What to Eat in Sydney? The Must-Try Traditional Dishes

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Iconic Dishes to Try
3. Cultural Influences on Sydney’s Food
4. Popular Food Markets and Food Festivals
5. Conclusion
6. FAQs

Introduction

It’s no exaggeration to say that Sydney is a paradise for food lovers. The city’s history, geography and culture are the fertile ground for an incredibly diverse culinary scene, shaped by influences from all over the world. Whether you fancy fine dining, quality fast-food on the go, mouth-watering street-eats or old-fashioned pub-grub, knowing what to eat in Sydney is all about going with the flow and savouring the delicious melting-pot. Here are some of the city’s most iconic treats to try.

Iconic Dishes to Try

The Sydney Meat Pie is an Aussie classic. Comfort food at its very finest, Sydney has something for the most discerning pie lovers. If you’re craving a traditional, meaty variety with lovely, flaky pastry, one of the iconic choices is a Tiger Pie from Harry’s Cafe de Wheels. Loved by locals, visitors and many a celeb over the years, it’s best enjoyed with plenty of mashed potato, gravy and mushy peas.  With plenty of veggie or vegan options too, the bakeries and food stalls are also great places to grab a pie to go.

Maybe it’s not for everyone, but many visitors to Sydney are keen to give Kangaroo meat a go, and it’s certainly local and sustainable! The meat is lean, succulent and extremely tasty, and can be enjoyed as a steak, in a burger, or as a pie.

Lamingtons are an incredibly popular traditional food in Sydney, thought to be named after the former Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington. These squares of moist butter sponge cake, dipped in chocolate and then rolled in coconut, are an eye-poppingly good Aussie classic. You can find them all over Sydney in their various delicious guises. Perfect with an afternoon cuppa or all by themselves!

A staple of the early Australian settlers, damper bread is a delicious soda bread, traditionally cooked over an open fire, and given its name as it was used to ‘dampen’ your appetite until a proper meal came along!

Competition is stiff in Sydney for the best fish and chips. The truth is, nothing beats a fish supper when you need a bit of comfort food. Enjoy with ketchup, salt and vinegar, mushy peas, or in a butty. We’ll let you decide, but if you’re after traditional food in Sydney, this is a must-try.

Vegemite on toast...Maybe it’s an Aussie thing, but many visitors have given it a go and become hooked on this salty delight. Try spreading it on a slice of toasted damper bread – delish! And if you don’t like it the first time, the trick is to keep on trying until you do.

When you imagine classic Australia, you probably picture the sun, the sea, the good vibes, maybe the next thing that comes to mind is a good old Aussie barbeque, or what locals call a Sausage Sizzle. Sydney plenty of excellent restaurants where you can enjoy BBQ and grilled meat to your heart’s content. Best washed down with a cold beer. Make sure you bring an appetite

You can’t leave Sydney without trying an Anzac biscuit. A mid-afternoon fave, these buttery, crispy delights are an icon in Australia and New Zealand. Originally made by soldiers’ wives as they’d stay fresh when sent as an overseas parcel, they’re now traditionally baked on Anzac Day.

A meringue-based beauty of a dessert, the legendary pavlova was famously named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova at the beginning of the 20th century. If you’re pondering what to eat in Sydney, you simply can’t leave without trying a pav, and Sydney’s packed with places that have them down to a fine art.

Cultural Influences on Sydney’s Food

Sydney’s incredible range of culinary delights reflects the many and varied cultural influences on the city. While staples like fish and chips and pubs are a nod to the city’s old colonial links with the UK, waves of immigration from all over the world have left a delicious mark on the city, becoming part of the traditional food in Sydney.

After World War Two, the city saw an influx of immigrants from destinations like Portugal, Greece and Italy, bringing their celebrated cuisines and Mediterranean diets, all of which continue to make their presence felt in Sydney in a big way.

Asian cuisine is also a huge part of Sydney’s food culture. The city’s iconic Chinatown was established in the 1920s and is an absolute must for anyone wanting to try authentic Chinese food, such as noodles, dumplings, yum cha, alongside excellent Japanese and Korean eateries. Neighbouring Thai Town has been here since the 1990s, with an excellent array of restaurants and authentic Thai supermarkets.

The city’s cuisine has also been enriched by its Middle Eastern residents, from places like Lebanon and Turkey, bringing a mouth-watering range of dishes like kebabs and falafel sold in restaurants and as part of the Sydney’s thriving street-food culture.

Popular Food Markets and Food Festivals

Food markets in Sydney are a huge part of its buzzing culinary scene. Hay Street Market at Paddy’s Market has around 50 stalls with a massive range of cuisines. Carriageworks Farmers Market is a treat every Saturday, with seasonal produce and artisanal offerings. On a Sunday, you can visit the Marrickville Organic Food & Farmers Market and check out its renowned organic produce.

Events such as Taste in the City allow Sydney to showcase its incredible food and wine culture. With loads of live cooking, indoor and outdoor kitchens, foodie events, music and an incredible atmosphere, this is a treat for foodies and anyone looking to enjoy the best that Sydney has to offer. With weekly food fairs and events, if the question is what to eat in Sydney, the answer is, take your pick!

Conclusion

Sydney’s food culture is a perfect reflection of the city - vibrant, diverse, international and pretty much irresistible. Staying in one of our serviced apartments in Sydney? Our central location will give you easy access to all this deliciousness, from grabbing a snack for a street-eat to a once in a lifetime meal at one of the world’s best brasseries and everything in between. Time to get stuck in!

Sydney Traditional Food FAQS

What are must-try traditional Australian dishes in Sydney?

Nobody should leave Sydney without trying some of the city’s incredible fish and chips. Ditto the traditional grilled meats and fish – barbie culture reigns supreme in Sydney! Mop it up with some damper bread and wash it down with an ice-cold drink or an incredible Aussie wine.

Where can I find the best seafood in Sydney?

With its sea-faring connections, you’re guaranteed incredible, freshly caught seafood all year round here, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. In one of the world’s most iconic waterside settings, you’re spoilt for choice.

What desserts are iconic in Sydney?

Don’t go home without trying one of Sydney’s gorgeous pavlovas. For a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, you can’t go wrong with a lamington, or a traditional Anzac biscuit or three.

Should you tip in Sydney?

Tipping isn’t really part of Australian culture. Workers are generally paid a fair wage and don’t depend on tips. If you want to show your appreciation for great service, 10% is considered a fair tip to leave.

What are some unique native ingredients used in Australian cuisine?

Australia has some incredible fruits like the finger lime, Kakadu plum, bush tomato or peach-like quandong. Macadamia nuts originated here too and are widely used in Aussie cuisine. The berries and leaves of the Mountain Pepper are popular in drinks and are often used instead of traditional pepper.