What food did Australia invent?

Go full local as you try out some of the best dishes Australian’s call their own

Australia is known to have a diverse range of food, being a large hub of multiculturalism. A number of foreign cuisines have transformed into the country’s stable dishes, with pizza, curry, and dumplings all the local’s favourites. However, there are still some popular dishes that have been invented right within the country, standing the test of time as some of the local’s best.  

• Lamingtons

  The national cake and the most beloved food icon in Australia; the lamington! This delicious square-shaped sponge cake is coated in chocolate icing and coconut, with a layer of jam hidden within. It was named after the Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland. It’s a staple among all cafes and bakeries, with locals grabbing it to have with their tea or coffee.

• Vegemite

  

  Although visitors may turn their nose up at this dish, the Aussies have made this a breakfast staple. Spreading it on bread, crackers, and even adding it to casseroles and soups for flavour. Hitting the shelves in 1923, vegemite has grown in popularity so much that Australia has formed a jingoistic attachment to the dark spread. Its salty savoury flavour is usually quite a shock to first-time tryers, but with a bit of white bread and a lot of butter, you can fall so deeply in love with this cuisine you’ll have cravings for the rest of your life.

• Pavlova

  The fight between Australia and New Zealand for who invented the Pavlova has been going on for centuries. Legend has it that one country created the dish in honour to the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova who was visiting the country during the 1920s. However, as the ballerina visited both countries at similar times, its true creation is still is a bit foggy. However, Australia still claims this at one of their national foods, with the wispy meringue base, smooth layer of whipped cream, an assortment of fresh fruit covering the top. The Pavlova dish is so popular, it’s even become an essential cuisine at the Aussie summer Christmas. 

• Chicko Roll

  Although it may not be the fanciest dish to claim as their own, the Chicko Roll is still one of Australia’s favourites. The Chiko Roll began back in 1951, making its debut in New South Whales’ Wagga Wagga Agricultural Show. Frank McEnroe, the inventor of the roll, created it for the intent to be a football snack. It’s easy convenient let the cabbage, carrot, onion and beef stuffed snack be held with only one hand, while the other was able to hold the frosty cold beer, creating it the perfect Aussie snack. To create confusion, the Chiko Roll actually doesn’t contain any chicken and was actually inspired by the Chinese spring roll.

• Meat Pie

  A footy favourite among all the locals is the great Aussie meat pie! The first appearance of the Aussie meat pie was during early colonial days when they were sold by vendors from street-carts. Its flaky crust and delicious meat and gravy filling are perfect on a frosty winter day, warming you up from the inside out.

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Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.