Popular Foods in Australia

Seafood and barbecues are popular foods in Australia.

But some of the iconic Australian food items that truly stood the test of time are the vegemite, pavlova and damper.

What is Vegemite?

Vegemite is a thick salty spread made from yeast left-overs after brewing beer. Generations of Australians have enjoyed it since 1923. The date is proudly mentioned on all vegemite jars.

As some one new to Australia food, chances are that you may not like it at the beginning. But it grows on you. Spread some butter on a hot piece of toast and top it with a very, very thin layer of vegemite. You will soon understand why it is one of Australia favorite foods.

A Damper Recipe

Damper was originally a bread baked over a campfire by the early Australian bush settlers. They used only flour and water. Today's improved recipe makes it a nice starter.

Empty the inside of the damper, fill it with roasted vegetables or a dip and chill it. Then take it to a picnic and get everyone to try it. Quick and easy to make and tasty to eat.

The Rich Pavlova Dessert

Pavlova is a meringue cake named after the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. Bake it at home or buy it off the shelf, top it with cream and fresh fruit. A delicious dessert, it goes well with a glass of bubbly wine.

Other Aussie Icons

Other classics that are also popular foods in Australia are the meat pies and the Anzac biscuits.

The humble meat pie is a cup shaped pastry filled with minced meat and gravy. Very popular as a take away snack. It is a highly sold item during sporting events.

anzac biscuits

The crunchy Anzac cookies deserve a special mention. They are a traditional biscuit that symbolises the effort made by Australian women on the "home front" of the World War I. They baked the biscuits and then sent them to the Australian diggers (soldiers). Today you can buy Anzac biscuits in food shops. They are very popular for morning tea.

Want to know more about Australian diet? Here are some pages to check out: