Thursday, January 20, 2011

Australia's Western Cuisine Influences

By Bailey Wagner


When people hear Western food, they automatically think of Texas and cowboys. Not always so. Western food is a word mostly referred to the food in Europe and Western nations, including Australia, which has one of the most diverse customs in the world. When it comes to the culinary scene, the Land Down Under is very multicultural, bearing Western cuisine and other influences.

Because majority of Australia's account is based on the traditional British cuisine brought to the country by the first British settlers, Western cuisine in the nation is very rampant. One can find hams and steaks very common in the culinary industry.

A regular breakfast in Australia is similar to breakfasts taken in many Western countries. Light breakfast usually includes cereals, fruits, and toast. Similarly, a heavier breakfast is very identical to a complete English breakfast of eggs, sausage, hash browns and bacon. Drinks taken may include tea, coffee, milk or juice.

Lunch and dinner in Down Under is in general very Western-like. Although meals differ according to the family's background, average options include roast meat, pasta, pizza, casseroles, vegetables, and barbecue. Considered outback food includes steaks, grilled rib-eye, and lamb chops among others.

Just like other Western countries, Australia also has a wide variety of take-away snacks. Fish and chips, which is also associated with other countries, such as U.S. and England, is a popular take-away snack. Burgers, sausage rolls and meat pies are also favorite takeout food options.

Australia is also rich with American fast food chains, such as KFC, McDonald's, Subway, and KFC.

There are foods that retain its Australian touch while considered as Western at the same time, such as the popular breakfast item Vegemite, a salty toast spread; pavlova cake and ANZAC biscuits; both of which are also being claimed as New Zealand creations; kangaroo meat; and meat pies.

As Australia, a former British settlement, is greatly shaped by its first British colonists back in the days, Western food in the country is pretty predominant. It is able to retain its native taste and iconic foods even though its culinary scene is shaped by its settlers of diverse roots.




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