The Tourist Trap Red Flag You Should Know Before Dining In Australia
Australia is known for many famous foods. While some people might be wary of the pungent Vegemite or dream of that pillowy Pavlova, not every dish on the menu is what a local would eat. Just like the tourist traps of the Mason-Dixon line, not every food is truly authentic, or worth the order. That call of "put another shrimp on the barbie" might be more of a cliche than the best menu dish.
Although Australia might be known for its coffee scene, the general public is not heading to the outback in search of game meat to put on the table. Some restaurants might feature kangaroo, emu, or crocodile in a dish, but it does not necessarily mean guests should order it. As David Goebel of Doongal Aboriginal Art and Artefacts told Insider, he recommends skipping kangaroo on any menu because the game meat can be tough if improperly cooked.
While tourists should be willing to step out of their flavor comfort zone when traveling, it does not mean that every dish should be on the table. The difference between authentic food and hype food might be difficult to spot. A great rule of thumb is to ask fellow diners for recommendations or simply to look around the restaurant. If a local avoids the kangaroo curry and opts for the meat pie, it might sway that order. When traveling, an open mind and a hunger to explore can excite the palate, but it might be better to leave the kangaroo dish in the bush.
Must try authentic Australian savory foods
While a trip to Australia might involve a visit to Bondi Beach or a quiet day at a Marlborough vineyard, a journey through authentic Down Under foods is a terrific way to flavor the experience. Vegemite might get a lot of attention, but it is the classic meat pie that is a favorite across Australia. There is even an annual competition celebrating it. Although not a native dish, a meat pie combines a protein and sauce within a flakey crust. Sometimes considered the national dish, people like them because they are easy to make, are widely available, and are convenient.
Other iconic Australian savory foods include chiko roll, Barramundi, and Weet-Bix. Some people might find the fibrous texture of the Weet-Bix challenging, but it has been a breakfast staple since 1930. The barramundi is a native fish that is often served pan-fried and has an approachable flavor. Meanwhile, the chiko roll might be a dish to just eat, not to decipher. A take on a Chinese spring roll, the grab-and-go dish can include a variety of ingredients rolled into that deep-fried wrapper.
For anyone who wants to get a little adventurous with their food choices, bush tucker is the way to go. Considered native Australian food, generally, it is any food found in the bush. Nuts, berries, and animals fall into this category. For the truly adventurous, grubs are a commonly enjoyed bush tucker. It might sound like a "Survivor" challenge, but it could be a great food memory from the trip Down Under.
Australian sweet treats that are always worth the splurge
When traveling, some people prefer to indulge in that extra serving of dessert. A visit to the continent country of Australia has plenty of sweet treats unique to the area. But a discussion of Australian desserts would not be complete without putting the pavlova first. As Chef's Pencil suggests, this dish is about the contrast of textures. Once the spoon breaks through the meringue's shell, the soft, pillowy sweetness emerges. Topped with fruit or jam, some versions add another layer of flavor contrasting with tart passion fruit. When done well, a pavlova can be a pillowy, sweet dream of a bite.
The Lamington (above) is considered an original Australian dessert. Named after a former Governor of Queensland, the dessert is a yellow sponge cake that is dipped in chocolate, then dusted with coconut flakes. While many bakers have their secret to the perfect recipe, the better-tasting options rely on a tender crumb of the sponge contrasting the rich chocolate and coconut coating. Although there are variations on the classic, the original recipe remains the standard.
While the pavlova and Lamington might be the most well-known, there are numerous other sweet items on the table. From the colorful Fairy Bread to packaged Tim Tam, there are no shortage of desserts. Even though a menu might try to steer a diner into a particular dining option, a little research before sitting at the table can ensure that a real Australian favorite food is enjoyed not just one aimed at the unknowing tourist.