Australia’s vast and diverse landscape is not just home to breathtaking scenery, it’s also a foodie’s paradise.
From the crystal-clear waters of Tasmania to the rich red soils of the Outback, each region offers something special when it comes to food.
Whether it’s freshly caught seafood, premium truffles, or a classic dessert, Australian cuisine is packed with bold flavours and unique ingredients.
What makes these regional dishes truly remarkable is their connection to the land and sea, showcasing the best of local produce and culinary traditions.
If you’re looking to explore the country’s best local eats, this guide will introduce you to Australia’s most iconic regional dishes and where to try them.
Australia’s Must-Try Regional Dishes
Australia’s regions boast a diverse range of iconic dishes, each offering unique flavours that reflect local traditions. Here are some must-try specialties from across the country.
- Tasmanian Scallop Pie
A true Tasmanian specialty, this golden, flaky pastry is packed with creamy curried scallops, offering a delicious fusion of seafood and spice.
Key Ingredients:
- Fresh Tasmanian scallops
- Buttery pastry
- Mild curry sauce
Why You’ll Love It:
You’ll love this dish for its delicate, sweet scallops perfectly complemented by a fragrant curry sauce, all encased in a crisp, buttery pastry, best enjoyed warm with a fresh salad or chips for a true taste of Tasmania.
Best Pairing:
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Tasmanian Chardonnay or a refreshing light lager, both of which enhance the scallops’ sweetness while balancing the richness of the pastry.
Where to Find It in Tasmania:
- Jackman & McRoss (Hobart): A bakery famous for its traditional scallop pies.
- Banjo’s Bakery Café (Multiple locations): Serving classic versions of the dish.
- Ross Village Bakery (Ross): A historic bakery known for local flavours.
- Queensland King Prawns
Famous for their sweet, juicy flesh, Queensland’s king prawns are a seafood lover’s dream, offering a perfect balance of flavour and texture.
Key Ingredients:
- Freshly caught king prawns
- Lemon
- Garlic butter
Why You’ll Love It:
Naturally sweet with a firm, succulent texture, these prawns shine whether grilled, in a prawn cocktail or simply with lemon. A staple at Queensland’s beachside restaurants and seafood festivals, they deliver fresh, ocean-inspired flavours in every bite.
Best Pairing:
A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a cold pale ale complements the prawns’ natural sweetness, enhancing their freshness while providing a crisp, refreshing contrast.
Where to Find It in Queensland:
- Prawn Star (Cairns): A floating seafood bar with fresh, local prawns.
- George’s Paragon Seafood Restaurant (Gold Coast): A top-tier seafood experience.
- The Prawnster (Brisbane): A casual seafood spot with unbeatable freshness.
- Western Australian Black Truffles
The rich, earthy aroma of Manjimup black truffles makes them one of the most prized ingredients in the world.
Key Ingredients:
- Black truffles
- Fresh pasta
- Creamy sauces
Why You’ll Love It:
Intensely aromatic and umami-rich, these truffles elevate dishes like risottos, pasta and eggs. Considered among the finest globally, they bring a rare, luxurious depth to Western Australia’s cuisine.
Best Pairing:
A full-bodied Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the truffles’ deep, earthy flavours, creating a rich and indulgent pairing.
Where to Find It in Western Australia:
- Truffle Kerfuffle Festival (Manjimup): The best place to experience local truffles.
- Wildflower (Perth): A fine dining restaurant using seasonal truffles.
- Millbrook Winery (Jarrahdale): Enjoy truffle-infused dishes with wine pairings.
- South Australian Coffin Bay Oysters
Plump, briny, and bursting with freshness, these oysters are among Australia’s finest, harvested from the pristine waters of Coffin Bay.
Key Ingredients:
- Freshly shucked oysters
- Lemon
- Mignonette sauce
Why You’ll Love It:
With a creamy texture and crisp, salty finish, these oysters capture the essence of the ocean. Whether raw or grilled, they offer a luxurious and refreshing seafood experience.
Best Pairing:
A glass of Champagne or a dry Riesling beautifully complements the briny richness of Coffin Bay oysters, adding a touch of elegance to each bite.
Where to Find It in South Australia:
- 1802 Oyster Bar (Coffin Bay): The ultimate spot for fresh oysters.
- Sean’s Kitchen (Adelaide): A fine dining seafood experience.
- Oyster Farm Tours (Coffin Bay): A hands-on shucking experience.
- Northern Territory Barramundi
A staple in the Northern Territory, barramundi is known for its mild, buttery flavour and versatility.
Key Ingredients:
- Wild-caught barramundi
- Bush spices
- Lemon
Why You’ll Love It:
Flaky and moist with a slightly sweet taste, barramundi is delicious when grilled, pan-seared or in a curry. As a key part of the Northern Territory’s seafood industry, it showcases the region’s love for fresh, local ingredients.
Best Pairing:
A crisp Riesling or a tropical fruit-infused cocktail enhances the barramundi’s delicate sweetness while adding a refreshing contrast.
Where to Find It in the Northern Territory:
- Pee Wee’s at the Point (Darwin): Stunning waterfront dining.
- Mindil Beach Markets (Darwin): Enjoy fresh, street-style barramundi.
- The Australian Outback Kangaroo Steak
Lean, rich in iron, and packed with flavour, kangaroo steak is a true Aussie delicacy, offering a unique and sustainable red meat option.
Key Ingredients:
- Kangaroo fillet
- Bush pepper
- Native herbs
Why You’ll Love It:
Lean yet tender with a slightly gamey flavour, kangaroo is best cooked rare to medium-rare. Paired with bush tomato chutney, it delivers a uniquely Australian dining experience.
Best Pairing:
A glass of bold Shiraz pairs perfectly with kangaroo steak, enhancing its deep, gamey flavours, while bush tomato chutney adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Where to Find It in Australia:
- Red Ochre Grill (Adelaide): A modern Australian dining experience.
- Tukka Restaurant (Brisbane): Specializes in native foods.
- Lamingtons (Queensland’s Dessert)
A classic Aussie treat, lamingtons are sponge cakes coated in chocolate and coconut, perfect for a snack or with tea. Some versions include jam or cream for extra indulgence.
Key Ingredients:
- Sponge cake
- Chocolate sauce
- Desiccated coconut
Why You’ll Love It:
Soft and airy with a rich chocolate coating, lamingtons offer the perfect mix of sweetness and texture. Jam or cream fillings add an extra indulgent touch.
Best Pairing: A flat white complements the chocolatey richness, while a sweet dessert wine enhances the coconut and chocolate flavours.
Where to Find It in Queensland:
- The Lamington Bakery (Brisbane): Specializing in this iconic treat.
- Florence Café (Brisbane): A cozy café serving delicious homemade lamingtons.
From fresh seafood to classic desserts, these regional dishes showcase the best of Australia’s culinary heritage.
Top Food Festivals & Best Times to Visit
- Truffle Kerfuffle (WA) – June: Experience the peak of truffle season with gourmet dishes and fresh truffle hunting.
- Tasting Australia (SA) – April/May: A celebration of South Australia’s best food and wine, featuring top chefs and local producers.
- Sydney Seafood Festival (NSW) – September: Dive into a seafood extravaganza with the freshest oysters, prawns, and coastal flavours.
- Darwin Festival (NT) – August: A lively festival where you can savour barramundi specialties alongside cultural performances.
Conclusion
Australia’s regional cuisine is a true reflection of its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant food culture.
Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood, savouring premium truffles, or enjoying a classic dessert, each dish tells a story of local ingredients and time-honoured traditions.
Exploring these must-try specialties isn’t just about tasting delicious food, it’s about experiencing the heart of Australia’s culinary identity.
So, whether you’re planning a foodie road trip or simply looking for your next great meal, let these regional delights guide your journey through Australia’s incredible flavours.
