A Definitive Ranking of Aussie Foods

Hey y'all! Tuesday, March 26, marks 10 weeks since I first stepped foot in Australia. I can't believe it's been that long already...In that time, I have tasted some of the most delicious food I've ever had in my life! I've been planning this post since I first tasted a Tim-Tam that first day in Sydney and I'm so excited to finally share the good and the bad of Australian cuisine (hint: everything is delicious). So without further ado, let's get started!

Savoury

Meat Pies: this was one thing I was really looking forward to trying. So much so, in fact, that a couple friends and I made our own a month or so before I left! While our version was definitely delicious, it will never live up to a real-life Aussie meat pie. Piping-hot filling oozing out of a perfectly crispy crust speckled with tomato sauce on top is well worth burnt fingers and tongues. My personal favorite is the pocket of goodness that is Beefy's Steak and Pepper pie. Dream-worthy and filling. 121,391,928/10

Vegemite: I have to be honest here: tasting Vegemite was a scarier thought than moving 8000 miles away. That may be just a slight exaggeration, but it gets the point across. But, I was pleasantly surprised. Turns out, a little bit of Vegemite spread upon a butter-slathered slice of toast actually tastes pretty good. The saltiness adds a new dimension to a simple breakfast and elevates it. With Vegemite, a little goes a LONG way. I'd say that I use Vegemite on my toast probably 40-50% of the time. Tasty, but not essential. 7/10

Sausage Sanga: I don't think I'll ever be able to come back to processed American hot dogs and slightly soggy hot dog buns after trying one of these bad boys. A  grilled pork or beef sausage topped with tomato sauce and grilled onions encased in a smoothly folded slice of bread has become my favorite BBQ food. Simplistic but delectable. 12/10

Fish and Chips: you have not lived until you have tasted Australia's fish and chips. The freshest seafood available and crispy, salty chips. Enough said. 20/10

Sweet

Lamingtons: All it took was a single bite of a Lamington from Woolworth's to convert me from a coconut hater to an occasional coconut lover. The fluffy squares of sponge cake enveloped in smooth chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut won me over from the very first taste. My favorite Aussie dessert and one of my favorite foods ever. 121,391,982/10

Anzac Biscuits: The most historical item on this list. Named for the Australia New Zealand Army Corps, these golden biscuits were sent to soldiers during the World Wars because they kept easily and did not spoil well. The golden syrup, desiccated coconut, and rolled oats complement each other perfectly and I like to imagine I'm eating sunshine in cookie form. 9/10

TimTams: Ahh yes, the infamous TimTam. Low-key getting addicted to these chocolate-on-chocolate cookies, not gonna lie...keep an eye out for a ranking of the different TimTam flavors! Depends on the flavor but a solid 10/10 at least. 

Hot Cross Buns and Scones: I know these are both more typical British foods, but I will always associate hot cross buns and scones with Australia. Marked with a cross on top, these spiced sweet buns are traditionally made for Easter to celebrate the end of Lent but are available year-round here. The sultana and current hot cross buns from Baker's Delight are absolutely delicious, as well as date scones with jam and cream. 15/10

Miscellaneous Deliciousness

Gloria Jean's: Being from Washington State, I am a little bit coffee-obsessed. You can imagine my horror when I discovered there were only 13 Starbucks in all of Queensland, especially when I can think of over half that many in my little town! Gloria Jean's coffee is an Australian chain similar to Starbucks, though without as many options. The skinny iced mochas are delicious and will do in a pinch, but I'm missing my Starbucks...8/10

Shapes: I have always had a weakness for crackers and Shapes are my latest obsession. The pizza flavor is by far the best, but every flavor I have tried so far has been delicious. Such a nice crunch factor and an added satisfaction of licking flavor dust off finger tips. 11/10

Milo: Growing up, I was never the biggest fan of chocolate milk powder. Milo is more than that. The chocolate malt powder is delicious when mixed into milk (although the bits left at the top unmixed are even tastier) but even better when sprinkled on a bowl of ice cream. It's sweet and chocolately and even gives plenty of calcium and iron! 25/10

Beetroot: Australians put beetroot on EVERYTHING, a practice I am sure to bring back to the States with me. A slice of the earthy, slightly sweet yet tangy root veggie atop a burger won me over to thee beetroot-loving ways. Speaking of burgers, it's a common Aussie practice to throw a fried egg on them as well. Definitely would recommend that too. Now on to my new goal: convert my family and friends at home! 9/10

​Overall Verdict:

Australian food is the best and I never want to leave! Hopefully I won't have to explain to customs why I'm taking 10 boxes each of TimTams and Shapes and a 1kg tin of Milo home when I leave in a few months...

Cheers, Phoebe