While the Australian continent has been inhabited for thousands of years, foreign involvement only came 200 years ago, when British sailors first set foot on the beaches. From that time, people from all cultures came to make Australia their home; mainland China, most of northern Europe and the US and Canada were included in the early migrants, who helped to build the initial infrastructure, not to mention gold mining.
Fusing with local produce
The unique thing about Aussie cuisine is that you have many different cuisines that use local produce and ingredients; for a great gastronomic experience, lunch at one of the premium Hunter Valley restaurants/wineries, where you can enjoy a range of cuisines with superb rose wine that is made locally.
Greek food
There is a strong Greek presence in Sydney and Melbourne; Google can find websites of leading Greek restaurants and you need to make a reservation, as they are very busy every night of the week and lunchtimes at weekends. Experts would definitely notice slight differences in the dishes, which is due to local ingredients. It is customary to drink white or rose wine with Mediterranean food and we have a fantastic selection of top wines that are locally produced.
Chinese cuisine
Chinese people came to Australia during the early 19th century gold rushes and they quickly established strong communities across the country. This is reflected by the large number of Chinese restaurants you see in every Australian town and city; they have perfected certain dishes by adding ingredients not available in China.
Thai food
There are Thai communities all over the world and Australia is no exception; whether you fancy som tam or a gaeng khio wan curry, you can order takeaway or book a table at one of the many Thai eateries. Ask any of the Thai locals and they will confirm that Thai food prepared in Australia is unique in many ways; of course, you have that Thai spiciness that could never be separated from the food.
French cuisine
French cuisine is alive and well in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Perth, where there is a vibrant French Canadian community who preserve their old recipes, while the younger generation like to add tastes to create a new cuisine. Fusion is definitely a big thing when it comes to Australian cuisine and there probably isn’t another country on the planet that has mastered cuisine fusion like the Aussies.
If you are planning to take a holiday Down Under in 2025, you are in for a gastronomic treat and don’t forget to order fine local wine to accompany the many lunches and dinners that you will enjoy. Of course, there are Australian dishes with no foreign influence, our pies are known worldwide, while lamb steaks are definitely worth a try.
Enjoy the local dishes with a difference and hopefully, you will experience something unique.
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