Australian Food
Hayden tells us about the appeal of the unusual dish called Vegemite and the best way to eat it - if you are brave enough.
Vegemite
Vegemite is a popular food in Australia. It has a very strong, salty taste and a very strong smell. British Hills teacher, Tom, says Vegemite smells like “Miso mixed with alcohol”. Teacher, Cameron, says “It smells a like a cup of salt mixed with a little petrol… oh, I love Vegemite.”
No one knows what Vegemite is made of, but many people in Australia eat it on toast for breakfast.
Many foreigners who come to Japan find natto difficult to eat – similarly, many Japanese find Vegemite difficult to eat. Can you eat it!? When you come to British Hills, you can try the “Vegemite challenge”. Ask your British Hills teacher if you would like to try this pungent delicacy.
No one knows what Vegemite is made of, but many people in Australia eat it on toast for breakfast.
Many foreigners who come to Japan find natto difficult to eat – similarly, many Japanese find Vegemite difficult to eat. Can you eat it!? When you come to British Hills, you can try the “Vegemite challenge”. Ask your British Hills teacher if you would like to try this pungent delicacy.
Kangaroo meat
In Australia you can also eat kangaroo meat!
Kangaroo meat is high in protein and low in fat and is different from many other meats sold in the supermarket, because it comes from hunted wild animals.
Teacher Zain says “I’ve tried kangaroo burgers; it’s very meaty and tastes a little like beef”. Teacher Karl says “how could you eat such a cute animal, you monster!?” Zain says “shut up, Karl”.
Many Australian supermarkets stock different cuts of kangaroo including fillets, steaks, minced meat and “kanga bangas” (kangaroo sausages).
Kangaroo meat is high in protein and low in fat and is different from many other meats sold in the supermarket, because it comes from hunted wild animals.
Teacher Zain says “I’ve tried kangaroo burgers; it’s very meaty and tastes a little like beef”. Teacher Karl says “how could you eat such a cute animal, you monster!?” Zain says “shut up, Karl”.
Many Australian supermarkets stock different cuts of kangaroo including fillets, steaks, minced meat and “kanga bangas” (kangaroo sausages).
Lamingtons
Lamingtons are a type of small sponge cake, first made in Australia.
The most common flavours of lamingtons are chocolate and strawberry.
They are coated in coconut sprinkles and are a popular treat in Australia, as well as New Zealand and the UK.
Teacher Jordan says “My grandmother always had lamingtons in the cupboard at her house. I used to steal them whenever I had the chance.”
You can buy lamingtons at the Ascot Teahouse in British Hills. They are very nice with tea.
The most common flavours of lamingtons are chocolate and strawberry.
They are coated in coconut sprinkles and are a popular treat in Australia, as well as New Zealand and the UK.
Teacher Jordan says “My grandmother always had lamingtons in the cupboard at her house. I used to steal them whenever I had the chance.”
You can buy lamingtons at the Ascot Teahouse in British Hills. They are very nice with tea.
Tim Tams
The best biscuits from Australia are called Tim Tams.
The classic Tim Tam is chocolate-flavoured, but nowadays there are many other flavours, including gross flavours like white chocolate, choc raspberry, coconut cream and peanut butter, but also good flavours like double chocolate, chewy caramel and, best of all, salted caramel.
Tim Tams are a popular present from home for Australians and New Zealanders living overseas.
You can buy Tim Tams at Ye Shoppe in British Hills, but they have about 110 calories per biscuit, so be careful not to eat too many!
The classic Tim Tam is chocolate-flavoured, but nowadays there are many other flavours, including gross flavours like white chocolate, choc raspberry, coconut cream and peanut butter, but also good flavours like double chocolate, chewy caramel and, best of all, salted caramel.
Tim Tams are a popular present from home for Australians and New Zealanders living overseas.
You can buy Tim Tams at Ye Shoppe in British Hills, but they have about 110 calories per biscuit, so be careful not to eat too many!
What is a typical Australian breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Typically, a weekday breakfast in Australia tends to be a light meal that can be prepared and eaten quickly. Common choices include toast, muffins, or crumpets with jam, honey, or Vegemite, as well as cereal, porridge, and fruit. On weekends, people often have cheese on toast with grilled mushrooms and tomato, avocado, bacon and eggs, sausages, and baked beans.
For lunch, people eat sandwiches, fruit, and salads, or hot lunches such as meat pies (similar to beef stew in pastry), sausage rolls (sausage meat in crispy golden pastry), Chiko rolls (chopped vegetables wrapped in thick pastry and deep-fried), or hamburgers. Kids usually take their lunch to school and eat it outside.
The main meal of the day is dinner, or, as some Australians call it; ‘tea’. These days there really isn’t a typical ‘Australian’ dinner. While it’s true that Australians used to eat a lot of pork and beef, more seafood, chicken and lamb is eaten now, and most beef is very low fat. All kinds of pasta are popular, and many different types of rice are readily available. Meals are usually eaten with steamed, baked, or grilled vegetables, or salads, and enjoyed with red or white wine. Sunday night dinners are special times when families enjoy roast lamb with mint sauce, or roast beef with gravy. On warm summer evenings it’s not unusual to have a barbecued dinner outside.
After dinner, adults and children like to enjoy a bowl of ice cream with chocolate, caramel, or strawberry topping.
After dinner, adults and children like to enjoy a bowl of ice cream with chocolate, caramel, or strawberry topping.
