Ever wonder what foods are unique to the wonderful country that is Australia? With a wide variety of wild and distinctive food experiences to encounter, from kangaroo meat to delectable sweet treats, there’s so much to try and explore. So let’s take a moment to forget our own comfort foods and explore a world of delicious, unknown dishes. Here are ten iconic Australian foods you absolutely must try if you ever find yourself in the Down Under.

1. Vegemite on Toast

Wait, hear us out. We’re sure you’ve heard a lot about this infamous spread, but love it or hate it, no list of Aussie foods would be complete without adding Vegemite. This rich, salty yeast extract spread is beloved by the citizens and is smeared lovingly on buttered toast for a quintessential Australian breakfast. It packs a serious punch that will either have you buying jars to use at home, or making faces of complete distaste. 

Photo by Hughessd01 via Wikimedia Commons

2. Fairy Bread

Fairy bread is a party staple in Australia, and yes, it’s actually as magical as the name sounds. It’s quite a simple dish - just white bread spread with butter and sprinkled with colourful “hundreds and thousands” (that’s Aussie for sprinkles). Despite its seemingly plain nature, this whimsical approach to toast has a delightfully sweet crunch that will transport you back to your childhood.

Gemsling, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Meat Pie

You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Australia until you’ve devoured the iconic and delicious, classic meat pie. Just imagine a flaky pastry shell wrapped around perfectly spiced minced meat and rich gravy. Hungry yet? Often paired with a good dollop of tomato sauce, it’s the ultimate handheld comfort food that’s great for any time of the day.

Photo by Lee Coursey from Decatur, GA via Wikimedia Commons

4. Lamingtons 

For the perfect sweet treat, Lamingtons are heavenly squares of sponge cake coated in chocolate icing and dusted with coconut.

Named after Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland, these national treasures are often enjoyed with afternoon tea. Some even contain a layer of cream or jam in the middle, making for a sweet surprise you won’t complain about.

Spacekadet at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Barramundi

Barramundi is a tasty fish that is a definite must-try experience in the Down Under. It’s a large, meaty fish with a mild, buttery flavour that Aussies love to barbecue, bake, or fry. With such fantastic versatility, it’s great for all events from a casual beach barbecue to a high-end restaurant meal.

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6. Pavlova

Named after the famous Russian ballet dancer, Anna Pavlova, this meringue-based dessert is to die for. With its crisp meringue shell encasing a soft, marshmallowy center that’s then topped off with whipped cream and fresh fruits, you’ll find yourself always asking for seconds. This light, airy, and fruity dessert is a staple in many Australian households.

Photo by Dariusz Więckiewicz via Wikimedia Commons

7. Tim Tams

For a sweet and crunchy snack, you have to give Tim Tams a try. An iconic snack you can find in any Australian grocery store, Tim Tams consists of two malted biscuits sandwiching a creamy filling, all smothered in a generous layer of chocolate. Dip it in your tea or coffee for the ultimate “Tim Tam Slam”. Just one bite is needed before you’ll find yourself reaching for the packet again and again.

Photo by Bilby via Wikimedia Commons

8. Kangaroo Meat

No, this isn’t a joke - Kangaroo is a popular meat choice that you can often find stocked up in local grocery stores. It’s a lean and healthy red meat option that’s packed with high-quality protein. It can be grilled, made into sausages, or even used in a stir-fry!

Though it might sound a bit exotic, it’s a common ingredient used in Australian cooking that’s worth giving a try.

Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash

9. Damper

For a more traditional taste, Damper is an Australian bread that was historically prepared by early settlers over campfire coals. It’s a simple mixture of flour, water, and sometimes milk, creating a deliciously dense bread that goes perfectly with butter, golden syrup, or even Vegemite.

Photo by Finbar.concaig via Wikimedia Commons

10. Anzac Biscuits

Named in honour of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, Anzac biscuits are sweet oat biscuits made from rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, and baking soda. They have a delightful crunch that makes them the perfect accompaniment to any tea or coffee.

Photo by pfctdayelise via Wikimedia Commons

There are so many unique treats to try in Australia, so remember to keep this list handy if you ever find yourself traveling there. From sweet desserts to unique meats to hearty bread, Australia has a plethora of distinct dishes to choose from. What caught your eye the most on this list?