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Australian Food

Australian food has been strongly influence by hundreds of different cultures worldwide. Immigrants have brought their traditional food from their home countries and this has been combined with Australian produce and styles resulting in a well renowned and unique fusion. The native Aboriginals too have influenced culinary Australia so when you're planning your Australia visit, prepare yourself for some local delicacies that are a combination of the familiar with the outrageous.

Australia with its waterways has some fantastic fresh seafood which is cooked in a variety of unique ways. Two examples of popular seafood indulgence are Crayfish and Barramundi. Crayfish are a crustacean like lobster, but instead of large claws the Crayfish have a spiky exterior for defence. Barramundi, a tasty prized fighting fish, are a large fish found in both fresh and salt water especially in the North of Australia.

If you're in Australia you may as well taste some of the animals that are most associated with it. Kangaroos, crocodiles and emus are all animals that can be eaten, considered as game meats. Crocodile meat though not common throughout Australia is available in some North Territory restaurants, perhaps as a novelty more then anything else and with some restaurants wanting to create Australian based menus, that include Kangaroo and Emus. Game meats like this can be found on menus and in butchers but aren't so popular for mass consumption.

To a more conventional food, diary in Australia is very popular with a thriving cheese industry that exports worldwide. While we are talking about cheese, we can't fail to mention the wine produced in large amounts by its wine regions, which have gained a strong reputation overseas. In addition to it’s grapes, Australia regions are ideal for the growth of a good range of fruits from apples and oranges to more exotic fruits like kiwi fruits, pineapples, bananas and mangoes.

Damper is a more quintessential example of Australian food. It is a type of bread it was common amongst bush tucker settlers. Macadamias are a tasty nut that is a popular duty free item when you're at an Australian airport.

For a true indigenous experience you could try some traditional Aboriginal food like yams or grubs. You will probably have to be on a tour that involves finding yams or grubs in the appropriate region to sample this type of food. Vegemite is an Australian yeast based spread, similar to Marmite. It has an extremely strong distinct taste that is either loved or disliked and some say, likely an acquired taste.
Australia has some great food that really is worth trying at least once, even if it is still wiggling.