Eating

Australia and New Zealand have both seen much immigration over the last century and hence both countries have a population that’s as diverse as their landscapes. While the local culinary fare remains unchanged, you’ll find multi cuisine restaurants and cafes in most cities. Speciality restaurants also dot both countries with people from different ethnicities like Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian and others offering a taste of their gourmet delights. For cheap fare, try local diners and fast food outlets. Of course, while travelling in any country, sampling the authentic regional food is essential. In New Zealand, do try the Maori Hangi (meal cooked in earth oven) and Kaimoana (seafood). Other ‘must tastes’ include pavlova (a kind of dessert), kumara (sweet potato preparation) and whitebait (a fish preparation).
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Australia and New Zealand have both seen much immigration over the last century and hence both countries have a population that’s as diverse as their landscapes. While the local culinary fare remains unchanged, you’ll find multi cuisine restaurants and cafes in most cities. Speciality restaurants also dot both countries with people from different ethnicities like Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian and others offering a taste of their gourmet delights. For cheap fare, try local diners and fast food outlets. Of course, while travelling in any country, sampling the authentic regional food is essential. In New Zealand, do try the Maori Hangi (meal cooked in earth oven) and Kaimoana (seafood). Other ‘must tastes’ include pavlova (a kind of dessert), kumara (sweet potato preparation) and whitebait (a fish preparation). New Zealand is also the place to try ostrich meat. Of course, in Australia, a must try is kangaroo meat. Available in various preparations including as pizza topping, it’s an absolute must. Crocodile and emu meat is also available in certain parts of the country.

For vegetarians, it’s best to enquire about the ingredients of local dishes before placing the order. Most cities have vegetarian and vegan restaurants though limited in number. Other than cuisine, try exclusive packaged foods like vegemite (a yeast based spread) and Tim Tam (chocolate fudge filled biscuit sandwich). Fresh bakery items like lamington (a sponge cake), ANZAC biscuits (coconut and oat biscuits) and damper (traditional bread) should also be tried. 

The Pacific Islands have a diverse range of cuisines, with colonial influences. Tahiti or French Polynesian food is best known for its use of exotic fruits, coconuts, fresh fish and vegetables, and distinctive French influence. Chinese and Vietnamese influences are also seen. Micronesian and Melanesian cuisine has influences of Indian cuisine as well. These cuisines, especially Melanesian cuisine, also incorporate such root vegetables as yams and tapioca. Coconut milk is an ingredient that is widely used in almost all the cuisines of the Pacific Islands.