With over 270 ancestries and cultures shaping Australia’s rich social and cultural fabric, food is a universal language that brings us together. Exploring different cuisines isn’t just about discovering new flavours; it’s a taste of the traditions and stories that form the basis of our vibrant, multicultural communities. While familiar favourites like al dente pasta or pad thai might already be on your regular rotation, we’re encouraging you to branch out with some must-try dishes that celebrate the diversity of our 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 bush tucker draws from a diverse range of native foraged ingredients, from Wattleseeds (used in baking) to bush tomatoes (for sauces) through to Kangaroo (a lean protein source) and, of course, good old 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 dishes to try at home, dine at one of Australia’s best First Nations food experiences or create your own connection to the land with a 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 make space in your repertoire for the crispy, golden deliciousness that is banh xeo. A concoction of rice flour, coconut milk and warming turmeric is cooked into a thin crepe and served up for you to fill as you please with fresh bean sprouts, cucumber, green onions, shrimp, or beef. Dip in a satisfying and tangy, seasoned fish sauce and prepare to fall in love with the perfect balance of flavours and textures. Banh xeo literally translates to ‘sizzling cake’; try making 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, pastizzi  are bite-sized, flaky pastry delights typically filled with ricotta and peas and served warm. Traditionally eaten on the go and notoriously easy to over-indulge in, they’re a perfect snack to enjoy any time of 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 and fermented 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 typically a hearty homemade dish often served at family gatherings and celebrations. Ready to celebrate with sarma? 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 a break and make 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 it generously on your beef skewers for the next BBQ, try the authentic flavours of jerk chicken. With Jamaican 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 that signature smoky flavour. Often served with side dishes like rice, kidney beans and fried plantains, it’s relatively easy to make your own jerk seasoning blend, 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 adobo

Considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, adobo features a delicate balance of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices used to marinate chicken or pork before slow cooking until the meat becomes tender. The result is a flavourful, well-balanced stew typically served with steamed rice. You’ll find different variations in different households and regions, with some adding coconut milk for a creamier texture, adding potatoes or boiled eggs for extra protein, or turmeric and ginger for an extra kick. Try this Filipino comfort food at home with this step-by-step recipe using ingredients you’ll likely already have on hand.

8. The ultimate Greek comfort food – moussaka

A beloved Greek dish, moussaka is 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 to one of the largest Greek populations outside of Greece, you’ll more often than not find this dish at your local Greek taverna or community gathering – along with many variations to make at home, like lentil-laden vegetarian alternatives and low-carb options.

9. A firm Italian favourite – osso buco:

With large waves of Italian immigrants making Australia their home since the mid-20th century, we’ve all grown up with plenty of delicious dishes like pizza, pasta, arancini and tiramisu embedded in our society. But there’s one dish vying for your attention that perfectly represents Italy’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, and celery and served with risotto and garnished with gremolata – a fresh, zesty mix of lemon, garlic and parsley that perfectly complements the dish.

10. Aussie or English, it’s shepherd’s pie all the same

England’s profound influence on Australia stems from a complex history of colonisation, shared governance and cultural exchanges, and at a much less complex level, we have our shared love for shepherd’s pie. This home-cooked, hearty favourite consists of minced lamb, vegetables, and gravy, topped with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, then baked until the perfect golden crust forms. A staple on both Australian and English shores.

11. Murgh makhani, aka butter chicken

Popular in Indian cuisine and a favourite at Indian restaurants nationwide, butter chicken combines tender pieces of yoghurt-marinated chicken cooked with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices. Typically enjoyed with naan bread or basmati rice, it’s mild enough for less adventurous palates and is also loved by seasoned spice enthusiasts. Add it to your Friday takeaway rotations, try it at a local restaurant, or make your own at home for an authentic taste of India’s culinary prowess.

12. Delectable Dutch delight – stroopwafel

The classic Dutch treat stroopwafel is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. Consisting of two wafer-thin, crisp yet chewy waffles sandwiched together with delicious caramel syrup, these sugary delights are best enjoyed fresh and warm alongside a cup of coffee. Those who grew up in the Netherlands will have fond memories of freshly made stroopwafels from the Sunday markets, and nowadays, you’ll find them in hole-in-the-wall shops across the country made fresh to order. And, of course, you can also make your own fresh-to-order stroopwafels with a little legwork.

13. Donuts for breakfast? Say yes, please, to Chinese youtiao

Two words that don’t often come together – donuts and breakfast – unite for the popular Chinese breakfast staple, youtiao. These deep-fried dough sticks (usually served alongside savoury rice porridge or scallion pancakes) deliver the dream combination of crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Youtiao has been enjoyed for centuries, and for many, it’s a food that transports them back to childhood nostalgia. Make your own doughy delights with this 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 and discover new cultures. Whether dining out in your hometown or city, cooking at home, or exploring a different country and its local cuisine, food is an accessible way to forge connections with new cultures and communities. If you’re ready to embark on a new adventure, reach out to your local First National Real Estate team. We’ll guide you every step of the way towards an abode that delights!

DISCLAIMER

The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use