Australia has some curious culinary delights to try; the unassuming sausage in bread and the loaded chicken parmigiana are firm favourites amongst all Aussies.
However, what makes these treats so revered is not just what’s on the plate, but what’s around it too! After all, you aren’t truly eating a Paddle Pop until half of it has melted down your arm on a hot summer’s day.
Read on for our list of the top must-try Australian food and drink experiences. You’ll even find a few easy recipes in there as well!
1. Fish and chips by the beach
The food:
- Battered fish
- Hot chips covered in chicken salt
- Potato cakes/scallops depending on which state you’re in (this is an argument you will never hear the end of)
The drink:
- A cold drink for a hot day (flavoured milk for those who like to live life on the edge)
Fish and chips by the beach is the ultimate Australian food experience. Make sure you head out for a swim before you grab some lunch. Pick a shady spot by the water and tear into the off-white wrapping to unveil a steaming tray of oily goodness. Whatever you do—do not feed the seagulls.
If this is your first time at the beach, check out our tips on staying sun-smart and safe in the water.
2. A cob loaf in a backyard party
The food:
- A warm, cheesy, spinach dip encased in a crusty bowl of bread
The drink:
- Depends on the party!
The beloved cob loaf has been gracing the trestle tables of backyard parties for decades. Imagine a bowl made of crisp bread, filled with a delicious, salty dip that has been baked to perfection in the oven. Not only is it tasty; it’s a budget-friendly Aussie food experience too. Try it out for your next gathering!
Ingredients:
- 1 cob loaf (a large, round loaf of bread – you can find these at most supermarkets and bakeries such as Bakers Delight)
- 250g frozen spinach, thawed
- 250g cream cheese, brought to room temperature
- 300ml our cream
- 40g packet French onion soup mix
Method:
- Preheat oven to 180C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Cut the top of the cob loaf off, setting it aside to use as a lid later. Scoop out the bread from inside the loaf to create a hollow bowl. Tear or chop the scooped-out bread into pieces.
- Combine spinach, cream cheese, sour cream and soup mix in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the mixture into the hollow cob loaf. Pop the lid on top and place on the prepared oven tray. Arrange the remaining pieces of bread around the loaf on the tray. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. Use the crisp pieces of bread to dip into the filling, and when they run out, start eating the bread bowl. Enjoy!
3. A pot and a parma at the pub
The food:
- A crisp chicken schnitzel topped with passata, ham and melted cheese (vegetarian/vegan options include eggplant and plant-based products)
- A generous serving of hot chips and a humble side salad
The drink:
- A pot (the size of the glass) of your choice of drink
The three Ps of the mid-week—pot, parma and pub—form a kind of pilgrimage for many Australians. Look out for great deals at your local pub, which usually include a parmigiana and a drink for somewhere between $15 and $25. If you’re lucky, the pub will be hosting a trivia night you and your pals can participate in.
4. A sausage sizzle at Bunnings Warehouse
The food:
- A barbecued sausage with caramelised onions and a healthy dollop of tomato or barbecue sauce, folded into a piece of bread
The drink:
- A can of soft drink to wash it all down
Weekends in Australia are for heading to Bunnings Warehouse. While you’re shopping around for some new house plants or sourcing a tin of paint for those share-house walls, grab a sausage from the carpark out front. It’s budget-friendly Aussie food at its finest.
5. A pavlova at Christmas
The food:
- A soft, pillowy meringue topped with cream and fresh fruit
The drink:
- A nice cup of tea or something a little stronger, depending on how your Christmas party is going
No Australian Christmas is complete without a big, beautiful Pavlova for dessert. Fondly nicknamed a ‘Pav’, it’s the perfect way to end a feast when everyone is full, but there’s room for a little sweet treat. Pavlovas can be laborious and you need a few kitchen items to make them from scratch. Check out our recipe below for a quick, budget-friendly version.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made full-size meringue (you can find these at supermarkets) or 1 – 2 boxes of mini meringues
- 600ml dollop cream or 1 can of whipped cream
- Fruit of choice (berries, passionfruit, kiwi fruit are popular)
Method:
- Place your meringue on a plate for serving.
- Spoon the cream all over the surface.
- Assemble your fruit on top of the cream. Enjoy!
Read more: The Best Cheap Eats in Australia
