Moving to Australia – Australian Cuisine
Emigrating to Australia is not a new phenomenon – migrants from all over the world have been heading to Australia for years bringing aspects of their culture with them, including their culinary traditions so there’s no shortage of cuisines to be found for those who love to dine out.
Those who enjoy eating out as a pastime will be spoilt for choice with an abundant choice of restaurants and bars – you’ll find a wide variety of pan-European and Asian dining experiences catering for a range of dietary requirements, but you’ll also be impressed by world-renowned Australian chefs, famous for their experimental, fusion style cuisine.
The origins of Australian Cuisine
If you are emigrating to Australia and you’re hoping to experience some ‘real’ Australian food, then you should look no further than the Aboriginal people of Australia and their eating habits. These were the first inhabitants of Australia, and for thousands of years have hunted their own food from the land. Collectively known as Bush Tucker, you’re likely to find meats such as kangaroo, crocodile and emu – and for those of you who are feeling brave – witchetty grubs! There are plenty of delights to please the vegetarian palate too including yams, bush tomato and macadamia nuts.
Bush tucker may seem very primitive but Australian chefs are very proud of their nation’s heritage, and you’ll often find variations of these ingredients on the menus of contemporary restaurants all over the country.
Famous Australian Foods
When you move to Australia and head out to the supermarket to do your grocery shopping, you’ll see plenty of familiar foods – Weetabix for example is an extremely popular breakfast item in Australia, so you’ll still be able to experience some home comforts! However, you’ll also come across some iconic Australian products that you’re bound to want to try – here are a few examples:
Vegemite – the Australian equivalent of the beloved British marmite – this yeast spread has fast become a staple of the Australian diet.
Lamingtons – square sponge cakes covered with chocolate and dipped in coconut, originally created in Australia.
Pavlova – the classic dessert. It may or may not be an original Australian dish however the nation has claimed it as their own since the 1920s when the dish was especially created for the ballerina Anna Pavlova whilst she was performing in the country.
ANZAC biscuit – the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps have given their name to these oat, syrup and coconut cookies.
Eating Habits
Australians are very conventional with their day to day eating habits; however we couldn’t possibly talk about Australian cuisine without mentioning the nation’s love of eating outdoors.
Throwing a ‘Shrimp on the Barbie’ may seem like a very stereotypical view of Australia, but it is actually a very representative part of the Australian culture – most homes will own a BBQ and it’s very typical for family and friends to cook this way most weekends. And it’s not just something to enjoy on your home turf – with outdoor cooking enjoyed by most of Australia you’re also likely to find communal BBQs in public parks and on beaches.
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