Calling all foodie travellers – prepare to whet your appetite for a truly unique flavour experience. Gear up as we explore all the weird, wild, wacky, and wonderful dishes you’ll taste when wondering about the coastal wonders and rugged outback regions of Australia.
From Fairy Bread and Vegemite to Pluto Pups and Witchetty Grubs – we’re deep-diving into the culinary marvels that feed into the region's rich and unique cultural experience. Are you ready to dig in?
First up… Vegemite
Nothing quite serves a heaping flavour of Australia quite like a slick slather of Vegemite on buttery toast. The salty yeast spread should not be mistaken for Nutella – unless you like unexpected flavour combinations. Born out of a beer brewing byproduct, the spread is typically enjoyed on crackers or toast.
Musk Sticks
Sugar, spice, everything nice and perfume make up this popular Aussie candy. The pink treat carries a musk perfume flavour profile and is a staple in party packs at children’s birthday parties.
Witchetty Grubs
Hold onto your appetites as things take a turn for the wild. Witchetty Grubs, found nestled at the bottoms of Witchetty trees are high protein larvae caterpillar delights that have a nutty flavour. When enjoyed raw, they’re said to have an almond flavour. However, if you don’t prefer the slippery texture, you could cook them to crisp up the skin and get the protein to the texture of prawn or chicken – when cooked you’ll also be treated to a subtle peanut sauce flavour.
Fairy Bread
Back on the sweet side of life, if you’re picturing this dish as bread sprinkled with fairy dust, you’re pretty close. This Australian children’s party staple is bread topped with colourful sprinkles called 100s and 1000s. This treat is so nostalgic and beloved that it’s earned its own annual holiday – World Fairy Bread Day celebrated on 24 November.
Pluto Pups
Hold off Walt’s legal team, this treat has nothing to do with the beloved cartoon character. Instead, this favourite street food from Down Under is the Aussie equivalent of corn dogs. The beer-battered and deep-fried sausages are popped onto a skewer and served with sauces (typically tomato sauce). They’re also known as Dippy Dogs or Dagwood Dogs.