Want to try some favourite Aussie foods while you are in Sydney?  Here are a few local delicacies I think you should put on your list….

Kangaroo or Emu – Eat the coat of arms
Not a lot of locals eat Kangaroo and I doubt many could say they consume Emu on a regular basis but both are worth a try while you are here.   Kangaroo Meat is available in most large supermarkets these days but due to its low-fat content, it is not that easy to cook it well.  Emu is available in upmarket butchers and surprisingly Chinatown butchers stock frozen croc too.

If you would rather someone prepares your wildlife for you then try The Meat and Wine Company restaurant in Darling Harbour, who serve Kangaroo Steak or the Australian Heritage Hotel in the Rocks has both a pepper Kangaroo or a saltwater crocodile pizza.

Pavlova – the great debate 

While it may actually be a Kiwi invention like all good things that originate in New Zealand Aussies have claimed the Pavlova as our own.  With a crisp outer shell of meringue and lashings of cream, fresh fruit and sometimes even shavings of chocolate very few can resist this summer favourite.

Matt Moran’s Chiswick Restaurant currently have an orange, passionfruit pavlova on their dessert menu or if your travelling on a budget grab a Pavlova base from any supermarket and make your own.

Anzac Biscuits and Tim Tams

The Anzac biscuit has been claimed by both Australia and New Zealand as a traditional food and it seems versions have existed in both countries since the early 1900s.   The first published Anzac biscuit recipe dates back to 1917. They rose in popularity during WWI possibly due to the fact that the ingredients were easily obtainable during the ration period.  Named ANZAC after the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Anzac biscuits were included in the care packages sent to the troops by their wives and mothers as ingredients did not spoil easily.

These days we traditional make them every year around ANZAC Day (April 25th).  There are commercially produced versions but I find these a little hard and a little too sweet. If you see them in a café I would try them there. Or you can make your own.

While the humble Anzac biscuit may be more of an Aussie icon the Tim Tam is quite possibly the most common supermarket purchase of visitors to Australia. Tim tams originated as a chocolate malt biscuit with a choc creme centre and dipped in milk chocolate. These days there are more than a dozen versions. My favourite are the dark chocolate ones. According to  Arnotts Aussies buy 35 million packets of Tim Tams, I suggest you try the infamous Tim Tam Slam when you get the chance

A Meat Pie or a pie floater at Harry’s Cafe de Wheels

Meat pies are sometimes described as Australia’s national dish.  They are most commonly eaten at the footy or in my childhood were a school canteen winter treat. According to Wikipedia the Australian’s eat 12 each per year…  I am about 11 behind on my tally this year lol…   Check out this jingle from the 1970s “Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden Cars” for a crash course in Aussie culture.

Harry’s Cafe de Wheels has sold pies in Sydney’s Woollmooloo since 1938.  These days there are several Harry’s outlets around the city.

The signature dish, the Tiger, features a meat pie served with mashed pies, mashed potato and gravy is the dish I recommend.  They have also recently added fantastic apple turnovers to the menu.  You can order them hot or cold depending on your preference. 

A BBQ – the classic summer meal

If you are not lucky enough to be invited to one by a friendly local then next best thing is probably head to the nearest supermarket – or if your budget permits – David Jones Food hall – to buy some BBQ essentials and then head off to Bronte Beach or perhaps Pyrmont Bay Park and cook up your feast.  Meat in a Park is a great website to find more places that have BBQs near where you are staying.

Your BBQ should at least include sausages (anything from cheap and cheerful snags to the gourmet range will do) onions, store-bought salads, coleslaw and potato are most traditional, fresh bread rolls and tomato sauce.  If your tastes are a little more refined head to the fish markets and buy some fresh prawns and salmon to throw on the hot plate.

Vegemite

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