Which Iconic Food Deserves the Title of Australia's National Dish?

Love them or hate them, iconic Aussie foods elicit passionate debate: from the provenance of the pavlova to how thick your Vegemite should be spread, which regional bakery has the best meat pie, and the correct way to enjoy a sausage sizzle.

Whether it's the simple nostalgia of fairy bread or the enduring popularity of roast lamb, Australia's favourite foods embody the nation's diverse identity. While there's no one food that wins the crown of Australia's national dish, there's many strong contenders that could rightfully vie for the honour.

In this guide we explore a few of the Aussie foods that are worthy of being named among Australia's favourite national dishes.

Vegemite is perhaps the most celebrated Australian food, instantly recognisable by its distinctive taste and branding. This dark, salty spread is a staple in Australian homes, famously enjoyed on toast with a generous layer of butter. Its unique umami flavour sparks fierce loyalty — or aversion — but there’s no denying Vegemite’s place in Australian culture.

Over the years, Vegemite has found its way into unexpected products, including Vegemite-flavoured Shapes and even chocolate. But for purists, it’s best eaten the classic way: on toast. Pro-tip for visitors: spread it thin unless you’re ready for a tastebud shock.

Where to try Vegemite: Any Australian breakfast table or café will have Vegemite toast on the menu. When you're staying at an Accor hotel, chances are you'll find it alongside the bread station at the breakfast buffet. Visiting from overseas and want to take a taste of Australia with you? Pick up a jar of Vegemite at any supermarket and you've got yourself an iconic Aussie souvenir.

The pavlova is a delicious dessert with a controversial backstory. Both Australia and New Zealand lay claim to its origins, but locals will tell you it’s theirs with unwavering confidence. Made from a cloud of meringue topped with fresh cream and fruits like kiwifruit and strawberries, pavlova is a must-have dessert during Aussie Christmas celebrations.

Beyond the rivalry, pavlova is a dessert that unites Australians during festive occasions. Served at family gatherings or as the centrepiece dessert at the holidays, it embodies the country’s love for fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Where to try pavlova: Head to a local bakery or café, especially during the holiday season, or make one at home for your next festive gathering (the supermarkets have pavlova bases in case you're not up for the challenge of making meringue from scratch).

Few desserts say Australiana as distinctly as the lamington. This sponge cake, coated in a layer of chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut, is a beloved treat. Some variations include a layer of jam or cream in the center, and however you enjoy it, the classic lamington is a simple, nostalgic delight.

Often found in bakeries and at school or community fundraisers, the lamington’s universal appeal makes it a contender for Australia’s national dish. Its combination of flavours and textures makes it an enduring favourite.

Where to try a lamington: Lamingtons are a bakery staple across the country, so you’re never far from this famed Australian food.

No discussion of Australian food is complete without mentioning the Tim Tam. These chocolate-covered biscuits, filled with creamy centers, are a national obsession. Available in a variety of flavours — from classic milk chocolate to double coat and caramel — Tim Tams are a staple in Australian pantries.

The ultimate way to enjoy a Tim Tam is with the 'Tim Tam Slam', a tasty ritual involving biting off the ends, dipping the biscuit into a hot drink, and using it as a straw to soak up the liquid. It’s as fun as it is indulgent!

Where to try a Tim Tam: Found in every supermarket across Australia, Tim Tams are the ultimate sweet souvenir for visitors.

Fairy bread is pure nostalgia for Aussies. This simple party treat consists of white bread slathered with butter and topped with hundreds and thousands (coloured sprinkles). Cut into triangles, it’s a staple at children’s parties and a delightful nod to Australian food culture’s playful side.

While it may not be the fanciest of dishes, fairy bread holds a special place in every Aussie’s heart. It’s a testament to the joy of simple pleasures, making it a quirky contender for the Australia national dish title. Remember, never toast your fairy bread.

Where to try fairy bread: Pick up a loaf of white bread, carton of butter, and container of hundreds and thousands at your nearest supermarket to make yourself some fairy bread and enjoy a fun and easy taste of Australian childhood.

If there’s one dish that captures Australia’s love for hearty, communal meals, it’s roast lamb. Often voted as a favourite in polls, roast lamb has become synonymous with Australian meals shared with family and friends.

A recent survey revealed roast lamb consistently ranks as one of the most popular Australian foods. Paired with crispy potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy, it’s a dish that transcends generations and continues to define Sunday traditions.

Where to try roast lamb: Enjoy a classic roast lamb at your local pub or make it the centrepiece of your next family gathering.

The humble meat pie is more than just a snack; it’s an institution. Found in bakeries, sporting events, and petrol stations, this flaky pastry filled with savoury meat is the epitome of Australian food on the go.

Whether enjoyed with tomato sauce or eaten straight from the silver foil tray (or paper bag), the meat pie is a versatile and satisfying choice. Its simplicity and ubiquity make it a strong contender for Australia’s national dish.

Where to try a meat pie: Local bakeries in regional towns are your best bet for some of the best meat pies in the country.

No election day in Australia is complete without a sausage sizzle. This simple but iconic food — a barbequed sausage served in a slice of white bread with onions and tomato sauce — is as Aussie as it gets.

Often associated with community events and fundraisers, the sausage sizzle embodies the laid-back, inclusive spirit of Australian food culture. Known affectionately as the 'Democracy Sausage' when served at polling stations on election day, it’s a dish that unites Australians across all walks of life.

Where to try a sausage sizzle: If there's no election day on the near horizon, head to a Bunnings sausage sizzle or grab one at your local primary school or community fundraiser.

Australia’s food culture is so diverse that narrowing down contenders for its national dish is a challenge. Among the iconic Australian dishes not yet mentioned are some true gems that reflect the country’s love for fresh, flavourful ingredients, and rich foodie traditions.

Barramundi, a native Australian fish, is a standout favourite. With its mild, buttery flavour and firm texture, it’s generally grilled, pan-fried, or baked. Found on menus nationwide, it pairs beautifully with citrus-based sauces and fresh salads, making it a go-to dish for seafood lovers.

Meanwhile, Anzac biscuits, crafted from oats, golden syrup, and coconut, are steeped in history. Originally sent to soldiers during World War I, these chewy treats remain a national treasure, often baked at home or enjoyed on Anzac Day.

For the adventurous, Kangaroo steak offers a uniquely Australian experience. Lean, flavourful, and packed with protein, it’s often marinated and seared for a smoky, tender bite. This sustainable option connects diners with Australia’s landscape and history.

Choosing Australia’s national dish is no easy feat. From Vegemite’s bold flavour to the sweet simplicity of pavlova, each contender tells a story about the country’s rich and diverse food culture.

Whether you’re sinking your teeth into a meat pie or perfecting the Tim Tam Slam, Australian foods are a celebration of heritage and flavour.

Plan your culinary journey with Accor’s hotels in Australia as the base for your adventures as you experience these iconic dishes for yourself.