Every country and even some cities have their own iconic food or dishes that you have to try to truly experience the local culture, as you travel and explore food around the world. If you are travelling or living abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England and the United States, here is an international food guide highlighting some local meals and food you just can’t miss.
Food from around the world
Eating in Australia
If you are living in Australia, you need to try the following iconic food to get a sense of true Aussie flavour.
Pavlova
Australians and New Zealanders are still fighting it out as to who is responsible for the famous Pavlova. Whoever you side with, the Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert filled with cream and fruit that is simply delicious! In New Zealand and Australia, it is mainly enjoyed at Christmas time.
The classic Aussie Meat Pie
The classic Aussie Meat Pie is so famous it was even an eating challenge on one season of the Amazing Race. It’s a popular snack to eat on the go and consists of pastry stuffed with minced meat, gravy mushrooms, onions and occasionally cheese. For South Africans the meat pie is not an unusual meal – but in many countries, pies tend to be associated with desserts, so a meat pie is an unusual concept for theml!
ANZAC biscuits
ANZAC stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which fought together during World War 1. During the war, the wives at home baked these biscuits to send off to their husbands at war. The biscuits are made with coconut, golden syrup and oats and stay fresh for a long time!
Eating in New Zealand
New Zealand food is inspired by many local ingredients and has Maori influences. Here are some meals to try:
Hangi
Hangi is a traditional Maori meal consisting of meat and vegetables all slow-cooked together in an underground oven. Cooking underground has been a common method used in New Zealand for thousands of years, but today it is reserved for special occasions.
Kina
New Zealanders are crazy about their seafood and one of their favourite seafood treats is Kina – a type of sea urchin that has a hard, prickly shell protecting delicious flesh inside.
Kiwi burger
What’s unusual about a burger you may ask? Well you have to try a Kiwi burger because it contains beetroot, together with a fried egg along with a burger patty and anything else you might want to add.
Eating in the United States
The USA is super-sized food heaven, here is some food to enjoy as you travel across the states:
Apple Pie
As the saying goes, there is nothing more American than apple pie, and it is a dish the USA is famous for. This combination of sweet pastry and tart apples is enjoyed across America.
Clam Chowder
Boston is the city in the USA who claims to be the home of clam chowder. This fragrant soup consists of shellfish combined with potatoes, salted pork, cream and herbs and is a meal in itself – best enjoyed with thick, crusty bread.
The Hamburger
The Hamburger is an American food icon and while many US states will claim to be the home of the hamburger, the official birthplace of the burger, as recognised by the Library of Congress is New Haven in Connecticut. The famous patty on a bun with salad was first introduced here in 1900.
Eating in Canada
Canadian cuisine varies widely depending on what region you are in. Here are some top dishes to try:
Poutine
Poutine is a dish that includes French fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy. It originated in Quebec and was consumed in small “greasy spoon” diners. Since then it is gained acceptance and popularity and is found in restaurants across Canada/
Montreal-style bagel
The Montreal-style bagel is always baked in a wood-fired oven and is smaller, thinner and sweeter than the New York bagel. In some restaurants in Montreal, it is still hand-baked in front of customers and there are two main varieties – poppy seed and sesame seed. Enjoy these bagels on their own or topped with your favourite topping.
Peameal Bacon
This is a special Canadian twist on bacon and is made from lean, boneless pork, which is trimmed, wet-cured and then rolled in cornmeal! This creates a delicious yellow crust and guarantees your bacon is full of flavour.
Eating in the UK
The UK is home to many iconic meals that have become adopted across the world.
Scones
Scones served with clotted cream and jam are a classic UK treat that you have to try while you are in England. They are enjoyed mainly in the afternoon with a nice cup of tea.
The full English breakfast
There is nothing more British than sitting down to a full English breakfast consisting of bacon, eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes and a UK speciality – backed beans served on toast!
The Sunday Roast
Another classic British meal is the Sunday Roast, which is served in most pubs and homes across England on Sunday. The roast meat varies from chicken to beef to pork and roasted potatoes and vegetables accompany the meat – which is served with lots of gravy. If you are enjoying a beef roast, then Yorkshire Pudding is a traditional accompaniment. Yorkshire Pudding is a savoury pastry and ideal for soaking up gravy.
If you are a South African living and enjoying local food abroad and would like to know more about how you can maximise your finances through the process of financial emigration from South Africa, accessing your South African retirement annuity and our tailor-made tax solutions for South Africans around the world, contact FinGlobal today.