Top 10 culinary specialities in Melbourne

As well as being an absolutely magnificent country with a wide variety of landscapes, Australia also has a fine culinary tradition. Since the end of the 18th century, Australian cuisine has been influenced by British know-how. The English settlers imported their culture at that time. With the vast majority of Australians living close to the coast, it’s commonplace to find specialities such as seafood, which is renowned the world over. You’ll have the opportunity to discover new flavours that you won’t find in your native country.

1- Australian barbecue

It’s not a speciality in its own right, because everyone has had a barbecue when the heat is on, but in Australia it’s different. Barbecuing is sacred! If you come across an Australian offering you a barbecue, don’t refuse at the risk of offending them! It’s a real institution in Australian gastronomy, where conviviality is the watchword. And when it comes to Australian barbecue, everything goes! Whether it’s burgers or seafood, as long as it’s cooked, you can eat it.

2- Kangaroo meat

I can understand why some people might be put off by kangaroo meat. As well as being the national animal, kangaroo meat is just as popular on the plate. It’s low in fat, high in protein and spicy. You’ll find it in most restaurants. It can be found in several forms. Whether it’s in a hamburger, in a stew, in the form of sausages or dried meat, you’re bound to find it. As it’s a speciality of Australia, it’s a unique culinary experience!

3- Vegemite

Without doubt Australia’s most surprising speciality. I can assure you that the kangaroo is not that unusual, because it’s a meat like any other. But the vegemite is likely to provoke a few whiffs. It’s a dark brown spread made from yeast extract. It has a salty, slightly bitter taste. It is traditionally eaten at breakfast, on a slice of bread with butter. Vegemite is also found in a number of sandwiches and can be used to season dishes.

4- Pavlova

After this very special dish, let’s continue with a little sweetness. Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert, coated in whipped cream and then topped with fruit such as strawberry, pineapple or mango. There is still some doubt as to the origin of this dessert. Some say it comes from Australia, while others claim it comes from New Zealand. We’re not here to arbitrate, but we do encourage you to try this Australian-New Zealand speciality!

5- Meat pie

If you’ve ever been to an English-speaking country, you’ll have come across these famous meat pies. You’ll find them in restaurants and street food outlets alike. The meat pie par excellence consists of minced meat, mashed potatoes and a spicy sauce. This dish is so popular in Australia that it has been described by the former Premier of New South Wales (the Australian state with Sydney as its capital) as “Australia’s national dish”.

6- Lamington

For more than a century, the lamington has been a favourite with Australian gourmets. These are simple little pastries that, once baked, are cut in half before being covered in dark chocolate and sprinkled with grated coconut. To fully assimilate into Australian culture, I recommend having one with a coffee. You’ll find them in several cafés.

7- Barramundi

Barramundi is a very popular fish in Australia and has been eaten for centuries. It is highly prized for its tender, protein-rich white flesh. It is traditionally served seasoned with lemon juice, spices and vegetables. However, Australians are very imaginative and you can often find it fried or even barbecued.

8- Fish & chips

You’ll be familiar with this dish from the other side of the Channel, our English neighbours. The dish was imported to Australia by English settlers. The locals adopted it and fell in love with this generous dish. They even made it a speciality in its own right, because it’s so popular. It’s fried cod fillet, served with a good portion of chips. Some people like to add a dash of vinegar to the fish.

9- Local beer

Australians are big beer drinkers. The good weather combined with the barbecue must surely make some people want to crack open a beer. Melbourne has several local breweries, each with its own speciality. The Colonial Brewing Co is known as one of Australia’s oldest breweries. Most bars offer this brand of beer.

10- Anzac biscuits

Anzac biscuits are an icon of Australian sweet food. As well as being tasty, their name is not insignificant. The no “anzac” translates as “Australian and New Zealand Army Corps” that fought in the First World War. The biscuit is made from rolled oats, treacle and coconut. It resembles a small cookie and can be enjoyed at any time of day.