Well it’s that time of the year again, when we say farewell to the wonderful summer sun and prepare for the colder months. It’s official, winter is on its way and there isn’t much we can do about it!
The good thing about getting ready to rug up is that we can look forward to some hearty winter meals to keep us warm. As always, we wouldn’t want you to go hungry, so we’ve chosen our top five Aussie winter meals and the best places to enjoy them across the country.
Pea and Ham Soup
OK look, to be fair, “Pea and Ham” soup is technically British, but it’s so popular out here, it may as well be Australian. The chunky style soup has long been a favourite of Aussies because it has all the trimmings of an actual meal – but it comes in soup form. Often people criticise soup for not being “filling enough” – enter the hearty pea and ham. With a creamy consistency and enough ham hock to feed a small army, there’s no denying that this is a legitimate meal. Don’t make the mistake of ordering it as an entree – there’s no chance you will fit in a second course. Do yourself a favour and make this soup a winter staple.
Where to warm up
SYD: nel restaurant.
MELB: City Wine Shop
ADL: Lunchroom Est. 1988
BRI: Sirianni Fine Foods
PER: Alfred’s Kitchen
Sunday Roast with Mint Sauce
This is probably the quintessential Australian meal during winter. In fact it’s actually written somewhere deep in the constitution that you have to eat this once a year at least – apparently.
Not only is a Sunday roast absolutely delicious, it’s also part of the Australian culture. It represents a chance to catch up with friends and family, while coming together for a mighty meal. No restaurateur will serve the dish without a side of mint sauce and roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to ask for gravy – missing out is a rookie error!
Where to warm up
SYD: Four In Hand
MELB: The Wolf & I
ADL: Press Food and Wine
BRI: Statler and Waldorf
PER: South Street Bar & Restaurant
TAS: Red Velvet Lounge (REOPENING in June 2015)
Shepherd’s Pie
Every so often a food comes along that combines all the best things in life.
Potato? Yes. Meat? Yes. Put them together? Oh that’s another big yes. Shepherd’s Pie is about as close to food-perfection as it gets and luckily for us it’s a winter regular. Chances are the pie-style will differ with each establishment you frequent. Sometimes it’s served with peas, others times it’s plated up with carrots. Take it from us – either way it will be absolutely divine, so don’t sweat it.
Where to warm up
SYD: The Centennial
MELB: Cafe Alcaston
BRI: Piefection
Lamb Shanks
Australians love food that melts in your mouth and nothing is more drool-worthy than a slow cooked lamb shank. It’s a comfort food of the highest order – heavy, meaty, tender and painfully delicious. Often served with a red wine jus, lamb shanks will warm the soul and fill the belly. It’s a national favourite and as soon as winter kicks in, restaurants around the country will serve up a shank – usually with their own original spin. For a traditional lamb shank, look for a side of sweet potato, peas and a thick covering of sauce.
Where to warm up
MELB: Krimper
ADL: The Union Hotel
BRI: Pig & Whistle
PER: Fibber McGee’s
Bangers and Mash
Come the fall of winter in Australia, you’re hard pressed to walk into a pub that doesn’t serve bangers and mash. Australians have long had a love affair with the humble sausage. In summer we barbecue them and in winter we pair them with mash, and then drown the entire meal in gravy. Once again, our buddies back in Britain may have created this meal, but we perfected it. Our top tip is to go for pork bangers – they tickle the taste buds well. Obviously the stars of this meal are the sausages and potato combo, but keep an eye out for what else is being served up. Usually it’s peas, onions and baked beans – the holy trinity of side dishes.
Where to warm up
MELB: The Sherlock Holmes
ADL: P.J. O’Briens
BRI: Hop & Pickle
HOB: Ball & Chain
Curb your winter food cravings with a mouthful of something warm from the one of the awesome restaurants in our list! You know you want to!
For more dining options check out Scoopon!
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