Australians love to eat out and with so many different dining experiences
available, we could eat our way around the world without leaving our
shores. Our multi-cultural society has provided us with a variety of
cuisine types and cooking styles, and Australians have been quick to
embrace the more spicy and exotic cuisines of our neighbours. Major
cities in particular offer a wide range of cultural dining experiences
that hold to cuisine heritage and cooking styles, but even country towns
can boast Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese restaurants. Trying different
cuisines makes for some great dining adventures.
Asian cuisine
Discover the fun of a Teppanyaki restaurant, a Japanese-style steak
house where you may watch multiple chefs cooking the meals. Another
option is Yum Cha, a Chinese morning or afternoon tea consisting of
steamed dim sims and dumpling style food served on trays. As an
alternative to the popular Thai restaurant, try a Vietnamese, Cambodian,
Laotian or Burmese meal, which utilise similar ingredients and menu
choices and can be a taste sensation.
Latin cuisine
Tapas are snacks, canapés or finger food that originated in Spain and
can be cold, such as cheese or olives, or warm, such as fried squid or
stuffed capsicum. Order a number of small tapas meals along with a jug
of sangria, standing at a bar or seated at table, and engage in
conversation with friends. Brazilian cuisine features substantial
barbecued meats, whereas Mexican restaurants offer beans, rice and spicy
cheese sauces.
High tea
Experience the lunchtime or afternoon delights of a High Tea. High Tea
originated in Britain and is a light lunch or afternoon tea consisting
of selections of cold meats, sandwiches and a range of cakes served on
tiered stands and platters. High Tea has become popular in Australia and
is offered at some hotels and fine restaurants.
Degustation
For a really special treat, indulge in a degustation menu, which
involves sampling small portions of numerous dishes over many courses.
Degustation menus are generally designed by experienced chefs and come
with a set price which can be considerably more than normal dining. Book
a taxi or limousine for the trip home to complete the experience.
Cruise or fly
Australia is surrounded by sea, and along its huge coastline and rivers
you will find cruising restaurants that offer lunches, dinners and also
fine dining. Or, try a fly and dine package, travelling from a harbour
or wharf to a restaurant by seaplane and eating your meal in a
restaurant by the water. Major cities have rooftop high-rise restaurants
offering expansive views of the city, and some even have revolving
restaurants for a panoramic view.
No matter what your food preference, there is a restaurant or café that has new dining experiences just waiting to be explored.