Australia’s culinary traditions reflect its diverse heritage. From indigenous bush tucker to the British legacy of meat pies, Australian food is as unique as its people. Traditional roast lamb, fish and chips, and afternoon tea are enduring staples in Australian homes. But, a more subtle Australian style of fine dining is emerging with ingredients like kiwifruit and King Island cream.
Sausage Sizzle
Whether it’s the democracy sausage on election day, or your local scouts fundraising outside a hardware store – a sausage sizzle is a quintessentially Aussie tradition. Often known as a sausage sandwich or sausage in bread, it is a grilled (or barbecued) sausage (usually beef or pork) served on a slice of white bread with ketchup and/or mustard, and fried onions. Sausage sizzles are a common fundraiser for sporting clubs, schools and charities in Australia. Generally held at shopping complexes and warehouses like Bunnings, they are easy to run and offer a high return on investment.
Sausage sizzles also provide an opportunity to sell other food items such as cakes, chips and lollies. This helps increase overall revenue as well as attract new customers. However, it is important to check with the shopping complex before holding a sausage sizzle as they will have rules and requirements around who can hold a fundraiser at their premises.
Fish & Chips
A popular pub dish, fish and chips is a great example of how traditional Australian cuisine has been shaped by a number of different influences, to know more click here https://travelforfoodhub.com/australian-culinary-tradition/. Indigenous Aboriginal culture contributed bush tucker ingredients like kangaroo and emu while British colonization and subsequent waves of immigration have introduced dishes like meat pies and fish and chips. The most commonly used fish for this classic meal is cod and the chips are thick cut French fries that are referred to as “chips” in Australia (not to be confused with American-style thin, crunchy fries). The batter contains both dark beer and sparkling water for an airy consistency, while frying the fish and the chips together in one pot means less clean up.
This fried meal is served with a sprinkling of malt vinegar or ketchup and mushy peas which are actually boiled marrowfat peas that are mashed to a near paste. Fairy bread, which resembles little pieces of bread sprinkled with hundreds and thousands is also a favorite with kids.
Chicken Parmigiana
Often referred to as “parmy” or “parmi,” chicken parmigiana is a staple in numerous pubs and restaurants in Australia. It is an Italian dish that encompasses all of the best parts of traditional Italian cuisine: a juicy, tender interior of breaded chicken breast, a crispy coating of fried breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and a rich tomato sauce with mozzarella cheese. It is an excellent choice for those looking to eat vegetarian, although the dish can also be made with ham or turkey. It is an easy weeknight meal that can be prepared in less than an hour.
Many of the foods that are enjoyed in Australia today are a result of its multicultural society. From Indigenous traditions to the influence of British colonization and subsequent waves of migration, the country’s culinary landscape is a fascinating blend of influences. Each wave of immigration brought new flavors and ingredients that have shaped Australian cuisine. Many of these influences are still a big part of the local culinary culture.
Slipper Lobster
Slipper lobsters are bottom dwellers and live in warm oceans throughout the world, from surface waters to depths of 500 metres (1,600 ft). They have one circular central spot and two irregularly shaped lateral spots on their dorsal surfaces. They are not commercially fished in significant numbers and are currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Like all crustaceans, they have an external skeleton called an exoskeleton. It provides protection and support for their internal organs, and allows them to grow by shedding their old exoskeleton and forming a new one.
When kept in aquariums, they are solitary and should be housed in a species-only tank to avoid aggression with other tank inhabitants. Make sure to provide plenty of hiding places and rocks for your lobster to feel safe and secure. In response to predatory attacks, they will cling firmly to the substrate and hide or conceal themselves within sediments/rocks. They also have the ability to swim away from their attacker.
Conclusion
Australia’s culinary traditions are as diverse as the country itself. Everyone knows Vegemite and meat pies, but there’s so much more to this down under cuisine. Traditional Australian ingredients and cooking techniques are making their mark in modern kitchens. From bush tucker like kangaroo and emu to wattleseed and lemon myrtle, Indigenous ingredients are having their moment in the sun.
