Hi, I am Erica. A Chinese international student that studying in The University of Sydney. I have been in Sydney for nearly two years, but I have never tried to understand the local culture. I realize that I came here shouldn’t just study, but also learning the culture. Therefore, I decided to know Australian culture start with local food. To choose the food I am going to taste, I firstly randomly interviewed some Australian local about what food they think can represent their country (CLICK to listen to the answer). Then I picked out eight foods to taste and write down my thoughts in this blog.
1. Tim tams：
Tim Tam have appealing appearance which is black and bright chocolate outer layer and the cute cuboid shape. Chocolate and wafer are a perfect match in this food. In the first time I try it, I think it’s very delicious and I ate three in a row. Then I found that Tim Tam is too sweet and greasy to overeat in one time. So I will suggest that Tim Tam should be made into a separate package so that I can eat one piece each time. As for scoring this food, I would say 3 out of 5 stars.
2. Lamington:
Lamington’s appearence is not as good as Tim Tam, at lease for me. Its black matte outside with scattered shredded coconut make it a bit messy and not so tasty. Besides, the taste of Lamington is not like a cake but Moss. I guess it may because it is not a freshly baked cake so that it becomes too soft. Also, although it tastes like a chocolate-like appearance, but a more intense pure sugar taste almost covers it. Personally not so enjoy this dessert, so I would rank it 2 out of 5 stars.
3. Pavlova
Pavlova is my favorite dessert in these eight foods. It is pure white and small. The taste of soft and elastic come from meringue and marshmallow is amazing. It may be a bit too sweet to eat it alone, but with fresh, icy fruit (I strongly suggest a sweet and sour strawberry here), it will become very yummy. In addition, because it can be designed in a well looking by yourself, it is suitable for sharing with friends at picnics and parties. I would give it to 4 out of 5 stars!
4. ANZAC biscuits:
When I know its name, I have imaged a crispy cookie. But when I try it, my first idea is: Hold on? That is not as crispy as I think? Its cookie appearance makes me feel weird about the taste. Another thing that surprised me is that ANZAC biscuits have a rich coconut flavour. Overall it is not bad. It is not as sweet as Lamington, but if it is taste like a cookie, I will more enjoy it. So I would like to give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
5. Meat pie：
Meat pie is an excellent staple food for me. It is easy to buy in and carry. As for the taste, its skin is just baked, crisp and not charred which wrapped the full meat inside. Lots of granular meats with fragrant sauce is incredibly delicious. It is also cheap and full. One or two is enough for a meal which only cost a few dollars. Meat pie worth 4 out of 5 stars.
6. Vegemite bread：
This must be the biggest challenge for me. When I bought it, I think it may be a kind of special chocolate sauce according to its black appearance. But when I open it: wow, what is this? ? ? It smells salty and strange. I put some on the bread with an adventurous spirit and tried. I think I really can’t accept it. It’s too salty and a bit bitter. Sorry, although this is Australian national treasure food, I only want to give 1.5 out of 5 stars.
7. Steak
Check the photo to watch the video of my taste of steak, and a challenge of combining Chinese and Australian food and sauce.
So this is all my feeling about Australian local food. I do have a deeper understanding of Australia from this experience. I think I can learn more about Australian culture in other aspects in the future. Studying shouldn’t be the only way of learning when studying abroad.
To see all these food’s photos, please go to my instagram account.
Erica'blog 