Lamington
Often eaten: Often enjoyed at tea time or as a dessert.
Known for: Queensland
Tea TimeDessert
4 dishes to discover
Food of Australia
Australia has a special blend of foods that come from Aboriginal traditions and people from many different countries. You can enjoy fresh seafood, sizzling barbecues, and yummy sweets. Imagine biting into a juicy piece of fish by the ocean or enjoying a pavlova, a sweet dessert topped with fluffy whipped cream and colorful fruits. There's always something tasty to discover!
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Australia, meals are often a time to relax and enjoy with family and friends. Sharing food is common, and you'll often find barbecues, fresh seafood, and tasty sweets at gatherings. Food reflects both Aboriginal heritage and influences from around the world.
Eating Etiquette
In Australia, it's polite to ask if you can help set the table or clear the dishes after a meal. It's also important to say 'Thank you' to whoever cooked the meal. Offering to bring a plate of food to share is a kind gesture if you're invited to a meal.
When People Eat It
Pavlova
Often eaten: A favorite at celebrations and holidays.
Known for: Contested between Australia and New Zealand
CelebrationHoliday
Vegemite on Toast
Often eaten: Usually eaten for breakfast or as a snack.
Known for: Melbourne, Victoria, where Vegemite was first developed before becoming a nationwide breakfast staple
BreakfastSnack
Meat Pie
Often eaten: Often eaten for lunch or as a snack.
Known for: Popular nationwide in Australia, with roots in British-style savory pies adapted by Australian bakeries
SnackLunch
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
LamingtonLamington
Makes 12 squaresIngredients
- 12 squaresPlain sponge cake, cut into squares
- 2 cups (240 g)Powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (25 g)Cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml)Milk
- 1 tbsp (15 g)Butter, melted
- 2 cups (160 g)Shredded coconut
How to Make It
- 1Whisk the powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and melted butter into a smooth chocolate icing.
- 2Pour the shredded coconut into a wide bowl.
- 3Using a fork, dip each cake square into the chocolate icing to coat all sides.
- 4Roll the coated square in the coconut until covered.
- 5Set the lamingtons on a rack and let them dry for about 30 minutes.
- 6Enjoy these classic Aussie treats with a glass of milk.
PavlovaPavlova
Makes 8 servingsIngredients
- 4 whitesEgg whites
- 1 cup (200 g)Caster (fine) sugar
- 1 tbspCornstarch
- 1 tspWhite vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml)Whipped cream
- 2 cups (300 g)Fresh fruit (kiwi, berries)
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to heat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a tray with paper.
- 2Beat the egg whites until fluffy, then add the sugar a little at a time until glossy and stiff.
- 3Gently fold in the cornstarch and vinegar.
- 4Spoon the mixture into a round mound on the tray and make a small dip in the top.
- 5Bake for about 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let it cool inside.
- 6Top the crisp shell with whipped cream and fresh fruit just before serving.
Vegemite on ToastVegemite on Toast
Makes 1 servingIngredients
- 2 slicesBread
- 1 tbsp (15 g)Butter
- 1/2 tspVegemite
How to Make It
- 1Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
- 2While it is warm, spread a thin layer of butter on each slice.
- 3Spread a very thin scrape of Vegemite on top — a little goes a long way!
- 4Cut into halves and enjoy a true Aussie breakfast.
Meat PieMeat Pie
Makes 4 small piesIngredients
- 1/2 lb (225 g)Ground beef
- 1 onionOnion, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml)Beef stock
- 1 tbspFlour
- 2 sheetsShortcrust + puff pastry
- 1 eggEgg, beaten
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to cook the onion and beef in a pan until browned.
- 2Stir in the flour, then pour in the stock and simmer until thick. Let it cool.
- 3Line 4 small pie tins with shortcrust pastry.
- 4Spoon the beef filling into each pie.
- 5Cover with a puff pastry lid, press the edges, and brush with beaten egg.
- 6Ask a grown-up to bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden. Eat with tomato sauce.
Vocabulary
Imagine gathering with friends for a fun cookout. Australians love to barbecue too, and they also enjoy sweet desserts like lamingtons and pavlova, just like you might enjoy a slice of cake at a party.