Australia is a wonderful melting pot of different cultures. Our diverse population has resulted in some delicious cultural cuisine discoveries for many. Perhaps there’s some you haven’t yet considered.
If you’re keen on cooking, try your hand at some of the recipes suggested. If you prefer some authentic expertise, why not try one of the recommended restaurants from all over Australia?
Yemeni
Yemeni cuisine carries strong Turkish, Indian and Arabic influences, though it varies slightly between regions. Soups, stews, pastries and rice-based mains are staple dietary choices in Yemen. Yemini food can occasionally be very spicy, as chillies are used liberally in many dishes.
Make it yourself: Garlic chilli paste (zhough) recipe
Eat out: Yaman
62 Stuart St
Mullumbimby
New South Wales 2482
Egyptian
Egyptian cuisine relies heavily upon legumes such as beans and lentils, along with vegetables. As meat has traditionally been quite expensive in Egypt, vegetarian dishes are plentiful. Bread will often be the backbone of many Egyptian meals.
Make it yourself: Bamya (okra) with lamb recipe
Eat out: Tut Ankh – Egyptian Restaurant
4/122 Beach Rd
Christies Beach
South Australia 5165
Indigenous Australian
Before the arrival of European settlers, Indigenous Australians had a thriving food culture that sustained the Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. Traditional bush tucker is both unique and innovative, almost 20% of Australia’s native flora and fauna were utilised by Indigenous Australians.
Make it yourself: Lemon-infused fish cooked in paperbark with herb butter recipe
Eat out: Charcoal Lane
136 Gertrude St
Fitzroy
Victoria 3065
Jamaican
Spanish, Creole, Caribbean and African flavours have all had an influence upon Jamaican cuisine. This melting pot of influences has resulted in the tasty, spicy flavours that permeate the Jamaican palate today. Jamaica’s most famous culinary export is ‘jerk’ chicken – a barbequed dish flavoured with thyme, allspice and very hot scotch bonnet chillies.
Make it yourself: Jerk chicken recipe
Eat out: The Ja Joint
(A Jamaican pop up collaborative food and musical experience)
Brisbane, QLD
Nepalese
Nepalese cuisine is characterised by a blend of Indian and Tibetan influences. Lentils and rice generally compose the base of Nepalese dishes, and are complemented by herbs, vegetables and meats. This combination results in the mix of fresh and smoky flavours that Nepalese food is known for.
Make it yourself: Nepali chicken dumplings (momo) recipe
Eat out: Himali Gurkha Nepalese Restaurant
17 Kearns Cres
Perth
Western Australia 6153
Maldivian
Maldivian food is fresh, light and full of spice, perfectly complimenting the warmer climate of the Maldives. The three main components of Maldivian cuisine are fish, coconut and rice. Side dishes will generally be comprised of limes, chillies and onions. Maldivian food is generally quite spicy, so it’s ideal for those who like their food hot.
Make it yourself: Boshi mashuni Maldivian salad recipe
Lao
Staple elements of Lao cuisine include sticky rice, fresh vegetables, plenty of fresh herbs, fish and meat, fish sauce, chilli, spices and fruit. There are almost no processed foods involved in the Lao diet. Though it’s been influenced by Vietnamese and Thai food, Lao cuisine is undeniably unique.
Make it yourself: Steamed sticky rice cakes with banana recipe
Eat out: Baitong Laos & Thai Cuisine
Shop 13 Cooleman Court
12 Whitney Pl
Weston Creek
Australian Capital Territory 2611
How many of these culture’s cuisines have you tried? Are there any that you hadn’t even considered before? Perhaps you’ll discover some new favourites! One of our event ideas for A Taste of Harmony involves indulging in a dish from a destination you would like to visit. Share your discovery with your workmates by registering today!
