Australia is truly a land of wonder. Food in Australia is also an experience on its own. With years of migration and colonization, this country has become the hub of mouthwatering exotic dishes.
Did you know that the average adult in Australia consumes 5-7 servings of discretionary food items a day? The people there really know how to add their own creativity to food. Here are some interesting facts about cooking and food in Australia.
- The ANZAC biscuit
The ANZAC biscuit is a sweet and crunchy food item made mostly out of rolled oats and coconuts. It’s a pretty popular snack among the natives there but this popular biscuit has a history of its own. These snacks are associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps which were involved in World War I.
This is how the name ANZAC came to be. These cookies were made by the soldiers’ wives who sent them to their husbands when they were off fighting. The ingredients lasted for a long while- all through the long boat rides from Australia to Europe- providing nutrition and care.
- Emu
Indigenous Australians really love eating unique kinds of food. Did you know that these indigenous people found out that the emu- the second-largest living bird after the ostrich- is edible? Earlier, emus were hunted for not just the meat but also for their oil which was said to have healing properties.
Emu meat is nutritious because it has low levels of unhealthy fats and cholesterol but has high levels of iron. Nowadays, you can find emu meat in all sorts of exotic platters- right from smoked to sauteed dishes!
- Damper
A damper is the most basic bread in all of Australia. It’s extremely easy to make since it requires only wheat flour, water, and a little bit of salt.
Dampers were baked over coals by workers or bushies many years back. These pieces of bread cost very little and also required fewer amounts of ingredients and labor. That is how they became the staple food of Australia. Even today, you’ll be able to find dampers in many bakeries or shops.
However, most bakeries add milk or self-raising flour to make the original food a little tastier. These taste best when consumed with a cup of tea or rum!
- Lamington
Many of us might be knowing that Australia Day is celebrated on 26th January every year. But what most of us don’t know is that this day is said to be incomplete without a plate of lamingtons on the table! Lamingtons are also known as the “National Cake of Australia”.
They are essentially sponge cakes filled with chocolates and coconuts. To add to the taste, a layer of jam or cream is spread between two halves of lamingtons. Many bakeries and restaurants sell this wildly popular cake, along with tea or coffee. They are also a very popular food item sold in events like fundraisers.
- Dagwood dogs
If you’re ever in Australia and you keep hearing people say “Dagwood dogs”, don’t be confused. Dagwood dogs are just the Aussie versions of corndogs. This is a really famous streetside snack made of a sausage or a hotdog placed on a stick and coated with a batter, which is then deep-fried.
Sometimes, these dagwood dogs are also served with ketchup or other sauces. Kids love munching on these, and so do adults. Also known as pluto pups, you’ll see carts of dagwood dogs at fairs, festivals, or sports.
- Australian burgers
Australian burgers aren’t like your regular burgers. This is because they have a slice of beetroot in them! Beetroot is a tap root taken from the beet plant.
The slice is simply placed on top of the beef or other meat patty and this beetroot really adds to the flavour. McDonald’s Australia also sells its own version of a beetroot budget that is known as McOz.
However, if you wish to taste authentic Australian burgers, a takeaway joint is a better option. For the best recommendations on authentic Australian cuisine, you can refer to the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG), the home of the Australian Chef Hat Awards.
Over to you…
If these six facts about Australian cuisine have made your mouth water, then you must plan a trip to the land in the South today! From exotic dishes to native Australian food items, there’s no telling what you can experience!
