20 American Foods That Non-Americans Love & 20 That They Find Disgusting

Great and Gross American Foods

American food is something that people tend to either love or hate, depending on the dish. From horrific concoctions like spray cheese to a far more enjoyable serving of diner food, there’s a lot to love and hate when you’re eating in America. These people all shared their most loved and hated dishes when they visit the United States.

Gross: Candy Corn

Candy corn is one of those things that you really only see around Halloween. You probably aren’t going to grab it for the 4th of July.

Gross: Candy Corn

AMERICAN OPINION: The general consensus on candy corn by Americans is pretty clear. For the most part, they’re going to agree with this sentiment. Sure — some people like candy corn but for the most part, it’s not flying off of shelves because it’s everyone’s favorite snack on a night full of tastier candy.

Great: Hashbrowns

This person was specifically talking about the hashbrowns that you might find at a diner. The ones where the potatoes are grated and you can choose a variety of toppings or eat them as is.

Great: Hashbrowns

AMERICAN OPINION: There aren’t too many complaints about great diner hashbrowns. They’re a great go-to when you want something easy, greasy, and tasty — which is pretty par for the course when it comes to breakfast diner food like this as a whole.

Gross: American Cheese

Specifically, we’re talking about the slices of yellow “cheese” that you see in plastic wrappings. We say “cheese” because they often use other terms than just saying cheese directly.

Gross: American Cheese

AMERICAN OPINION: As far as cheese goes, sliced singles probably aren’t going to win any awards when you measure it up against options like fresh mozzarella, brie, muenster — and the list goes on. However, it’s not a bad choice when you want a quick grilled cheese.

Great: Funnel Cakes

Funnel cakes are a great cure for a sweet tooth. The concept is simple — deep-fried batter topped off with powdered sugar for a sweet treat.

Great: Funnel Cakes

AMERICAN OPINION: Americans probably aren’t going to argue with you that funnel cakes are delicious. In fact, they’re a popular choice at events like state fairs. Plenty of people can relate to the experience of waiting in line for one of these fried treats on a summer day in an amusement park or at the fair.

Gross: Applebee’s Steak

Applebee’s is a pretty big chain restaurant. They’re also fairly known for their menu made up of a mix of popular American dishes.

Gross: Applebee’s Steak

AMERICAN OPINION: Well, we have to say that steak can taste really good! Then again, you probably aren’t going to find top-of-the-line steak at an Applebee’s. In all fairness, this person makes a fair point that it seems like you should find good food at any restaurant you go to.

Great: Hershey’s Cookies n’ Creme

When it comes to American foods, Hershey’s is usually fairly controversial. Apparently, there are some fans out there, though.

Great: Hershey’s Cookies n’ Creme

AMERICAN OPINION: For the most part, Americans love Hershey’s chocolate. Of course, everyone has their own opinions but it’s a pretty popular choice. We imagine that there are plenty of people on this person’s side who love the Hershey’s Cookies n’ Creme bars. If you like them, they even come as chocolate “Drops” too!

Gross: Biscuits and Gravy

Here’s some quick background information on this one. In the U.S., biscuits are like dinner rolls while in the U.K., biscuits mean cookies.

Gross: Biscuits and Gravy

AMERICAN OPINION: Honest, with this context, we can see why the thought might turn your stomach. However, if you’re willing to give American biscuits a try, they’re delicious — especially with gravy! All in all, this sentiment might face some backlash, especially in the southern part of the United States!

Great: Pulled Pork

Speaking of food that’s popular in the South in the United States, pulled pork is a popular and classic choice. You have a lot of options for it, too!

Great: Pulled Pork

AMERICAN OPINION: In all likelihood, you aren’t going to find many people who argue with you on this point. They’re right about regional variety too — there are more options when it comes to pulled pork than you might immediately think of. Plus, it makes for a filling sandwich!

Gross: Twizzlers

There are some candies that are more controversial than others. As for this person, they were willing to stake their claim against Twizzlers.

Gross: Twizzlers

AMERICAN OPINION: Strangely enough, Twizzlers are probably a bit more controversial. While many people hate them, there are some real fans of Twizzlers out there. At the end of the day, licorice-style candies usually garner varying opinions. Still, they’re a classic choice when it comes time to choose a movie snack.

Great: Sonic

Sonic is one of those places that seems like a classic. All you have to do is drive up and you can have a drive-in lunch experience.

Great: Sonic

AMERICAN OPINION: You probably aren’t going to find too many people who disagree that Sonic is great! They’re available in most states, so plenty of the U.S. enjoys their menu. From hot dogs to burgers to milkshakes, there are a lot of options too.

Gross: Root Beer

When you’re thinking about food from a locale, don’t look past drinks! They can have their own unique flavors and traits to explore.

Gross: Root Beer

AMERICAN OPINION: Root beer is one of those things that some people love and some hate. Still, we can’t argue with this person too much. If something reminded us of the taste of medicine, it probably wouldn’t stick to the top of our list of favorite foods either.

Great: Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken

There are plenty of restaurants that boast American food. One such restaurant is Cracker Barrel, a chain that you can grab a meal from in most states.

Great: Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken

AMERICAN OPINION: Cracker Barrel has a menu full of familiar Southern dishes although some are definitely more popular than others. As for how well-liked they are, it’s a bit controversial. Some people love Cracker Barrel while others would rather go anywhere else. It’s not a bad choice if you want some fried chicken but it’s far from your only great choice.

Gross: Twinkies

Twinkies are one of those foods that seem quintessentially American. It’s self-described as a snack with a “golden sponge cake with a creamy filling.”

Gross: Twinkies

AMERICAN OPINION: This is another controversial opinion. As a concept, many people might tell you that a Twinkie sounds kind of gross. However, there are still plenty of people who still love to grab one of these sugary treats once in a while. Not to mention, they’re easy to carry in a lunchbox or with you as a snack for later.

Great: In-N-Out Burger

Plenty of people associate America with popular fast food in America. Can you blame them for having a few favorite places to grab a burger?

Great: In-N-Out Burger

AMERICAN OPINION: In-N-Out Burger is actually pretty popular — that is, in areas where it’s actually located. The chain is primarily on the west coast but that works out if you’re visiting somewhere like California or even a few exceptions, like their Texas locations. All in all, it’s not a bad stop for a burger and fries.

Gross: Hershey’s Chocolate

Earlier, we mentioned that Hershey’s Cookies n’ Creme is a food that some people missed when they weren’t in America. That love for Hershey’s products is far from universal.

Gross: Hershey’s Chocolate

AMERICAN OPINION: Hershey’s is fairly popular here and most people who like chocolate do love it. However, it’s a lot different from options like different European chocolates. So, we can see how it might not measure up against its international competitors.

Great: Funyuns

Sometimes, you just need a bag of chips as a snack. You have plenty of options when it comes to types and flavors as well.

Great: Funyuns

AMERICAN OPINION: This favorite might be a bit more controversial. Funyuns are one of those snacks that you might grab on a road trip, for a movie night, or for a late-night study session. Even then, they’re not most people’s favorite choice. There’s definitely a solid group of fans for this long-running snack, though.

Gross: Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a simple dish. All you really need is an ear of corn and a stove or grill.

Gross: Corn on the Cob

AMERICAN OPINION: Corn on the cob is all in how you make it, really. In some cases, it’s fairly bland and unenjoyable. Prepared right, though, it’s a great side! Still, a bit of seasoning probably wouldn’t push past the fact that this person had only seen corn on the cob as pig food.

Great: Beef Jerky

There are some snacks that offer a bit more protein than others. That’s something that beef jerky offers.

Great: Beef Jerky

AMERICAN OPINION: Beef Jerky is a classic choice and it’s tasty if you want something salty! Even if you don’t eat meat, there are options out there to mimic the “beef” snack. Honestly, it’s not a bad go-to when you need a bit of protein and you can find it almost anywhere.

Gross: Corn Syrup

So far, we’ve looked a lot at certain dishes and snacks. Some people have strong opinions about specific ingredients instead.

Gross: Corn Syrup

AMERICAN OPINION: There are definitely some people who prefer to avoid ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. However, some people probably don’t notice them. If you aren’t used to it, we can see how the flavor might stand out. This is another case where opinions can vary quite a bit.

Great: Pumpkin Pie

You can’t really go wrong with a pie. After all, they’re a versatile dessert that can suit almost any occasion.

Great: Pumpkin Pie

AMERICAN OPINION: For most Americans, pumpkin pie brings to mind family dinners at Thanksgiving. It’s a classic dessert and plenty of people love it! This is another dish that is a great choice as long as it comes from an excellent recipe. In a pinch, though, the canned filling is fairly popular too.

Gross: Spray Cheese

Spray cheese is exactly what it sounds like: cheese in a can that you can spray like whipped cream.

Gross: Spray Cheese

AMERICAN OPINION: This is more of a novelty item than anything. While a bit of cheese on crackers isn’t uncommon, most people are slightly unnerved by the concept as a whole. There’s something odd about cheese that you spray out of a can before you even consider how neon the cheese itself is.

Great: Flipz Pretzels

When you want a snack, you might ask yourself if you want something salty or sweet. Why not have both? Sweet and salty can make for a great mix!

Great: Flipz Pretzels

AMERICAN OPINION: Flipz Pretzels do offer the best of both worlds. This person specifically noted the white chocolate ones and we have to agree that they’re pretty tasty! We’re glad they’re starting to become available nearby for this person so they can enjoy them at home too.

Gross: Cap’n Crunch

American cereal aisles are full of a variety of options. It helps if you like sweet treats if you want to take advantage of most of those options.

Gross: Cap’n Crunch

AMERICAN OPINION: Cap’n Crunch is a sweet cereal, so we can see how you might not want it first thing in the morning. That being said, it’s a fairly popular choice. Although, we probably could do with fewer sharp corners on our cereal to protect our mouths.

Great: Diner Food

Earlier, we took a look at how much some people love diner hashbrowns. However, that’s far from the only diner food out there.

Great: Diner Food

AMERICAN OPINION: Diner food is definitely popular in America — just take a look at how many diners there are around almost everywhere! Even if you don’t frequent a local diner, you probably like to have a good full spread for breakfast from a diner from time to time.

Gross: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

There are a lot of variations on mac n’ cheese out there. It’s definitely a situation in which some options are better than others.

Gross: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

AMERICAN OPINION: So, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is fine but it isn’t really what you turn to if you’re looking for a homemade mac n’ cheese. On the other hand, it’s an easy meal that doesn’t take a lot of effort. We can see how the powdered cheese would seem concerning, though.

Great: Chipotle

First of all, let’s point out that Chipotle isn’t strictly American. Still, a good portion of their restaurants is located in the United States.

Great: Chipotle

AMERICAN OPINION: Chipotle is one of those restaurants that’s almost universally loved. What’s there to complain about a place that lets you build your own meal? In general, it’s safe to say that this is a popular opinion that most people would be willing to get behind.

Gross: Sugary Cereal

Earlier, we took a look at Cap’n Crunch. This Reddit user decided to widen the scope of that concept to all sugary cereals.

Gross: Sugary Cereal

AMERICAN OPINION: We can see why you might not want to start your day with sugar and marshmallows. It’s a bit sweet for some people’s tastes — especially first thing in the morning. With that said, there’s a place in a lot of Americans’ hearts for cereals like Froot Loops or Lucky Charms.

Great: Baby Back Ribs

We’ve touched on a few barbecue classics. As of yet, we haven’t addressed one of the most popular options for the main dish — baby back ribs.

Great: Baby Back Ribs

AMERICAN OPINION: There’s nothing quite as good as well-done barbecue, whether it involves meat or not. As for baby back ribs, well, it seems like they became a classic at barbecues for a reason. They’re a pretty tasty option if they’re made with a reliable recipe!

Gross: York Peppermint Patties

When it comes to candy, you aren’t limited purely to chocolate. There are plenty of flavors to play around with and try out!

Gross: York Peppermint Patties

AMERICAN OPINION: York Peppermint Patties are great as long as you like a strong mint flavor. If you don’t, they’re not going to taste very good. Now that it’s been pointed out, we can see where they’re coming from with the toothpaste comparison, though, if that’s what you associate with mint flavoring.

Great: Wisconsin Cheese Curds

Wisconsin cheese curds aren’t a snack that you can get anywhere. It’s one that this person misses when they’re not in the U.S.

Great: Wisconsin Cheese Curds

AMERICAN OPINION: If there’s one thing that Wisconsin is known for, it’s their cheese. Cheese curds are a pretty great choice if you want something a little more savory to snack on. Overall, we’d have to agree — these little cheese bites taste great! We can see why you’d miss them when they aren’t available.

Gross: Casserole Cream of Anything

If you have a lot of ingredients and you aren’t sure what to do with them, odds are that there’s a casserole to fit that.

Gross: Casserole Cream of Anything

AMERICAN OPINION: It’s hard to lay out an all-encompassing opinion on casseroles because there are so many options. When it comes to options like tuna casserole and green bean casserole, though, most people would agree. There are definitely plenty of people who would love a casserole like this, on the other hand.

Great: Cornbread

When it comes to Southern cooking in the United States, there are a few staple sides. That includes a delicious slice of cornbread.

Great: Cornbread

AMERICAN OPINION: It’s hard to go wrong with cornbread. While it is a little sweeter than the average biscuit to go with your dinner, it’s impossible to pass up. Even if something sweet might sound a little odd, it’s not cloyingly sweet and it goes with a lot of different dishes.

Gross: Sliced White Bread

American sliced bread is a bit different than if you ran to the store for bread you’d buy if you went to a European grocery store, for example.

Gross: Sliced White Bread

AMERICAN OPINION: We can see where you’re coming from here if you’re more used to fresher loaves of bread. When it comes to options like Wonder Bread, they’re pretty sweet compared to an option you might pick up in the bakery section of the store. It’s definitely not everyone’s preference.

Great: Costco Pizza

We should clarify that this person’s answer isn’t strictly limited to the U.S. since Costco does operate in a few different countries.

Great: Costco Pizza

AMERICAN OPINION: There aren’t many people who will argue against how great Costco is. Even aside from the ability to buy in bulk, everyone wants to grab a snack while they’re there. We can’t blame this person for stopping for some pizza while they were shopping through the store.

Gross: Cracker Barrel Dumplings

We’ve already seen how important it is to clarify what a dish is when it shares a name with another dish. Otherwise, it could set the situation up for disappointment.

Gross: Cracker Barrel Dumplings

AMERICAN OPINION: If we were expecting the kind of dumplings that you often enjoy in Chinese food, we’d be disappointed too when we received the Cracker Barrel Dumplins. While they’re tasty, we can see why this person was so disappointed when they tried them.

Great: Everything Bagels

Bagels are a versatile choice when you want something to eat. They come in a variety of flavors and you can use them in a few different ways.

Great: Everything Bagels

AMERICAN OPINION: We can’t really argue with how great everything bagels are. Whether you just toast them with some cream cheese or use them as the breading for a sandwich, you can’t really go wrong with them. It makes for a great savory option that you can dress up in a variety of ways.

Gross: Scrapple

If you aren’t sure what Scrapple is, it’s a loaf made up of pork trimmings that weren’t used for other foods like sausage.

Gross: Scrapple

AMERICAN OPINION: Scrapple is one of those things that not everyone has tried, even within the U.S. The original concept was to avoid waste by just throwing away leftover meat after butchering. It’s not widely popular but some people know how to dress it up in a way they like.

Great: Dippin’ Dots

Dippin’ Dots are unique among ice cream. After all, you don’t often see ice cream in little tiny spheres.

Great: Dippin’ Dots

AMERICAN OPINION: Dippin’ Dots are incredibly delicious! These little flash-frozen ice cream bites are great and you can try them in a few different flavors. However, you’re more likely to have them on a day out at a sporting event, aquarium, or other venues — rather than grabbing some for your own freezer.

Gross: Olive Loaf

There are a lot of options out there when you want lunch meat. An olive loaf is one of those available choices.

Gross: Olive Loaf

AMERICAN OPINION: We don’t think many people are going to argue with you there. An olive loaf is one of those food items that are often shrugged off or even shuddered at more than it’s enjoyed. While olives aren’t bad, this might be one of the worst possible uses for them.

Great: Gumbo

You can’t really go wrong with food when you head down to Louisiana. There are plenty of tasty dishes available in cities like New Orleans.

Great: Gumbo

AMERICAN OPINION: It’s hard to find any fault in good gumbo. This filling dish is flavorful and gives you a little bit of everything. Not to mention, who can say no to a hearty stew? Filled with shellfish, meat, celery, bell peppers, onions, and more — it’s a dish that’s hard to turn down.

40+ Foods That Australians Love That Might Surprise the Rest of the World

Australia is a strange and wonderful part of the world. It is home to some of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet, as well as some of the scariest animals to exist on planet Earth. But it is also home to some brilliantly unique food. Australian delicacies range from crocodile steaks to creepy crawly insects, to Golden Gaytimes! Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the most eye-catching.

Lamington

A classic – The Lamington (affectionally known as ‘lammos’). A simple creation, beginning with a buttery, no-fuss sponge cake. This cake is then cut up into squares and each square is then coated in some delicious chocolate glaze and desiccated coconut.

Lamington

Thanks to the simplicity of the recipe, Lamingtons can also contain cream and/or jam! The Lamington is often called Australia’s national dessert, and was even named one of the country’s favorite icons by the National Trust of Queensland.

Witchetty Grub

The Witchetty Grub is a delicacy of the Aboriginals in the Australian outback but was popularised by the British TV series, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!! with their inclusion as food in ‘bushtucker trials’. These grubs are found below the root system of a Witchetty tree.

Witchetty Grub

Mostly eaten raw, the grubs are cold and slippery. The Witchetty Grub has been known to taste like almonds when raw, but with a crispy chicken-style skin if cooked. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, we don’t know what will!

Vegemite

Vegemite is like Marmite’s more marmite cousin! The unique taste and smell will either make you feel deeply in love with the Australian delicacy or have you running for the next flight straight out of town! Perhaps, even both!

Vegemite

Made from yeast extract, Vegemite is a by-product of brewing beer and is basically the slurry from the bottom of the barrel that most breweries throw away. Yum! This creates a sticky brown, salt-flavored paste that is usually spread on buttered toast and eaten with crackers and cheese.

Fairy Bread

Apparently, everyone in Australia is brought up on Fairy Bread. A combination of the stereotypical topping of ice cream, hundreds and thousands (sprinkles), and bread with margarine, this sugary snack is a firm favorite with the kids!

Fairy Bread

Such was the childhood obsession with Fairy Bread, the recent attempt at gentrifying the meal with sourdough bread has been met with an online backlash. Keep it simple, it’s a cheap, happy substitute for a birthday cake!

Pies in Soup

Pies in soup? This is madness! Or is it? Known as the pie floater, and originating in Adelaide, the meal consists of a thick pea soup (with the possible addition of some tomato sauce) and a humble, but substantial, meat pie.

Pies in Soup

The perfect dish for those cold Australian evenings, eh? The pie floater actually began life as a popular street dish, which explains the intense affection Australians have for the unique item.

Tim Tams

Made by the Australian biscuit company, Arnott’s, the Tim Tam consists of two malted biscuits separated by a light chocolate cream filling and coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate. We’re salivating just reading that; does anyone have a chocolate bar we can borrow?

Tim Tams

The Tim Tam was created by Ian Norris after traveling the world and arriving in Britain, where he discovered the Penguin biscuit. Pleasantly surprised by the taste, he declared he “would make a better one”. And so, he did. Well, according to Australians anyway.

Kangaroo Meat

Outside of Australia, the kangaroo is seen as the free-spirited, free-hopping mischievous emblem of a highly influential country. Inside of Australia, the kangaroo is still all of those things – as well as a tasty piece of meat!

Kangaroo Meat

Exported to 55 countries worldwide, Kangaroo meat isn’t exactly a hidden delicacy. But, ever since the time of the Aboriginals, kangaroos have long been viewed as a source of vital protein – perfect for a barbecue!

Moreton Bay Bug

These bugs, named after the bay near Brisbane, are actually crustaceans – not insects! Yes, they do look a bit alien-like, but Australians actually eat them as readily as crawfish is consumed in New Orleans. One slice down the middle, throw it on the grill, and you’ve got some Australian lobster!

Moreton Bay Bug

Known for their slang, Australians have dubbed the creature as a ‘bug’, much to the annoyance of meat sellers who prefer the official term, bay lobsters. Personally, if it is slathered in garlic butter, we will eat it no matter what they call it…

Damper

Historically prepared by drovers, stockmen, and other travelers in a cast-iron pot with a lid, called a “camp oven”, this was a staple meal of early Australians. So much so that each Australia Day, it is customary to make a fresh batch to help celebrate your national pride!

Damper

Damper, due to the reduced availability of ingredients, was originally made with plain flour, salt and water. Over time, adding butter and self-raising flour to the mix became popular as it gives a much tastier result.

Emu Meat

Once dubbed the ‘next red meat’, with extremely high iron content, the interest around eating Emu has changed several times in the last few years. As with a lot of Australian delicacies, it has a strong history with the Aboriginal community.

Emu Meat

Emu eating has been traced back for thousands of years. But, unlike other native meats like Kangaroo, it hasn’t taken off with modern Australian life. However, Emu oil has been sold for years as a medicine.

Snag Sizzler

Australians love to barbecue, that’s a well-known fact. But what is less well known is their love for a Snag Sizzler. A Snag is an un-expensive sausage, grilled or barbecued, and placed on a piece of similarly priced piece of white bread with some fried onions, the Sizzle.

Snag Sizzler

On top of all this comes the sauce of your choice. Typically, this is tomato sauce. But as with the beloved American hotdog, the inspiration for the snag sizzler, it is really up to your own tastes and palate.

Chicken Flavoured Salt

Yeah, you read that right. Chicken Flavoured Salt. But, to be clear, it is not salt flavored with chicken or chicken stock. Its origin, the exact location of which is highly debated, can be traced back to South Australian chicken shops in the 1970s.

Chicken Flavoured Salt

Chicken Flavoured Salt is a seasoned, savory salt with just a hint of sweetness. It was developed to season chicken being cooked on rotisseries, and one day, spilled over onto some hot chips. The rest is history.

Crocodile Meat

Long seen as a staple of Australian life, by outsiders at least, the crocodile is synonymous with the continent. However, its popularity as a meal has only risen with the turn of the century with its unique flavor.

Crocodile Meat

Described as succulent white meat that is low in fat but high in protein, crocodile meat is cooked similarly to both pork and chicken. The meat is usually supplied trimmed of fat, vacuum packed, and frozen.

Nutri-Brex

How do you feel about having small, dense bricks of wheat for breakfast? Well, Australians love them! Very similar to the British Weetabix, this breakfast has long been a staple of Australian life. In fact, it has been endorsed by some of Australia’s brightest stars

Nutri-Brex

Cricketer Brett Lee, in his promotional role for the company under its former name, claimed to eat seven of the condensed wheat biscuits every morning. To top that, footballer Tim Cahill claimed to eat nine!

Burger Flavoured Crisps

Barbecues and Australia; a match made in heaven. There’s nothing better than relaxing on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, lighting up the barbie, and hanging out with friends. But what if you don’t live near a beach? And what if you don’t own a barbecue?

Burger Flavoured Crisps

Burger Flavoured Crisps! The solution to all of your worries. These intense, savory crisps are an incredibly popular snack in Australian life. They may not taste like an actual burger, but they are devilishly moreish!

Bacon and Cheese Rolls

These fluffy rolls are a favorite of the youth of Australia. These delicious rolls come from a simple, hard-to-do-wrong recipe – sprinkle chopped up bacon bits and cheese onto your dough and toss them into the oven for just thirty minutes.

Bacon and Cheese Rolls

Most people wait until the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy, but considering how easy they are to make, a number of variations can be made at once. A warming, tasty snack that is very, very difficult to top.

Deep-Fried Cabbage Rolls

Rolls such as this are seen around the world. And, in large parts, the recipe does not change – chop up a whole bunch of vegetables, alongside some meat, and then roll it all up. Quite possibly it is the ultimate comfort food.

Deep-Fried Cabbage Rolls

But, In Australia, things are different. In Australia, these rolls are primarily filled with cabbage and beef, and deep-fried in vegetable oil. Sold as an on-the-go snack, Chiko Rolls have been a staple of Aussie cuisine since 1951.

Servo Sausage Rolls

With a history similar to the vegetable roll, the sausage roll has long been the snack choice of many. In Australia, the most popular version is a flaky pastry available at all good Servos (we know them as gas stations).

Servo Sausage Rolls

Seen as the perfect driving snack, the servo sausage roll has been lovingly embraced by Australian society. Such was the intensity of this love that in a poll in 2019, the roll was deemed the ‘best’ food on sale at all Servos!

Dim Sim

Dim Sum is an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of small, bite-sized portions of Chinese food. Dim Sim is a Chinese inspired snack, which consists of meat and vegetables encased in a wrapper, which can be itself be eaten.

Dim Sim

The Asian-inspired snack can be served deep-fried or steamed and is commonly accompanied by soy sauce. But Australia being Australia, the Dim Sim can be barbecued for a delicious alternative.

Chocolate Spiders

Be honest now, when you think of Australia, what do you tend to think of? If insects and/or creepy crawlies aren’t in your first five thoughts, we cannot be friends. To most people, Australia is spiders and spiders are Australia.

Chocolate Spiders

But we love these spiders, and so do most Australians! Regularly brought out for children’s birthday parties and celebrations, these chocolate coated noodles are always a hit – no matter the age! Fear not, they don’t contain actual spiders.

Musk Sticks

Although they may look like primary school pencil erasers, Musk Sticks are an intensely popular confectionary snack across Australia. Available from a number of different suppliers, the sticks are made from a semi-soft stick of fondant (which is usually pink) and with a star-shaped cross-section.

Musk Sticks

Their flavor and smell are quite floral, hence the musk name. Notably, in October 2018, the Australian treat was entered into Sweden’s Disgusting Food Museum – sparking outrage across the nation!

Toffees

By combining sugar, water and vinegar in a saucepan, a must-have of the traditional Australian cake stall can be made! In using such simple ingredients, this recipe is cheap but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – especially with the kids!

Toffees

Dependent on the length of time given to cook, you can even make stick-jaw toffees. These are impossible to resist with their sticky texture and shining amber glow – especially if covered in rainbow sprinkles!

Milk-Chew Sweets

A chewy flavored treat that obsesses the island of Australia is Milk-Chew Sweets! For many, the sweets are considered a staple of their childhood where they could be found for the extraordinarily low price of five cents at the local corner store.

Milk-Chew Sweets

Although they aren’t already included in Sweden’s Disgusting Food Museum, we formally declare our application for Milk Chewy Sweets to enter into the prestigious house of the repulsive.

Barramundi

In Australia, such is the demand for the Barramundi fish that local producers and fishermen cannot keep up. Otherwise known as the Asian sea bass, the species can be widely found across the globe, from South Asia, to Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia.

Barramundi

The Barramundi fish possesses a gentle, mild flavor with a moderate fat content. Combine this with its lack of odor in comparison with other fish such as salmon, make it the perfect fish for cooking in your kitchen at home!

Deep-Fried Crisps

As with many of the world’s diverging cuisines, the success of a dish, generally speaking, can be found in how much is left of it at the end of a party. Well, with these deep-fried crisps, you can all but guarantee there will be none left come morning!

Deep-Fried Crisps

Taking the classically humble crisp or chip, and throwing it into a vat of boiling vegetable oil, provides an already irresistible snack, with a super crunchy finish!

Beetroot Burgers

Combining the long-life miracle that is canned beetroot with the timeless classic that is the hamburger has proven to be a huge success in Australia! Now, to many, this may appear sacrilegious – a crime against meat up there with the pineapple topping on pizza.

Beetroot Burgers

But, in Australia, they’ve been putting slices of beetroot on their juicy buns since way back in the ’50s and ’60s! Pro tip – to avoid a soggy burger, make sure to add your wet vegetables (tomatoes, beetroot, etc.) at the very last opportunity!

Devon and Tomato Sauce

Known in Australia as Devon, but to the rest of the world as baloney, or bologna, the local slang for this beloved creation is a ‘fritz and sauce sandwich’. Basically, Devon is a type of processed meat.

Devon and Tomato Sauce

The sandwich itself, like many national favorites, requires little culinary skill to assemble. There are three steps. One, butter your white bread. Two, place the fritz inside. Three, smother the entire thing in tomato sauce. It is nearly impossible to get it wrong.

Cabanossi

Naturally, Australians have taken the lavishly decadent smorgasbord of antipasto meats and extravagant cheeses served on a platter around the world and made it their own. For their own twist, the locals prefer to feast on cabanossi (otherwise known as kabana).

Cabanossi

Paired with this, they choose dried, mild pork-like salami, cheddar cheese cut down to bit-sized cube chunks, and salty crackers available at the local supermarket. Sometimes in life, the simple option is the best option.

Le Snak

Le Snak is a childhood Australian favourite. It’s the snack every child had in their lunch box. And if they didn’t, it’s the snack, or Snak, that they wanted! A simple, timeless savoury snack. Each pack was made up of a mix of crackers and real cheese.

Le Snak

These treats are so popular than many Australians who’ve moved to foreign lands still request a special Le Snak shipment from their family back home! They’re available in a range of flavors, from nacho cheese to French onion.

Fantales

Crowned Australia’s most iconic lolly, Fantales have been conquering Aussie hearts since way back in the 1930s. After nearly a hundred years of success, the taste, unsurprisingly, has not changed. Introduced originally by Sweetacres, the sweet consists of chocolate-covered caramels.

Fantales

Chocolate plus caramel is undoubtedly a winning combination. The sweets owe their name to the appearance of celebrities on their wrappers – quite literally, they are fan tales. They were first created to cash in on the rising popularity of the ‘talkies’ – that’s the original cinema to everyone in 2020.

Coat of Arms Burger

On the Australian coat of arms there are two animals – a Kangaroo and an Emu. So, when a burger was created containing the two symbols of the Australian national identity, it was met with some criticism.

Coat of Arms Burger

The aptly named Coat of Arms Burger was deemed as a mockery of national identity by the Australian Monarchist League. Personally, we are just impressed at the hunter who was able to catch both an emu and a kangaroo. They are two very fast animals.

Vanilla Slice

Commonly sold in bakeries across Australia’s gigantic nation, the Vanilla Slice is affectionately known as a ‘Snot Block’. This grotesque imagery comes from the thickness and consistency of the custard which tops the confectionery. Doesn’t this snotty pastry sound delicious?

Vanilla Slice

Often eaten several hours after baking, allowing time for the custard and other fillings (most popular choices are vanilla, chocolate, raspberry or passion fruit icing) to congeal and thicken, these slices can be eaten straight from the oven if you’re hungry enough.

Bubble O’Bill Ice Cream

Made by Unilever’s Streets brand, Bubble O’Bill Ice Cream is an Australian icon! The unique name comes from a pun on Old West figure Buffalo Bill, giving a nod to the product’s former availability in the United States of America.

Bubble O’Bill Ice Cream

Now only available in Australia and New Zealand, the ice cream resembles a cowboy with a large hat named Bill. He has a strawberry ice cream face, a caramel mustache and a chocolate hat with a hole resembling a gunshot. And, instead of a nose, he has a delicious gum-ball!

Lemon, Lime and Bitters

More than one hundred million Lemon, Lime and Bitters are served in Australia every year. No wonder it has the unofficial title of Australian national drink. Lemon, Lime and Bitters is traditionally made using Angostura bitters.

Lemon, Lime and Bitters

In the 1840s, these bottles were found on British Royal Navy ships where bitters were used to treat seasickness. Within a few decades, owing much to the refreshing taste, the drink became just as popular on land as it was at sea!

Solo

Solo is a lemon-flavored soft drink launched way back in 1968. Although originally it was sold in glass bottles, now, the deliciously citrus liquid is available in 375 ml cans. Presented as a highly masculine drink, the Solo Man (the drink’s chosen mascot) advertised Solo as the “thirst crusher”.

Solo

Sold as a ready-to-drink pub squash, the beverage has had a resurgence in popularity with the turn of the century and the abandonment of previous advertisement campaigns.

Peach Melba

Nellie Melba was an Australian operatic soprano, dubbed one of the most famous singers of the late Victorian era-early 20th century. Such was the infamy and adoration that she enjoyed that French Chef Auguste Escoffier created the Peach Melba dish in her honor!

Peach Melba

A lavishly decadent combination of peaches, raspberry sauce, and ice cream of choice (although largely popularised with vanilla ice cream), the dish was first presented to Nellie Melba in an ice sculpture of a swan!

Anzac Biscuits

A perfect lockdown snack, Anzac Biscuits are an unpretentious yet salivating snack. The perfect combination of crunchy, chewy, and crispy, it’s no surprise at all that this humble treat is held in such high regard – it even has golden syrup in it!

Anzac Biscuits

Due to the time taken for food to get to the men on the front lines, the Australian army needed long-life ingredients that didn’t spoil easily – rolled oats, sugar, plain flour, coconut, butter, golden syrup, and bicarbonate of soda. Combine all of these, you will get Anzac Biscuits. To get the real military taste, make sure to keep them in a tin of Billy Tea.

Chicken Parmigiana

Considered a staple of pub food, Chicken Parmigiana is typically served in Australia with a side of chips and salad. However, where these chips are placed is a matter of national debate. Some argue the French fries should be under the chicken, others say alongside the chicken.

Chicken Parmigiana

Often served as an entrée in North America, the meal consists of breaded chicken breast topped with pasta (tomato) sauce and a heap of cheese – preferably mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.

Pavlova

Pavlova was actually invented in Australia! The first known recipe for a dish with the name “Pavlova” was found in Australia in 1926 and was published by the Davis Gelatine company in Sydney. However, it was actually a multi-layered jelly rather than a meringue.

Pavlova

With a simple recipe, the meal has often been served during periods of celebration or holiday meals. ‘The pav’ is a popular dish across both Australia and New Zealand, believed to have been created to honor Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova.

Milo

Most commonly sold as a powder in a green tin, Milo is a malted dairy milk drink. Milo can be served with either hot or cold milk and mixed through to create a rich, chocolatey flavor.

Milo

One variation is to mix as above, followed by a sprinkling on of powder top. A truly Australian product, it was developed by Australian industrial chemist Thomas Mayne who launched Milo at the Sydney Royal Easter Show – with the name derived from the famous ancient athlete Milo of Croton.

Violet Crumble

Violet Crumble was first made by Hoadley’s Chocolates in South Melbourne around 1913. Now made in Adelaide, the bar is made with a crumbly honeycomb toffee center surrounded by chocolate. It is similar to the British product, the Crunchie, made by Cadburys.

Violet Crumble

Such is the popularity of the chocolate bar, that students at the Melbourne Wesley College have been mocked for their uniform (a purple and yellow attire) and its similarity to the packaging of a Violet Crumble.

Iced Vovos

Another product from the Australian confectionery giant, Arnott’s, Iced VoVos were first launched in 1906. Previously known as Iced Vo-Vo biscuits, they are a wheat flour biscuit topped with 2 strips of pink fondant, alongside a strip of raspberry jam and sprinkled with coconut.

Iced Vovos

Iced VoVos have been a source of Australian pride for many years, so much so that upon his election victory in 2007, Prime Minister Rudd urged his team to celebrate with a cup of tea and an Iced VoVo!

Cherry Ripe

There are plenty of treats that Australians live by and simply couldn’t go a day of their lives without. Although it’s British confectionary manufacturer Cadbury that is responsible for this popular bar, it can only be found Down Under, which is what makes it even more peculiar to the eyes of outsiders.

Cherry Ripe

What makes Cherry Ripe unique is its cherry filling which is mixed with coconut, as well as its unorthodox, dark chocolate coating. Many consider it a better version of the more famous bounty.

John Dory Fillets

Of course, fish and chips are a classic staple that is associated with the British fast food scene. So it should come as no surprise that Australians have invented their own versions of the battered fish. Sure, like their British cousins, they will serve them with salt and lemon and wrap them in paper.

John Dory Fillets

But in Aussie, many shops will use John Dory, which swims along the Sydney Harbour. It is a meaty fish and extremely popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

Long Black

You might be asking yourself: What could possibly be so unique about the coffee in Australia? While the answer will often be “not much,” there is a specific cup of coffee that is quintessentially Australian.

Long Black

Similar to an Americano, the Long Black is a mix of a shot of espresso with hot water. What makes it unique though is that the espresso is directly extracted into the hot water. This ensures that the creamy foam stays on top.

Battered Sav

Another deep-fried food item that Australians can’t seem to get enough of is the battered sav. Sav is short for saveloy, a type of sausage. If you have ever heard a local say “fair suck of the sav,” it is probably inspired by this fast-food dish.

Battered Sav

It can either be served on top of chips or on a stick and is usually covered in tomato sauce. Other variants of this dish include the Dagwood Dog or the Pluto Pup.

SAO Biscuit

While these crackers might not look particularly groundbreaking, the story behind them is certainly interesting. The SAO biscuit used to be handed out by Salvation Army officers, hence the name. This light square cracker is the result of thinly rolled dough sheets.

SAO Biscuit

Many use them to make small snack sandwiches, often including butter, Vegemite, and chopped veggies. Children can often be seen squeezing condiments through the holes in the crackers to created tasty “worms.” These crackers can be found in many families’ kitchen cupboards.

Seafood Pizza

Serving pizza with fish on top is nothing new, but in Australia, the seafood pizza is an institution unto itself. Many pizzeria-goers love nothing more than having the finest fruits of the sea, including shrimp and calamari, sprinkled over their cheese, tomato-sauce pies.

Seafood Pizza

They will also put a generous amount of chili flakes on the pizza. In Aussie, locals refer to this pizza as a “marinara,” which can be confusing for both locals and tourists. After all, outsiders often associated “marinara” with tomato sauce.

Pumpkin Soup

While seafood and grilled meats are a large part of Australian cuisine, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Many Aussies are big fans of soup, especially ones that are vegetarian. Pumpkin soup is a big hit in this part of the world, especially when the Australian winter comes along.

Pumpkin Soup

If you want an authentic Down Under version of this soup, you should add a Granny Smith apple, which originated here all the way back in 1868.

Salt and Pepper Calamari

While calamari in itself, is well-known throughout the world, Aussies seem to do it a bit better. This is in no small part due to the fact that Australia is blessed with some of the most pristine waters in the world, which facilitates a wide variety of seafood for its locals.

Salt and Pepper Calamari

In Aussie, chefs will cover their squid in salt and pepper batter and then deep fry it. Most pubs have this on their menu and will serve it with a small tub of sweet chili sauce.

Lamb Leg Roast

A traditional Sunday dinner in many Australian family households would be a lamb leg roast. Many kids will grow up eating this dish every week. What makes this version unique to Down Under is the olive oil, garlic, and rosemary that takes the meat to another level of flavor.

Lamb Leg Roast

Like many Australian foods, this dish can trace its origins to places beyond its borders. However, Aussies seem to have perfected the dish, and baked potatoes are usually served alongside it.

Crab Sticks

The term “crab sticks” might be confusing for outsiders, especially since these sticks are rarely filled with actual crab meat. Whitefish are often beaten into a soft, almost-pate that resembles the meat found in crab leg.

Crab Sticks

The Japanese brought this snack to Australia in the 20th century, but the people Down Under seem to have fallen in love with the sticks and made them their own. You’ll often see pub-goers ordering a bowl of crab sticks to complement their drinks.

Shapes

First produced in Victoria, Australia in 1952, these savory biscuits are also produced by Arnott’s. Originally, they were made in the shape of potato chips but after realizing this led to an excessive waste of dough, they were switched to flat biscuits in 1974.

Shapes

Since that day, they have remained unchanged. Owing much to the Aussie fondness for slang, they were named Shapes due to the irregularity of the individual shapes within the bag. Boasting a selection of flavors, from Nacho Cheese to Chicken Drumstick, it’s not hard to see why they have become a national obsession!

Goanna Meat

Goanna, as a term, refers to around 80 species of reptiles, around 25 of which reside in Australia. Being predatory lizards, Goanna tends to be quite large, with sharp teeth and claws, and a reportedly venomous bite.

Goanna Meat

But many indigenous Australians claimed to have successfully hunted the reptile for thousands of years. Traditionally, they were then cooked whole over hot cools and their white meat is known for its oily texture and chicken-like flavor.

Kangaroo Tail Soup

This is essentially the Aussie equivalent of oxtail soup, which doesn’t sound like a very appealing meal either to be quite honest. But, once more owing to Australian’s Aboriginal history, this soup is a source of great warmth and sustenance.

Kangaroo Tail Soup

For the modern eater, the Kangaroo Tail Soup has been livened up by the addition of carrots, celery, onions, herbs, and seasoning. In fact, in an effort to make it even heartier, local chefs have been known to add potato dumplings to the mix!

Devon and Mash

Once more showing the Australian fondness for Devon, this combination is just as unique as the Fritz and sauce sandwich. A traditional party snack, Devon is used as a restricting jacket for the mashed potatoes, held in shape by a rigid toothpick!

Devon and Mash

To be more adventurous, one can add some vegetables to the potato as well. Typical choices include spring onion and chives, but, for a real adventure, some chefs have suggested altogether replacing the potato with a tangy pumpkin.

Golden Gaytime

First released in 1959 and distributed by the Streets confectionary company, Golden Gaytime has long embedded its place in Australian society. Golden Gaytime is a popular ice cream snack, combining toffee and vanilla ice cream, which is then dipped in chocolate, and then wrapped in honeycomb biscuits.

Golden Gaytime

The company has not been shy in embracing its rather camp name, running popular advertisement campaigns with slogans such as “it’s hard to have a Gaytime on your own” and, on their in-home boxes for freezers, “four delicious chances to have a gay time”.