The article is written by Candice Locklee.
One of the best things about being in a new country is getting to try out all of the foods that the locals love to eat.
From the weird to the delicious, here are our top 7 picks for the most Aussie foods you need to try while you’re here:
7) LAMINGTONS
The delicious lamington cake has practically become an Australian icon for bakeries all over the country and there’s plenty to love about it. The original lamington is a vanilla sponge cake that’s cut into squares, rolled in chocolate and coated in coconut.
A popular version of the lamington is to cut the square in half and spread a layer of strawberry jam and cream in between before rolling it in chocolate and coconut. There are also places where you’ll find people turning the lamington into something fresh and modern with all different flavors and all different kinds of fillings.
Get them from bakeries, supermarkets, market stalls or anywhere else you happen to spot them – the lamington never goes out of style.
6) ANZAC COOKIES
The humble ANZAC cookie has a long history – Australians have enjoyed eating them since they were eaten by our soldiers in World War 1. The traditional ANZAC cookie is made with ingredients such as oats, golden syrup, and coconut that is melted together and baked into heavenly treats that taste like butter and toffee.
Give them a go – the best ones are crispy and golden on the outside and chewy on the inside.
5) PRAWNS ON THE BARBIE
While in Australia, you’re almost certain to hear the phrase, “prawns on the barbie”. Don’t be alarmed – it simply translates to “prawns cooked on the barbecue”.
This is a favorite for a lot of Aussies, especially during the summer months. When the weather is good and the sun is out, grab a pair of thongs and get some friends together in the backyard to enjoy some prawns on the barbie. You’ll be feeling like a local in no time!
4) TIM TAMS
Tim Tams are a classic Australian chocolate biscuit that everyone has to try at least once. They come in all different flavors, but nothing really beats Original with its creamy chocolate filling in between two layers of light chocolate biscuit and a thin coating of chocolate on the outside.
Try doing what Aussies often call the Tim Tam Slam – take two small bites from opposite ends of the Tim Tam and dip one end into a hot drink. The creamy filling and the biscuit will soften and you’ll be able to use your Tim Tam like a straw to enjoy your drink.
Buy yourself a packet (or two) the next time you’re at the supermarket and try not to eat them all at once!
3) MEAT PIE
Sure, you can get a meat pie nearly anywhere in the world but Aussies love eating the classic meat pie and it’s a great choice for when you’re in a hurry and looking for some lunch.
Meat pies are sold everywhere in Australia – from supermarkets to bakeries, service stations to restaurants – and enjoyed anywhere you can think of – from cafes to football matches, to schools or the beach.
The next time you’re feeling hungry, grab a meat pie and don’t forget the big splash of tomato sauce on top.
2) WITCHETTY GRUBS
Although you’re unlikely to find these in your regular supermarket, witchetty grubs are a native bush food and commonly eaten by Indigenous Australians in central parts of the country.
If you ask someone what a witchetty grub tastes like, you’ll often hear the answer that they “taste like chicken”. This is true if they are lightly cooked and the skin becomes crispy, but witchetty grubs can also be eaten raw where they have a slightly nutty flavor like almonds.
The sight of a witchetty grub can turn a lot of people away, but if you’re looking to try some authentic native bush food, why not give it a go? – we dare you!
1) VEGEMITE
It doesn’t get more Australian than eating Vegemite.
In a jar with the famous red and yellow logo, vegemite is a thick black paste made from yeast extract that most Aussies have eaten since they were kids. With its strong flavor that’s hard to describe – salty? sour? a little sweet? – a lot of overseas visitors are hesitant to try the popular spread and will either love it or hate it.
The most important thing about vegemite is to not overdo it. It works best when a little is spread with butter on a thick slice of warm toast.
No matter what you’ve heard about it, vegemite is THE most Aussie food to try in Australia. So, pick some up at your local supermarket – you might just find that you love it as much as we do!
For more info about being an international student living in Australia, be sure to check out the official webpage at www.studyanywhere.com.au
