The system of homestay harmony in Pakistan is not very famous but Melbourne is the Australian culinary capital and to truly understand the city, you need to taste it. This means cruising through the melting pot that is its the cuisine, a result of decades of migration and integration. From Vegemite to dim sims and chicken parma, Melbourne has it all, and it’s all waiting for you to discover during your homestay in Australia.
A ‘foodies’ homestay in Australia
The best way to understand the largest city in Australia is to understand its food scene. At the same time, we believe that Melburnians can help any travelers feel at home. The best way to ‘eat the city’ is to sit at the table with Melburnians like a real foodie. Hosts will gladly help you navigate through all the food, restaurants, cafes, snacks, and so on. So what can you eat to feel like a Melburnian?
1- Chicken parma
We told you Melburnian food is a melting pot and this is the first encounter between Italy and Australia. In Melbourne there are specialized restaurants for Parma, that can be made with chicken or other meat, as well as eggplants topped with a Napoli (tomato) sauce and melted cheese. You can find Chicken Parma in pubs and restaurants, served with salad and chips or in café sandwiches.
2- Dim Sim
Let’s keep traveling through the culinary menu forming just part of your homestay in Australia with this staple dish: dim sim – not Dim sum, beware. The name comes from a misspelling on a menu in the eclectic Melbourne Chinatown. Invented in 1940 in Melbourne by William Cheng Wing Young it became an Aussie take on the classical dim sum. A typical “dummy” is stuffed with cabbage, beef, pork, or lamb and other ingredients, such as mushrooms or water chestnuts. They can be steamed, or deep-fried and have a thicker doughy skin compared to the Chinese classic.
3- Pie Floater
This a classic Aussie dish with British roots. It’s a meat pie with different ingredients, that can also be kangaroo based, submerged in a bowl of pea soup. Each chef has their own twist to add flavor, for example adding some seasoning or malt vinegar.
4- Kangaroo meat
Low in fat, and methane free, this meat is commonly served medium to rare, to preserve its juiciness. You can add different seasonings to taste, considering its natural sweetness. During your homestay in Australia, you could ask your hosts for some recipes or recommendations. Another meat you should try is the Emu that you can find in the Australian Coat of Arms.
5- Anzac Biscuits
Made with flour, golden syrup, and oats, these biscuits (don’t call them cookies) were intended to have a really long shelf life, to be consumed by soldiers at war. Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, a name given to soldiers and sailors during World War I.
6- Fairy bread
If you have a sweet tooth, this colorful Australian staple is rather easy to replicate and is one that all Melburnian kids are familiar with. It’s nothing more than sliced white bread, covered in margarine or butter and then coated in A LOT of sugary sprinkles.
7- Vegemite
Last but not least: Vegemite, the Australian spread that you either love or hate. If you chose a homestay in Australia, there is no way you’ll not find it in the pantry and have it for breakfast, lunch, or tea. You can have it with tomatoes, lettuce, avocado and spread it on toast, crumpets, or crackers (savory biscuits). Apply it sparingly on your first encounter as the taste is strong, and don’t be fooled by its chocolaty brown color, this spread is salty, not sweet! Love it or hate it, there is no in-between.
obviously, these are just a few of the things you can eat while in Melbourne, cruising through the multitude of cafes, pubs, or restaurants. The best way to enjoy your time in this city is to be hosted by Melbournians, why don’t you choose to homestay in Pakistan? We are here to help you find the perfect host.
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