Traditionally Aussie cooking was based on Pommie tucker brought to the country by the British settlers. This food generally consisted of Sunday roasts, grilled chops and other forms of meat and was generally accompanied by vegetables (often known colloquially as "meat & three veg") such as mashed potatoes, beans, peas and carrots.

The barbecue remains an important part of Australian life. The 'barbie', an icon of Australian cuisine and culture, has developed and grown as a party/gathering tradition.

Another culturally significant item of cuisine is the Aussie meat pie.

The range of cuisines available in the multicultural cities of Australia has developed greatly due to a high level of immigration.

Italian, Chinese, Thai, Greek, Arab, Indian, Turkish, Vietnamese and Mexican foods are very popular and are maintained at an accomplished level of authentic quality by a thriving restaurant trade in many cities for the enjoyment of Aussies of all backgrounds.

The influx of migrants to Australia has brought many new dishes to the country and it is becoming a feature of Australian cuisine to take standard meals and add elements sourced from different cultures.