This additive has been banned from cosmetics, but not from food
Anzac biscuits are a crunchy, buttery oatmeal-coconut cookie. It is believed these biscuits were sent to Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers during World War I, as they transported well and didn't spoil easily.
A Tim Tam consists of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit (cookie), separated by a chocolate cream filling, and covered in a thin layer of chocolate. Enjoy dunked into a cup of tea or coffee.
The witchetty grub is a staple of the traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diet. The larvae of cossid moths, witchetty grubs are high in protein and taste like scrambled eggs or chicken.
Invented in 1923, Vegemite is a thick, salty, savory paste made from leftover brewers' yeast extract. Spread it on top of buttered bread or toast.
Dim sims are a Chinese-influenced dumpling-style snack food. They are usually filled with vegetables or meat and served with soy sauce for dipping.
Fish and chips is battered and deep-fried fish fillets (usually reef cod and rock cod or barramundi and flathead), served with crispy, deep-fried potato chips (fries).
Weet-Bix is a popular Australian breakfast cereal made from sorghum, an ancient, naturally gluten-free grain.
Crocodile is a delicacy in Australia; the meat is said to have a chicken or pork taste.
The vanilla slice is a popular sweet treat consisting of layers of puff pastry filled with a thick vanilla custard and topped with icing, sometimes flavored with passionfruit.
A prawn cocktail is a classic appetizer consisting of cooked prawns (shrimp) arranged on a bed of lettuce and served in a tangy Marie Rose sauce (ketchup, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice).
Found in the waters around Australia, John Dory fish can be deep-fried, oven-baked, or grilled, making it a versatile staple of Australian cuisine.
Damper bread is unleavened bread made from flour, water, and salt. While traditionally cooked in the ashes of a campfire, it can also be cooked in an oven. Enjoy with butter, golden syrup, or jam.
Moreton Bay bugs are a species of flathead lobster with a sweet, delicate flavor and firm flesh. They are often served grilled, boiled, or baked, and can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a seafood platter.
A dagwood dog is a festival staple consisting of a hot dog on a stick dipped in batter, then deep-fried in hot oil. Ketchup and mustard are often added before eating.
Salt and pepper calamari features squid or calamari covered in a salt and pepper batter, then deep-fried. It is often served with a sweet chili sauce.
Smashed avocado toast, a staple of brunch menus around the world, is believed to be an Australian invention, with Bill Granger, a restaurateur, claiming to be the one who invented it.
As well as all the usual suspects (bread, meat patty, cheese, and sauce), an Aussie burger also comes with "the lot," i.e. beetroot, egg, pineapple, and bacon.
Marron is a large freshwater crayfish found in Western Australia. There are many ways to cook marron, from steaming to barbecuing or frying in butter and eating directly from the shell.
Kangaroo meat is usually available as steak or sausages. It is low in fat and often served in a salad or with rice and vegetables.
Chicken parmigiana, or a "parmy" if you're local, consists of breaded and fried chicken topped with a tomato sauce and melted cheese. It is a staple dish on pub menus.
Barramundi is an Aboriginal word meaning "large-scaled river fish." Typically pan-fried or seared skin-side first, it is often served with herb-infused oil and enjoyed in restaurants all over Australia.
Snags are sausages that are cooked on the barbecue. They come in various types, such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, and are served with ketchup or mustard.
Said to have been invented to honor Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, the pavlova has been a much-loved Australian dessert for decades. Simple yet tasty, it is made from meringue, whipped cream, and fresh fruit.
Emu meat is lean, low in fat, and high in protein. It can be prepared in various ways, including as steaks, burgers, or sausages. The flavor is often compared to lean beef.
A lamington is a square of butter or sponge cake coated in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. Some versions contain a cream and jam filling. Enjoy with a cup of tea.
Fairy bread is a simple yet fun snack that is popular at children's parties. Spread butter or margarine on top of slices of white bread, then finish with a generous layer of sugar sprinkles.
A meat pie is usually a hand-sized pie with a flaky crust and a meat and gravy filling. You'll find them in bakeries, cafés, and at sporting events across the country.
Macadamia nuts are native to eastern Australia. They are rich in vitamins and can be eaten raw or included in a range of dishes.
Simple yet delicious, the cheese and bacon roll is bread topped with bacon chunks and cheese. Additional ingredients, like garlic butter or spices, can be added for flavor.
Sources: (CNN) (Contiki)
See also: Australia's delectably dangerous plants
Australia is known for many things: epic coastlines, the world's oldest cultures, an endless Outback, and cool cities. But how much do you know about the country's cuisine? While many popular dishes are a fusion of influences, there are plenty of uniquely Australian meals that shouldn't be passed up.
From snags hot off the BBQ to sweet Lamingtons, there's always something to sample Down Under, and this gallery covers some of the country's best-loved food. Click to discover more.
Crocodile and fairy bread: Australian food you simply need to try
Some are more palatable than others!
FOOD World cuisine
Australia is known for many things: epic coastlines, the world's oldest cultures, an endless Outback, and cool cities. But how much do you know about the country's cuisine? While many popular dishes are a fusion of influences, there are plenty of uniquely Australian meals that shouldn't be passed up.
From snags hot off the BBQ to sweet Lamingtons, there's always something to sample Down Under, and this gallery covers some of the country's best-loved food. Click to discover more.