Top 10 Foods You Have To Try In Australia

Gabby Boucher

October 28th, 2024

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6 minute read

Looking for the best foods to try in Australia? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the top 10 foods (and top 3 drinks) that backpackers have to try during their time Down Under. Australian cuisine is quite tricky to figure out, as it pulls from lots of different cultures and isn't as distinct as other countries such as Japan or Italy. But Australia has much to offer in terms of sweet treats, local seafood and produce, and native meats. 

Here are 10 of the most Australian foods you can find, many of which are sure to infuse your palate with unique flavours and provide funny stories to tell when you arrive back home!

Top 10 Foods You Have To Try In Australia

1. Vegemite

Have you really visited Australia if you haven't tried vegemite? This dark brown, savoury spread is flavoured with brewers' yeast extract and spices. Foreigners love to hate on vegemite, and granted, it does have an intense flavour. But to enjoy it correctly, you must sample it the Aussie way. Try a toasted piece of sourdough bread, slathered with butter with a light spread of vegemite on top. Throw on some avocado slices and you've got an authentic local snack!

2. Tim Tams

Tim Tams are another must-try snack in Australia. Imagine two rectangular chocolate biscuits with a layer of chocolate in the middle and a chocolate coating outside. You can try the double coat version for extra chocolatey goodness, or sample other flavours like honeycomb or caramel. Elevate your experience with a Tim Tam Slam. Just bite both ends off a Tim Tam and then suck hot tea through the middle as if the biscuit were a straw. This melts the chocolate inside and creates an irresistible texture!

3. Oysters

Oysters are a delicacy around the world, but Australia has some top-tier oysters around the coastline. Whether you're ordering a seafood platter at a nice restaurant or sampling one fresh from a seafood market, Australian oysters bring the taste of the ocean right to your tongue. Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia have some of Australia's best oysters. Try them fresh with a squeeze of lemon, or baked with bacon for a hearty Kilpatrick dish.

4. ANZAC Biscuits

Australians love their sweet treats, and ANZAC biscuits are another iconic snack Down Under. These hard, crunchy cookies are made with oats, flour, shredded coconut, sugar, butter, and golden syrup. They are simple and pair wonderfully with a cuppa (cup of tea in Australian slang). But the cookies are famous because they were supposedly a staple in the diets of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during World War I. The cookies are cheap to make and stay edible for a long time, hence the name ANZAC biscuit. 

5. Kangaroo

Vegetarians and vegans may want to skip this one, but any travellers looking to sample the local meats in Australia can try a taste of kangaroo! Because kangaroos are only found in Australia, this is a quintessential culinary experience. However, kangaroo meat is actually not super common, as the meat is quite lean and gamey. Most Australians prefer beef or lamb, but you can find kangaroo steaks, burgers, and jerky all around the country. 

6. Lamingtons

A lamington is another classic Australian sweet beloved by locals of all ages. Whether you purchase them from a bakery, from your local Woolworths or Coles grocery stores, or you sample a homemade one, a lamington is sure to put a smile on your face. Lamingtons are square-shaped sponge cakes that are coated in chocolate and shredded coconut. They are light and airy, and some Aussies prefer them made with a strip of jam in the middle. 

7. Local Fruits

As with any country in the world, the local, in-season produce is like a feast for the senses. Australia is a massive country, so wherever you are, try to sample the fruits that are freshly harvested from that region! Go blueberry picking in southern New South Wales, taste fragrant mangoes in central Queensland, or tear open a tropical rambutan in the Daintree Rainforest. Wherever you are on the East Coast, visit the local markets and treat yourself to the in-season fruits for the most delectable natural treat.

8. Meat Pies

Though meat pies are an iconic dish in England and elsewhere in Europe, they are one of the many food items whose popularity has translated to Australia. Savoury pies are a huge hit among Aussies, especially for a quick lunch break or as part of a family dinner. The tender meat and rich sauces encased in a warm, flaky crust create an incredible combo, and you can even find vegetarian pies at most bakeries.

9. Fish and Chips

Fish and chips is another traditional English dish that has become a staple in Australia. Pubs around the country faithfully serve fish and chips, though you'll find the freshest catch at seaside towns near the coast. Cod, flathead, and barramundi are some of the most common white fish that might be served on your delectable platter of fish and chips in Australia.

10. Crocodile Jerky

If you're looking for interesting foods to try in Australia that will make a fun story, add crocodile to your list! You can sometimes find crocodile on the menu at quirky cafes and pubs in northern Australia, though it's not super common. A more appetizing way to try crocodile is crocodile jerky, where the meat is cured and spices are added to ramp up the flavour. 

Bonus: Top 3 Drinks You Have To Try In Australia

You'll need some delicious drinks to accompany all your iconic Australian foods! Luckily, drinking is just as much a part of the culture as eating. Australia has a booming beer and wine industry, and you can find delicious locally-made brands of each all around the country. Coffee is also like a religion in Australia, so prepare to taste some of the best coffee in the world!

Here are the top 3 drinks to try during your time in Australia. 

1. Coffee

Australians absolutely love their coffee. Cafe culture is huge all around the country, and very few Australians start their day without a cup of high-quality coffee. Whether the beans are imported or locally grown, Australian cafes prioritise quality and ensure that their espresso equipment and barista talent are top-tier. Whether you want an iced coffee with cream and ice cream, a strong long black with robust flavour, or a cappuccino with dusted chocolate and just the right amount of froth, coffee is world-class in Australia!

2. Local Beer

Beer is another cherished beverage among Australians. Those who love a good beer will be spoilt for choice when it comes to local brews in pubs and restaurants! You can always find the usual popular imported beers such as Peroni or Corona, but Aussie loves the brands that are made on their home turf such as XXXX Gold, Coopers, VB, Great Northern, Carlton, Hahn, Tooheys, and more. There are also lots of amazing craft beers and breweries all over the country.

3. Local Wine

If you're more of a wine lover, you're still in luck while you travel around Australia. The country is home to a few world-class wine regions that make some exquisite wines. Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Barossa Valley in South Australia, and Margaret River in Western Australia are the most famous wine regions, and you can taste wines from these places in restaurants and bars all over Australia. 

Be sure to sample some of these classic Australian foods during your East Coast adventure! You can contact our team as well if you need any help planning your travels!