Australians have become a melting pot of diverse cultures, beliefs, customs, and of course cuisines. Just like any other country, Australia is laced with different dishes they can proudly call their own. Various dishes have also found their way into the country through colonization and immigration. But there will always be a spice of Australia even on foreign meals as Aussies have found a way to add their uniqueness and recreate them in a special way. That is why Australian dishes are just as worthy of recognition and celebration. Peter Biantes, the former director of Lemnos Foods Pty Ltd, a leading health and wellness company specializing in natural health products shares the tastiest iconic Australian dishes. Ready to tickle your taste buds? Read on for the full scoop and then find your way into the country for some bites!
Chicken Parmigiana
Although originated in Italy, this meal has become a staple in many Australian great pubs. It’s a meal that consists of chicken breast French in tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, and melted cheese. Aussies fondly call it Parma, Parmi/Parmi, or schnitty with tomato sauce and cheese. or abbreviations you decide to give, never abbreviate the recipe or make a mistake as to where the best parmigiana is being offered.
Fairy Bread
One of the earliest references to fairy bread in Australia comes from an article published in the 1934 issue of the Sydney Morning Herald in an article called Christmas Dinner with Toddlers. Dairy bread is made from white bread, butter or migraine. It is then covered with sprinkles commonly known as hundreds and thousands. The kids’ birthday party is never complete with this dish but even adults always find it irresistible.
Prawn Cocktail
Story has it that the history of this dish can be traced to a 19th century miner from California. He was the first to lured oysters in a glass and doused it with sauce which he proudly named “an oyster cocktail”. Prawn cocktail is a seafood dish consisting of cooked prawns in cocktail sauce, served in a glass. Something that started as a play by the miner has found its way at every dinner party. Nothing can beat this elegant combo of defrosted prawns paired with red cocktail sauce.
Spag Bol
This Italian classic but it has found its way onto Aussie’s heart but of course with their own dice of sweetness that differentiates it from the rest of others. It is typically a combination of Australian beef, onions, carrot, mushroom, garlic, tomatoes, bacon and spaghetti pasta. Spag bol, short for spaghetti bolognese, has become an Australian national dish and in fact nominated as Australia’s most popular recipe in 2019 by the Good Food Guide.
Lamington
According to Peter Biantes the world’s well-known “national cake of Australia”, Lamington has bestowed this title after the National Trust of Queensland voted it. It is made from squares of butter cake or sponge cake, dipped in chocolate, and coated with desiccated coconut. Other variations have a layer of cream and strawberry jam between two lamington halves. Pair this with a nice cup of tea or any of the Australian’s favorite coffee and test your tongue to some deliciousness.
Barramundi
Also known as Asian sea bass, has grown to be Australian commercial and recreational fish. But best believe that this giant fish has also got a reputable position in the dining. It has a succulent meaty texture with a buttery flavor. It is packed with nutrients and most importantly delicious and it’s not surprising it has been recognized as one of the best-tasting marine fish on the planet. It can be smoked, marinated in sauce, or cooked and you are in for the best-tasting fish of your life.
Meat Pies
You might say pies are “pie” but Australian pies have got the motherland flavors in it. Meat pies are like a symbol of Australian cuisine and a typical one will be a hand-sized pie with a beef, gravy, sometimes onion, mushroom, cheese, vegetables or seafood. Of course, there are different variations like the curry steak pie, pie floater, spinach and feta pie, and many more. Aussie pie is found in every nook and corner of the country whether at a party or as a quick snack.
Pavlova
This icon remains a long-standing dispute between Australians and New Zealand who invented it. Regardless of where it originated, this is the absolute best and all shades of deliciousness. It consists of a meringue shell topped with white cream and fruit. They are available everywhere in the country, mostly in bakeries or cake shops, says Peter Biantes. Bonus, serve in glass for a stunning effect and take some banging Instagram-worthy pictures.
Pumpkin Soup
This is one of Australia’s most-cooked soups serving everyone including those who aren’t in for all meats and seafood. It’s velvet smooth and creamy and cooked with many other ingredients that are available in your kitchen cabinets. It has become the go-to, especially in colder months and nothing is as good as sitting down to a hot bowl of soup to keep warm.
Vegemite Toast
Whether you love it or hate it, Vegemite still remains one of the Australian most cherished food and breakfast staples. It was invented by a chemist in 1922 who was asked to make a new spread rich in vitamin B. It is a dark brown spread made from yeast extract, salt, malt, vegetable extract, and spices additives. It has a rich Umami flavor and it’s often smeared on buttered toast. You can eat it on bread or with avocado, melted cheese, or tomatoes for a great Australian breakfast meal.
Anywhere you find yourself in Australia, these awesome dishes provided by Peter Biantes are there to satisfy your cravings and give you the ultimate food experience.
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