore the tin’s recommendation of one scoop PER serving – you’ll want to add as much as possible to your glass of milk! During the cooler months, you can heat it up and drink it with the Tim Tam Slam.
18. Bowen mangoes
Australia has an amazing variety of tropical fruits, especially in the summer. There’s nothing better than a ripe, juicy mango to cool you down on a scorching day.
19. Bubble O'Bill
When a mango won’t do the trick on a summer’s day, you need a Bubble O’Bill. It’s a classic blend of strawberry, caramel and chocolate ice-cream on a stick with a bubble gum ball for a nose.
20. Twisties and Cheezles
These are two types of cheesy flavoured potato chips, comparable to the likes of Cheetos, but on a whole other level of finger lickin’ good.
21. Cherry Ripe
Australia’s oldest chocolate bar is one-of-a-kind. Cherry Ripe’s have a coconut and cherry filling coated in delectable dark chocolate.
22. Sausage rolls
Australian sausage rolls are another lunch time favourite, made of sausage meat wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, perfectly paired with tomato sauce.
23. Smashed avo on toast
Avocado on toast is a breakfast staple among Aussies, usually sprinkled with feta cheese, pepper, olive oil, sesame seeds or topped with poached eggs. You’ll find it in nearly any breakfast or brunch cafe, and don’t forget to order it with a delicious Australian coffee roast.
24. Chiko rolls
Inspired by the Chinese spring roll, Chikos are deep-fried rolls of beef, cabbage, celery and veg, typically EATEN by surfers after a day at the beach and sold at our fish and chip shops.
25. Kangaroo
Some might find it weird that Australians eat their national animal, but kangaroo is one of the healthiest meats. It’s low in fat and high in protein, iron and omega-3. You can buy it in fillet steaks, sausages or minced meat.