Student life in Australia: Iconic foods to try

Going abroad to live for a few years as a student can be a life-changing experience. There are so many new things to try out in a new country and culture, new people to meet, and new lifestyles to adapt to. The most important change, however, will be in your dietary intake. Every country has a different cuisine, which is suitable for the living conditions of the country. We all know what constitutes American cuisine or British food – but do you know what a typical Australian meal is like?

Australia is a relatively hotter country temperature-wise, and more than 90 per cent of the population lives in coastal cities. The Australian diet is high in protein, seafood is an important component of meals, and desserts are given a special place. Here are a few dishes to try if you are going to Australia.

Pea and Ham Soup

Pea and ham soup is a simple offering that has been served in Australian kitchens for centuries. Sliced frankfurt or smoked sausage is added to the soup to make it even more savoury. This is a perfect hearty winter meal.

John Dory Fillets 

John Dory is a popular fish variety in local cuisine and is found commonly in Australian waters. Fillets of this fish are dipped in a batter, fried and served with chips, or it is pan-fried with herbed oil and served on a bed of mashed potato with salad.

Dagwood Dog

This dish is fried sausage on a stick that is dipped in batter and deep-fried. It is found at most carnivals and beaches. It is topped with tomato sauce and is a perfect on-the-go food and is a favourite among kids and adults alike.

Sausage Rolls

These rolls are sausage meat wrapped in pastry which is oven-baked and is served with tomato sauce. This is the lunch of choice for many Australians. Culinary influences from around the world have been infused to create unique taste experiences and genuine Australian food, one such example being sausage rolls.

Grilled Kangaroo

In some areas of Australia, the kangaroo population is really high. So over time, kangaroo meat has become a delicacy. Kangaroo meat goes well with garlic, pepper, rosemary, and fruity flavours. So it is a herbed marinate served with fruity sauces and jus.

Hamburger with Beetroot

A typical Australian burger will have a piece of beetroot on top of a meat patty. The contents of the burger could be any varied combinations, what makes it authentically Australian is the addition of beetroot slices.

Green Chicken Curry-Pie

Australian cuisine has a strong Thai influence. Thai curries are quite popular with Australians. Put a Thai chicken green curry inside a pie casing and you get the Aussie variant of green curry.

Pavlova

Pavlova is a popular meringue-based dessert that has a crisp crust and a soft, light inside. It's often decorated with whipped cream and fresh fruit. This dessert was invented in honor of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova when she visited Australasia in the 1920s.

Lamingtons

This square-shaped sponge cake is coated in a layer of chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. The lamington is often referred to as the “National Cake of Australia.” It may also be cut in two halves with a layer of cream or jam in the middle. It is found easily at cafes as a perfect accompaniment to tea and coffee.

Anzac Biscuits

These biscuits are named after the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought in World War I. The Anzac biscuit was made by wives during the war for soldiers because the staple ingredients of the diet (oats, flour, sugar, grated coconut, sugar syrup, butter) were incorporated in it and their shelf life was for long time.