The Top 12 Must-Try Foods for Australia Tourists

As an American traveling to Australia for the first time I had no idea what to expect on my holiday for food choices. As it turned out, I was in for a culinary adventure of Australian foods. The majority of my culinary adventures centered around the Sydney area and surrounding towns, highlighting both seafood delights and delicious treats from mom and pop shops. Though some of the foods on this list may be familiar to others, as an American, these are the culinary dishes and foods that I found to be must-trys for visitors to Australia.

1. Sydney Rock Oysters
Any oyster loving person will appreciate the exquisite tenderness and flavors of Sydney Rock Oysters. These tender seafood delights are among the best in the world and in Sydney, they will be freshly shucked and ready to just about melt in your mouth. Sydney Rock Oysters can be found at some of the best Sydney fine dining restaurants as well as at the many fish stores dotted throughout Sydney and the surrounding towns. Popular ways to eat Sydney Rock Oysters are right on the half shell with a vinagrette sauce or as Oysters Kilpatrick, a savory baked dish.

2. Vegemite
Australians seem to love Vegemite and this savory spread is typically used a number of ways. One of the ways to try a sample of Vegemite is on a toasted bread or roll covered with a slice of Swiss cheese. The taste can be a bit salty to those not familiar with Vegemite, so go easy on the amount of spread.

3. Australian Beers
No culinary adventure in Australia would be complete without sampling some Australian beers. Many of the beers are best described as refreshing, with some, like Toohey's Old being a uniquely dark, black beer. Crown, Toohey's New, Boeg's, Blue Tongue, VB, and Hahn's are just a few decent Australian beers to try. One of the best places to have an Australian beer is at one of the many taverns or pubs in Australia. Many offer both beer and limited gaming, as well as snack foods.

4. Chiko Roll
A Chiko Roll is one of Australia's best junk foods. Deep fried and crispy on the outside, Chiko Rolls are a staple at many Australian food shops and fish shops. Similar to a fried egg roll, a Chiko Roll is a meal in itself and quite filling. Inside there is a variety of vegetables, meat, and cabbage flavors.

5. Meat Pies
Meat pies are popular in Australia, and they are very unlike the processed and not-so-tasty pot pies sold in the frozen section at American grocery stores. Australian meat pies are delicious and come in any variety of types and flavors, from traditional meat pie to vegetarian selections, chicken blends, and other gourmet pies. Nearly every pub advertises that they have the best pie in town so it's worth testing out those promises with some meat pie samplings. Meat pies can be found in Australian bakeries, food shops, pubs, gourmet pie shops, and restaurants.

6. Barramundi
Seafood lovers should not pass up Barramundi while visiting Australia. This popular Australian fish is a tender and flavorful white fish, best served grilled with herbs and spices. Barramundi is typically on restaurant menus and because it's plentiful in Australia, it's one of the best fresh fish dinner choices.

7. Crumpets with Golden Syrup
Crumpets are a great breakfast choice while visiting Australia. Crumpets can be found at any Australian grocery store, and are simple to prepare. A quick toasting in the toaster, followed by a spread of butter and some Golden Syrup, make this a delicious breakfast choice. Golden Syrup is made from pure cane sugar and has a sweet, lightly carmelized flavor. Anyone who enjoys maple syrup is in for a treat.

8. Australian Candies
One of my missions on my Australian culinary tour was to try as many Australian candies as possible. The variety of different candies is excellent, as well as the quality. Some of the favorites were Violet Crumble (a must for sponge candy fans), Flake, Smarties, and any of the Cadbury chocolates. Australian candies can be found at nearly every grocery or convenient store throughout the Sydney area.

9. Fish and Chips
The best place to try some authentic fish and chips in Australia is at a mom and pop fish shop. These type of shops present classic pub type fish and chip meals for eat in or takeaway. The fish is amazingly fresh and tasty, especially fried with a side of french fries (chips). Don't leave Australia without trying a classic fish and chips lunch or dinner.

10. Australian WInes
Australia has some of the best wines in the world and the best way to try some is while visiting Australia. The Hunter Valley produces high quality wines and the New South Wales wines make an excellent choice with a meal or for an evening of wine and cheese.

11. Lamb Chops
Lamb is one of the favorite meat choices in Australia and for good reason. Lamb chops with a baked dinner or served battered and baked at a restaurant are a must for anyone who enjoys lamb. The high quality and tenderness set the lamb chops and lamb dishes apart in Australia.

12. Australian Coffee & Flat Whites
Coffee in Australia is very different than what I was used to in America. I quickly became hooked on the Flat White, a version of Cappuccino without the frothy top. In Australia, coffee is generally offered as short or tall blacks, flat white, or expresso blends. Most coffee shops use the coffee systems, and regular automatic drip coffee is virtually unheard of around Sydney. Residents who do make coffee at home prefer the coffee press and plunger for the freshest coffee.