Australia has no shortage of international cuisines. From Asian cuisine all the way to the Mediterranean, we have it all.

Amongst all that variety you will also find some legendary and offbeat dishes that are true gems of Aussie cuisine. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites classics that you have to try.

1. Chicken Parma/Parmy

Don’t let the name fool you, a Parmy is very much an Australian pub classic. A Chicken Parma is basically a love child of pizza toppings and a Chicken Schnitzel. They’re mostly served in massive portions with hot-cut chips so we recommend wearing stretchy pants or being prepared to unbutton your jeans after.

Mostly, every local pub has a parma night so we recommend waiting until then and taking advantage of their special parma discounts.

2. The Lot Hamburger

In Australia, when you order “The Lot” you can expect a juicy beef patty, topped with grilled pineapple, pickled beetroot and a fried egg and we love it so much more than the usual tomato, lettuce and pickle combo.

Whether you can agree with pineapple being on pizza or not, there is no argument that pineapple on a hamburger is a delicious combo we didn’t know we needed.

3. Barbeque Snags

Australians love a good barbie, and the most important addition to the grill is the snag (it’s a sausage). The traditional way it is served is wrapped around a white bread, topped with tomato sauce (it’s what we call ketchup). If you want a true Aussie BBQ experience, visit any Bunnings’s store’s charity sausage sizzle or DIY by heading to a public park/beach with your friends and using the public bbq.

4. Meat Pies

Watching a footy match? Need a late night fix? Hosting a party and need to serve snacks? The answer to all your snack prayers is the iconic Meat Pie. They are snack-sized wonders filled with mincemeat and gravy. It such a satisfying snack, you will find yourself craving for more.

5. ANZAC Biscuits

During World War 1, Soldiers wives would send them ANZAC biscuits because they were not easily perishable. These soft chewy delights are made using rolled oats, golden syrup and sometimes with coconut as well. A bite of this humble dessert will instantly make you feel warm and fuzzy.

6. Pavlova

This is a controversial one, this airy dessert made of meringue, cream and fresh fruit has been the longest-running dispute between New Zealand and Australia, and we just cannot pick sides. There is a reason both countries claim this to be their own, it is one of the yummiest desserts you will ever eat, it hits the gooey, crunchy and the fresh trifecta of desserts.

7. Lamingtons

Recognised as the National Cake of Australia, a Lamington is essentially a sponge cake dipped in chocolate sauce and coated with desiccated coconut. There are other versions also that have a cream or jam filling which are now as popular as the original version. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, these square-shaped delights are truly cherished down under.