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In Australia, food is a way of connecting, celebrating, and exploring the nation’s multicultural identity.
Whether you like to eat out, take-away (that’s what we call take-out in Australia 😊) or cook at home, here are some of the top cuisines and ways Aussies gather to enjoy meals.
The Aussie barbeque (BBQ)
There’s no doubt about it... Aussies love a BBQ.
Picture this: friends and family gathered around a sizzling grill in a backyard, park, or beach setting. Typical food at a BBQ includes sausages (“snags”), steaks, chicken skewers, seafood, especially prawns, and a variety of veggie options for plant-based eaters such as a “veggie burger” which is usually made from lentils.
Salads, bread, and sauces complete the meal, and the atmosphere is all about relaxation and good company. Don't be surprised if someone asks you to “bring a plate” (a dish to share) to these casual gatherings.
Multicultural cuisine
Australia’s food scene is a melting pot, reflecting our diverse population. You'll find restaurants and cafes serving dishes from all over the world, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Whether you're craving sushi, pizza, or a spicy curry, you'll find it here.
Unique Australian foods
Australia has its own quirky culinary staples that are worth a try:
- Vegemite is a salty spread that’s loved by locals. It’s an acquired taste which is best enjoyed thinly spread on buttered toast.
- Tim Tams are chocolate biscuits that are perfect for a sweet treat.
- Lamingtons are small sponge cakes coated in chocolate and coconut.
- Meat pies and sausage rolls are popular grab-and-go snacks found in bakeries and at football matches. Best served with tomato sauce (ketchup).
Vegan and plant-based options
Australia is a leader in vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Most restaurants and cafes offer plant-based alternatives, from jackfruit tacos to almond milk lattes. Specialty vegan restaurants are also common.
Cafe culture
Australians take their coffee very seriously. The cafe scene here is renowned globally with some of the best baristas in the world! Morning commutes often feature takeaway cups filled with flat whites, lattes or long blacks.
Cafes aren’t just for coffee, though—they're social hubs where you can enjoy brunch dishes like smashed avocado on toast with poached eggs.
Takeaway options
Takeaway (takeout) is hugely popular in Australia. Apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash make it easy to have a wide variety of meals delivered to your door. From Chinese, Indian and Thai to gourmet pizza and burgers, there’s something for everyone.
Cooking at home
You’ll have lots of variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and meat at your local supermarket. Australia is blessed with fertile soil, sunlight and clean air which contribute to the quality and taste of Australian produce.
Find out more about eating healthily on a budget as a student in Australia:
It’s more than the food
Food in Australia is as much about togetherness as it is about taste. Whether it's a Sunday roast with the family, fish and chips by the beach, or sharing dumplings at a night market —meals bring people together.
Community events, such as food festivals and farmers' markets, are great places to experience this firsthand.
Your foodie adventure awaits
Australia’s food culture is diverse, inclusive and delicious! We hope you enjoy it.