Top 21 Traditional Australian Food To Try On Your Visit

Buckle up, foodies! We're ditching the Colosseum and diving into the delicious down under! Australia might not have a single signature dish, but it's got a whole symphony of flavours ready to rock your taste buds. From lively nightlife scenes to vibrant food stalls, this land of kangaroos isn't just for adventure and beaches (although those are pretty amazing, too). So, grab your virtual fork and spoon because we're about to jump on the bandwagon of the journey of Australian food culture through Australia favourite food.

What are Some Traditional Australian Foods?

From being an adventure spot to having the best beaches in Australia, Australia is also emerging for its traditional food. Australian delicacies offer authentic taste and have a story of their own to tell. You will find a perfect blend of flavours in typical Australian cuisine with a dash of pepper. So, if you are wondering what is the most popular food in Australia, then here is a list of the classic Australian dishes to help you find the best typical Australian cuisine!

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

1. Chicken Parmigiana

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

Originating from Italy, Chicken Parmigiana is a traditional Australian food found in almost every pub in Australia. Parmigiana was once an eggplant dish in Italy, but it 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! It is said to be one of the top 10 Australian dishes. 

2. Meat Pies

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

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 the typical Australian food but the best way to appreciate this pie would be with mashed potatoes and gravy! It is one very lightweight and enjoyable Australian snack out there. It is one of the popular dishes in Australia. 

3. Barramundi

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

If you really want to try fish in Australia then Barramundi will be a great fit for you. 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 iconic Aussie snack 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!

4. Lamington 

Best place to have: Tokyo Lamington, My Little Cupcakes

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 food of Australia 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, next time you are sipping on tea, try a Lamington with it to elevate your experience! It is one of the top Australian dishes. 

5. Barbecue Snags

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

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 traditional Australian dishes that will blow your mind away with its perfect combination of meat, garlic, onion, and so much more. This traditional foods Australia 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.

6. Pavlova

Best place to have: Ester Sydney, Pavlova Pantry

After a delicious tummy-filling meal, your taste buds might demand something sweet. Well, don't worry; Pavlova has got you covered. Pavlova is a traditional Australian food 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. 

If you are a student dreaming of studying in Australia, you will need a student visa. If you are confused about where to start for your Australian visa, our guide on Australian student visas will help you out!

7. Grilled Kangaroo

Best place to have: Grill Steak Seafood, The Promenade

Australians consider Kangaroo meat as one of the healthiest of all since it packs a punch (literally!) This traditional Australian cuisine 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. It is so famous and delicious that it had to be a part of the traditional Australian food list.

8. Australian Burgers

Best place to have: Ze Pickle, Burgerman 

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 Australian dishes, widely consumed in the world too. However, what makes this particular burger a typical traditional Australian food is its filling. Unlike the regular stuffing of meat, salad, and sauce, you might be surprised to learn that 'beetroot' is a common ingredient in Australian burgers. 

9. Fish 'n' Chips

Best place to have:  Costa's Seafood Cafe

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. This dish is so good that you won't shy away from asking Australian food recipes for it. 

10. Vegemite on Toast

Best place to have: Incinerator Cafe

Another authentic Australian food for breakfasts on the go 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. ‍

11. Prawn Cocktails

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

Also known as the Shrimp Cocktail, this particular cocktail 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 Cocktail. Sometimes, it also has lettuce leaves in it. Now, the world has recognised this dish, although Australia has always welcomed the prawn cocktail since the 1970s. If you wish to experience fine dining the Aussie style, then this is a must-have traditional food in Australia.

12. Sausage Rolls

Best place to have: Banana Boogie Bakery

If you are a sausage fan, then this is the traditional Australian food for you. With pastry wrapping around the meat, this overbaked lunch is one of the best foods 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.

13. Vanilla Slice

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

Although this pastry's origin is in France, this is also a famous food of Australia. 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.

14. Cheese & Bacon Roll

Best place to have: Banana Boogie Bakery 

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 that originated in Australia. Topped with small slices of bacon, it is loaded with mozzarella cheese. Along with being a traditional food in Australia, it is also one of the best dishes for lunch in the country.

15. Crab Sticks

Best place to have: Ocean World Seafood Market 

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 flavouring, the dish also gets food colouring to make it look and feel like a crab, while in reality, it is not.

16. Anzac Biscuits

Best place to have: Beechworth Bakery, Lune Croissanterie (Melbourne)

One of the most iconic Australian traditional foods, Anzac Biscuits, holds a special place in Australian cuisine. Wives originally baked these crisp, golden biscuits and women's groups to send to their loved ones serving in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I. Made with simple ingredients like rolled oats, coconut, golden syrup, and butter, Anzac Biscuits were designed to have a long shelf life to survive the journey across the seas. Today, they remain one of the most popular foods in Australia, cherished for their unique flavour and deep-rooted historical significance.

17. Avocado Toast

Best place to have: Bills, Dukkah (Melbourne)

While not a traditional Australian food in the strictest sense, avocado toast has become a beloved staple in Australian cuisine over the past decade. This simple yet delicious dish, featuring mashed avocado spread over crispy toast, has taken the country by storm and is now one of the best Australian dishes. The rise of avocado toast can be attributed to Australia's love for fresh, healthy ingredients and its thriving cafe culture. Australian chefs and cafes have embraced this dish, putting their unique spin on it with creative toppings like feta, dukkah, or even poached eggs.

18. Tim Tams

Best place to have: Convenience stores

Tim Tams are the famous Australian biscuits, they gained popularity both domestically and globally. These biscuits are coated in chocolate; they have a creamy filling of rich chocolate between two malted cookies. Tim Tams are a mainstay of Australian snacking culture, and they're best consumed with a cup of tea or coffee due to their rich flavour and decadent texture. Their special role in Australian culinary traditions is highlighted by the "Tim Tam Slam," a famous method of consuming them that involves using the biscuit as a straw for hot beverages. It is one of the many type of food in Australia that everyone loves. 

19. Witchetty Grubs

Best place to have: Tali Wiru

Witchetty grubs are Australia traditional food. It is an important part of the Indigenous diet and a traditional Australian bush dish. For thousands of years, the huge white moth larvae have been an important source of protein for Aboriginal Australians. Usually found in witchetty bushes' roots, they have a nutty flavour when eaten raw and taste similar to scrambled eggs or chicken when cooked. Witchetty grubs are a significant part of Australia's culinary history and demonstrate the ingenuity and close ties to the natural world that characterise Indigenous Australian culture.

20. Golden Gaytime

Best place to have: Local supermarkets and convenience stores

Golden Gaytime is a classic Australian ice cream treat introduced by Streets in 1959. This popular dessert features creamy vanilla and toffee-flavoured ice cream coated in a crunchy layer of biscuit pieces and a smooth caramel coating. Known for its distinctive, fun name and delicious taste, Golden Gaytime has become a nostalgic favourite for many Australians. It's celebrated for its unique texture and flavour combination, making it a beloved indulgence across the country. It is one typical food in Australia. It is one of the best foods in Australia to eat. 

21. Calamari

Best place to have: Fish Face, Hakata Gensuke Ramen, Wild Prawn

Calamari, commonly known as squid, is a popular dish in Australian cuisine, often enjoyed as a seafood delicacy. Typically, it is prepared by slicing the squid into rings, coating them in flour or breadcrumbs, and then frying them until golden and crispy. Served with a squeeze of lemon or a side of aioli, calamari is cherished for its tender texture and mild flavour. Its versatility and ease of preparation have made it a favourite in Australian restaurants and seafood markets. It is a loved delicacy in the Australia food culture. 

Well, this was our list of the top 21 traditional foods in Australia. Don't forget to taste these typical Australian dishes on your next visit to Aussie land and unlock your inner connoisseur. Make sure to go through these Australian slang before you fly to Australia! Embracing the local vocabulary will help you blend in and connect with the friendly Aussie culture. Bon Appétit! You can check out our easy recipes for students.