Withover 270 ancestries and culturesshaping Australia’s rich social and cultural fabric, food is auniversal language that brings us together. Exploring different cuisines isn’t just about discovering newflavours; it’s a taste of the traditions and stories that formthe basis of our vibrant, multiculturalcommunities. While familiar favourites like al dente pasta or pad thai might already be on your regularrotation, we’re encouraging you to branch out with some must-try dishes that celebrate the diversity ofour communities. Who knows, you might find a new favourite!
1.Flavours from our own backyard–bush tucker
Starting our culinary journey right here in our own backyard, Aboriginal cuisine–one of the world’s oldest–is deeply rooted in connection to the land and a deep respect for nature. Traditional bushtucker draws from a diverse range ofnative foraged ingredients, from Wattleseeds (used in baking) to bush tomatoes (for sauces) through to Kangaroo (a lean protein source) and, of course, goodold witchetty grubs! Each ingredient carries a unique story and significance passed down through generations. Today, you can find many of these native ingredients in contemporary dishesto try at home, dine at one of Australia’s best First Nations food experiencesor create your own connectionto the land witha bountiful backyard harvest.
2.Crepes done differently–Vietnamese banh xeo
While most of us have our go-to Vietnamese pho or coriander-laden banh mi, you need to makespace in your repertoire for the crispy, golden deliciousness that isbanh xeo. A concoction of riceflour, coconut milk and warming turmeric is cooked into a thin crepe and served up for you to fill asyou please with fresh bean sprouts, cucumber, green onions, shrimp, or beef. Dip in a satisfyingand tangy, seasoned fish sauce and prepare to fall in love with the perfect balance of flavours andtextures. Banh xeo literally translates to‘sizzling cake’;trymaking your own,and you’ll see why!
3.When cheese and pastry collide–mouthwatering Mediterranean pastizzi
A favourite Maltese street snack and deeply rooted in Mediterranean culinary history,pastizziare bite-sized, flaky pastry delights typically filled with ricotta and peas and served warm. Traditionallyeaten on the go and notoriously easy to over-indulge in, they’re a perfect snack to enjoy any timeof the day. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a rich and creamy filling, making every bite a savory experience. Here, you’ll find them in Maltese-owned patisseries or make your own at home at home–just be warned, it’s difficult to stop at one!
4.Cabbage that packs a protein punch–Balkan sarma
Move aside coleslaw; we’ve found a better use for cabbage! The much-loved Balkan dish,sarma,combines a flavour-packed filling of ground meat, rice and spices tightly wrapped in softened andfermented cabbage leaves, which are then slow-cooked in a rich and comforting tomato-based broth. Popular across the Balkans, Central Europe, and the Middle East, sarma is typicallya heartyhomemade dish often served at family gatherings and celebrations. Ready to celebrate withsarma? Set aside a few hours and get ready to roll.
5.Tear, dip and dunk the African staple-fufu A staple in many West and Central African countries,fufu is made by boiling neutral-flavoured starchy vegetables like cassava, yams or plantains and pounding them into a smooth, stretchy dough-like consistency. While the exact process does vary slightly by region, the destiny of your fufu remains the same–it’s served alongside your favourite flavourful African soup or stew, ready for you to tear, dip or dunk and soak up those bold, spicy dishes. Why not give your soup spoon abreak andmake your own fufu?
6.Fiery, flavourful, smoky, and spicy–Caribbean jerk chicken
This Caribbean seasoning may have made its way into the mainstream, but instead of sprinkling itgenerously on your beef skewers for the next BBQ, try the authentic flavours ofjerk chicken. WithJamaican origins, the seasoning is traditionally made by blending allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers,and thyme, which your chicken is then marinated in and cooked over an open flame for thatsignature smoky flavour. Often served with side dishes like rice, kidney beans and fried plantains,it’srelatively easy to make your own jerk seasoningblend, and best of all, you can tailor it to your tastes–turn up the heat, turn down the onion–the choice is yours
7.The unofficial national dish–Filipino adoboConsidered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines,adobofeatures a delicate balance of soysauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices used to marinate chicken or pork before slow cooking until themeat becomes tender. The result is a flavourful, well-balanced stew typically served with steamedrice. You’ll finddifferent variationsin different households and regions, with some adding coconutmilk for a creamier texture, adding potatoes or boiled eggs for extra protein, or turmeric and gingerfor an extra kick. Try this Filipino comfort food at home with thisstep-by-step recipeusingingredients you’ll likely already have on hand.
8.The ultimate Greek comfort food–moussakaA beloved Greek dish,moussakais a welcome variation from its popular Italian cousin, lasagna.This rich and hearty layered casserole is laden with eggplant, minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce and is baked until golden. With Australia home toone of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece, you’ll more often than not find this dish at your local Greek tavernaor community gathering–along with many variations to make at home, likelentil-laden vegetarian alternativesand low-carb options.
9.A firm Italian favourite–osso buco:With large waves ofItalian immigrants making Australia their homesince the mid-20thcentury,we’ve all grown up with plenty of delicious dishes like pizza, pasta, arancini and tiramisuembedded in our society. But there’s one dish vying for your attention that perfectly representsItaly’s love for slow-cooked, rustic dishes with simple ingredients–osso buco. Hailing from Milan,osso buco is a slow-braised veal shank cooked with wine, broth, tomatoes, onions, carrots, andcelery and served with risotto and garnished with gremolata–a fresh, zesty mix of lemon, garlicand parsley that perfectly complements the dish.
10.Aussie or English, it’s shepherd's pie all the sameEngland'sprofound influence on Australiastems from a complex history of colonisation, sharedgovernance and cultural exchanges, and at a much less complex level, we have our shared lovefor shepherd's pie.This home-cooked, hearty favouriteconsists of minced lamb, vegetables, andgravy, topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until the perfectgolden crust forms. A staple on both Australian and English shores.1
1.Murgh makhani, aka butter chickenPopular in Indian cuisine and a favourite at Indian restaurants nationwide, butter chicken combinestender pieces of yoghurt-marinated chicken cooked with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused witharomatic spices. Typically enjoyed with naan bread or basmati rice, it’s mild enough for lessadventurous palates and is also loved by seasoned spice enthusiasts. Add it to your Fridaytakeaway rotations, try it at a local restaurant, ormake your own at homefor an authentic taste ofIndia’s culinary prowess.
12.Delectable Dutch delight–stroopwafelThe classic Dutch treatstroopwafelisa must-try for those with a sweet tooth. Consisting of twowafer-thin, crisp yet chewy waffles sandwiched together with delicious caramel syrup, these sugarydelights are best enjoyed fresh and warm alongside a cup of coffee. Those who grew up in theNetherlands will have fond memories of freshly made stroopwafels from the Sunday markets, andnowadays, you’ll find them in hole-in-the-wall shops across the country made fresh to order. And,of course, you can alsomake your own fresh-to-order stroopwafelswith a little legwork.
13.Donuts for breakfast? Say yes, please, to Chinese youtiaoTwo words that don’t often come together–donuts and breakfast–unite forthe popular Chinesebreakfast staple,youtiao. These deep-fried dough sticks (usually served alongside savoury riceporridge or scallion pancakes) deliver the dream combination of crispy on the outside and light andfluffy on the inside. Youtiao has been enjoyed for centuries, and for many, it’s a food that transportsthem back to childhood nostalgia. Make your own doughy delights withthis classic recipe.
Explore, indulge, and embrace culture and community.
Trying new dishes from around the globe is an adventurous and fun way to expand your horizons anddiscover new cultures. Whether dining out in your hometown or city, cooking at home, or exploring adifferent country and its local cuisine, food is an accessible way to forge connections with new culturesand communities. If you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, reach out to your localFirst NationalReal Estate team.We’ll guide you every step of the waytowards an abode that delights!