Australian food culture Archives - TheAussieway https://theaussieway.com.au/tag/australian-food-culture/ Life In Australia Tue, 08 Sep 2026 06:59:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://theaussieway.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/cropped-Theaussieway_Logo-Blue-32x32.png Australian food culture Archives - TheAussieway https://theaussieway.com.au/tag/australian-food-culture/ 32 32 Perth’s Best Bites: What to Eat at the Good Food & Wine Show 2026 https://theaussieway.com.au/perths-best-bites-what-to-eat-at-the-good-food-wine-show-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=perths-best-bites-what-to-eat-at-the-good-food-wine-show-2026 https://theaussieway.com.au/perths-best-bites-what-to-eat-at-the-good-food-wine-show-2026/#respond Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:52:20 +0000 https://theaussieway.com.au/?p=4028 If you’ve ever wandered a food festival wishing you had six stomachs instead of one, the Good Food & Wine Show was basically built…

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If you’ve ever wandered a food festival wishing you had six stomachs instead of one, the Good Food & Wine Show was basically built for you. It’s Australia’s longest-running and most awarded consumer food event, and every year it turns a convention center into a wall-to-wall celebration of everything good to eat and drink. Think hundreds of stalls, sizzling demo stages, and enough tasting glasses clinking together to make a proper soundtrack.

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The good news for locals (and anyone planning a trip): the Perth edition of the show runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, which instantly makes it one of the standout Perth events in July 2026. Western Australia has quietly built one of the country’s best food scenes — from Margaret River wine to the seafood coming straight off the coast — so it makes sense this show has become a fixture on the Perth food festival July 2026 calendar.

Event Details

Here’s the quick rundown so you can pencil it into your calendar (or set six alarms, no judgment):

Dates Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July 2026
Venue Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)
Opening Hours 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Location Perth, Western Australia

Image Source: https://agentmysterycase.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GoodFoodWineJamesAmbrose-64-1024×683.jpg

What to Expect at the Festival

Walk through the doors and you’ll quickly realise this isn’t a wander-and-nibble kind of event — it’s a full day (or three) of genuinely great food experiences. Here’s what’s on offer:

  • 200+ food and beverage exhibitors — from boutique producers to household names, all set up to let you taste before you buy.
  • Wine, beer and spirit tastings— including the Wine Pavilions and the Smooth FM Drinks Lab presented by RIEDEL, where you can sip your way through drops you’d never normally get to try side by side.
  • Celebrity chef live cooking demonstrations at the Good Food Kitchen — pull up a seat and watch the pros work their magic (and pick up a trick or two for your own kitchen).
  • Cheese Corner— a dedicated haven for anyone who thinks there’s no such thing as too much cheese. We don’t disagree.
  • Gourmet street food at Good Eat Street — the kind of food-truck fare that makes queueing feel worthwhile.
  • Interactive masterclasses like the Cheese Lover, Spirit Lover, and Riedel Wine Glass Experience sessions, plus the Wine Selectors Tasting Rooms — hands-on, guided, and genuinely educational.
  • The chance to meet local producers and artisan brands face to face, hear their stories, and find out what’s actually going into the things you’re eating.

New Highlights for 2026

Every year the show adds a few new reasons to come back, and 2026 is no exception. Here’s what’s fresh:

  • Bakers Alley — a brand-new precinct developed with the support of pastry royalty Kirsten Tibballs, bringing together some of Australia’s most exciting independent bakeries, each turning out an exclusive creation you’ll only find at the show.
  • A new Cooking School — intimate, ticketed, hands-on sessions capped at 40 guests, where you cook alongside celebrity chefs including Kirsten Tibballs, Brendan Pang and George Georgievski.
  • A stacked chef line-up — confirmed talent for 2026 includes Miguel Maestre, Kirsten Tibballs, Brendan Pang, Nat Thaipun, Vincent Yeow Lim, Jane de Graaff and George Georgievski.
  • Expanded tastings and masterclasses across the Drinks Lab, Wine Selectors Tasting Rooms and Spirit Lover sessions, giving you even more ways to taste before you commit to a bottle.

Foodie fans of a certain BBC baking show should also keep an eye out: the Good Food & Wine Show has just announced a landmark partnership with BBC Studios to bring a world-first immersive Great Australian Bake Off experience to its Christmas Editions in Sydney and Melbourne later this year. It’s not part of the Perth show this July, but it’s a sign of how much bigger this event keeps getting — so watch this space for future editions.

Ticket Information

Ticket options are flexible enough to suit a solo scout mission or a full squad outing:

  • General Admission (single day) — from $49.95, with entry to all 200+ exhibitors, the Good Food Kitchen, Good Eat Street, Cheese Corner and Wine Pavilions.
  • Flexi Pass — from $54.95, letting you choose your day (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) and lock it in whenever suits.
  • Multi Day Pass — from $99.95, the best value option, covering all three days plus a tasting glass.
  • Friends & Family Bundle — bring five friends along for $249 total, a nice saving if you’re planning a group day out.
  • Masterclass upgrades — add-on sessions like the Cheese Lover, Spirit Lover, Riedel Wine Glass Experience and the new Cooking School classes, each ticketed separately on top of general entry.
  • Tasting glass — included with the Multi Day Pass, and available to purchase separately if you’re on a single-day ticket and planning to work your way through the Wine Pavilions.

Our honest tip: book early. The masterclasses and Cooking School sessions are capped for a reason, and the popular ones sell out well before the doors open. Visit https://goodfoodshow.com.au/perth-show-26/ for more information.

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Tips Before You Go

  • Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be on your feet for hours, and the PCEC floor is bigger than it looks on the map.
  • Arrive early to beat the queues, especially if you’ve got your eye on a specific masterclass or demo.
  • Bring a reusable shopping bag — you will end up buying things, and your arms will thank you.
  • Use public transport where you can. Parking near the PCEC fills up fast on show days.
  • Stay hydrated between tastings. Water stations exist for a reason, and your palate (and head) will hold up better for it.

More Upcoming Events to Explore

If you’re planning your 2026 calendar around some of Australia’s biggest industry and lifestyle events, there’s plenty more to look forward to beyond the Good Food & Wine Show Perth.

For retailers, buyers, designers and business owners, the upcoming AGHA Sydney Gift Fair 2026 is another major event worth keeping on your radar. And if you’re heading to Victoria, check out our complete guide to the AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair 2026 for event dates, venue details and everything you need to know before attending.

Whether you’re a food lover, retailer, buyer or simply someone who enjoys discovering what’s happening around Australia, these events are worth adding to your 2026 calendar.

FAQs

Is the festival family-friendly?

Yes – the show welcomes visitors of all ages, and there’s plenty for kids to enjoy alongside the tastings and demonstrations aimed at adults. Just keep in mind that wine, beer and spirit tastings are strictly for guests 18 and over.

Can I buy food and wine to take home?

Absolutely. Most exhibitors sell their products on-site, so it’s worth bringing that reusable bag — and maybe leaving a little extra room in the car for anything you fall in love with.

Are tickets available at the venue?

Tickets can typically be purchased on the day, but popular sessions and passes do sell out in advance, so booking online ahead of time is the safer bet.

Do I need a tasting glass?

If you’re planning to sample your way through the Wine Pavilions or Drinks Lab, yes — a tasting glass is essential. It’s included with the Multi Day Pass, or available to add on with other ticket types.

How long should I spend at the event?

Most visitors comfortably spend three to four hours exploring, though dedicated foodies often make a full day of it — especially if you’ve booked into a masterclass or the Cooking School.

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Kitchen Mavericks: 10 Australian Chefs Who Are Reinventing Local Flavours https://theaussieway.com.au/kitchen-mavericks-10-australian-chefs-who-are-reinventing-local-flavours/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kitchen-mavericks-10-australian-chefs-who-are-reinventing-local-flavours https://theaussieway.com.au/kitchen-mavericks-10-australian-chefs-who-are-reinventing-local-flavours/#respond Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:47:07 +0000 https://theaussieway.com.au/?p=3500 Do you think “barbies” and Vegemites still dominate Australian cuisine? Well, think again! From blending bush foods to improvising traditional Asian recipes, Australian cuisine…

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Do you think “barbies” and Vegemites still dominate Australian cuisine? Well, think again!

From blending bush foods to improvising traditional Asian recipes, Australian cuisine has come a long way. Sure, people’s choice of food and preference has changed over time, but the sole credit for leading the culinary revolution goes to forward-thinking, celebrity Australian chefs. These famous chefs australia have transformed local dining through innovation and creativity.

Tradition and modernism — Aussie chefs have brought together the best of both worlds to make it count. In doing so, they’ve transformed the humble Australian cuisine into something extraordinary.

This article introduces you to 10 famous Australian chefs who have redefined local flavours to tickle global tastebuds. Read on!

1. Ben Shewry: Best Australian Chef Pioneering Ethical Fine Dining

 

Ben Shewry
Source: https://foodontheedge.ie/speaker/ben-shrewry/

Originally from New Zealand, Ben Shewry is a well-known Australian chef, synonymous with ethical dining. Ben’s Melbourne-based restaurant “Attica” has shown the way to incorporate natural ingredients and churn them into delightful, modern recipes.

Ben emphasizes working with indigenous ingredients like wattleseed and lemon myrtle. The dishes he creates are indeed a homage to the rich Australian food and culture. His culinary artistry and unique storytelling angle is a plus. No wonder Attica consistently ranks on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

2. Kylie Kwong: Famous Australian Cook Mastering Chinese-Australian Fusion

 

Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/

One of the standout features of modern Australian cuisine is the intermingling of different cultures. And Kylie Kwong is one of the pioneers. She used unique, lesser-known Chinese and Australian ingredients (like warrigal greens and saltbush) to create the perfect fusion recipes.


Similar to Ben Shewry, Kylie is a strong advocate of sustainable food sourcing. 

She opened her restaurant, “Billy Kwong” in 2019 and later “Lucky Kwong” in 2021. Kylie was also appointed the Ambassador for food, culture and community for the South Eveleigh precinct. She is also the author of an award-winning cookbook named “My China: Stories and Recipes from My Homeland”.

 

3. Dan Hunter: Australian Chef Foraging Victoria’s Finest Local Ingredients

 

Source: https://platform.eater.com/

Dan Hunter’s groundbreaking restaurant “Brae” needs no recognition. Located in Victoria, Brae promises a one-of-a-kind experience for Australian cuisine lovers. The magic doer is the hyper-local ingredients, thanks to the extensive foraging practised by Dan and his team.
 

Dan is known for the deep respect he carries for the Australian lands. His establishment ranks among the best restaurants and is the proud winner of three hats from the “Good Food Guide”. 

 

4. The Late Jock Zonfrillo: Famous Australian Chef Legend Who Championed Indigenous Cuisine

 

Source: https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/

One of the most famous Australian chefs to have lived, Jock Zonfrillo, was more of a culinary innovator. His restaurant “Orana” is known for their predominant sourcing of natural ingredients making way to mainstream Australian cuisine. Jock is perhaps best known for his use of bush tomatoes and finger limes in his recipes.

 

Jock’s recipes strongly reflect Aboriginal culinary practice. “Orana” has won multiple awards, including Gourmet Traveller’s “Australian Restaurant of the Year” in 2018. Jock also co-hosted and judged MasterChef Australia with Andy Allen and Melissa Leong before passing away in 2023.

 

5. Curtis Stone: Aussie Chef Success Story from Melbourne to Hollywood

 

Source – https://www.tastingtable.com/


A globally celebrated Australian chef, Curtis Stone, owns and runs his LA-based restaurant, “Maude”. Stone is famous for his innovative use of natural Australian ingredients with a global touch. The way he blends his celebrity appeal with authentic culinary craftsmanship is beyond remarkable.

Unlike other restaurants in the row, Maude’s seasonal tasting menus celebrate the regional produce of Australian lands. Curtis is a Michelin-starred chef and the author of a bestselling cookbook called “Relaxed Cooking with Curtis Stone,”. He also hosted popular TV shows like “Top Chef Duels” and “Kitchen Inferno.

 

Also Read:

10 AUSTRALIAN CHEFS: Who Become Global Celebrities

Traditional Foods Of Australia and The History

10 Classic Aussie Dishes You Need to Try

 

6. Peter Gilmore: Australian Famous Chef Visionary Behind Sydney’s Quay Restaurant

 

Source: https://www.smh.com.au/

Peter Gilmore, famously known as the father of edible recipes, heads the culinary affairs at Sydney’s “Quay” restaurant. Beyond taste, Gilmore’s recipes stand out for their visual appeal and sophistication.

Similar to other celebrity Australian chefs in this list, Gilmore uses native ingredients predominantly in his recipes. His attention to detail and creativity makes him stand out in his own glory. Quay has been consistently ranked as one of the finest Australian restaurants with palatable recipes like the iconic Snow Egg dessert.

7. Shannon Bennett: Chef in Australia Redefining Melbourne’s Fine Dining Scene

Source: https://www.delicious.com.au/

Shannon Bennett is another famous chef in Australia who has been raising the bar for Melbourne’s fine dining scene. His restaurant “Vue de Monde” offers an endless array of contemporary Aussie dishes with strong French influence.

Bennett’s recipes, although heavily invested in Australian ingredients, are more geared towards redefining luxury dining. However, it is the selective use of natural herbs that ticks the boxes for sustainability.

 

Bennett has been showered with top culinary honours and continues to garner media attention for her contributions towards sustainable gastronomy.

8. Lennox Hastie: Australian Cook Master of Fire-Driven Culinary Art

 

Source: https://www.theceomagazine.com/

Lennox Hastie, a renowned Australian cook, is the power brain behind Sydney’s popular restaurant, “Firedoor”. He is a standout in this list due to his obsession with exclusive “cooking with fire”. Hastie is a big fan of cooking with natural wood and exploring the australian native ingredients for an elemental touch to the dining experience.

Hastie’s fire-driven cooking philosophy and flavorful recipes have brought him several culinary awards. Hastie was also featured in Netflix’s show “Chef’s Table.”

9. Mark Olive: Famous Australian Chef Expert in Aboriginal Cooking Traditions

 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Olive

Popularly known as “The Black Olive,” Mark packs decades of experience cooking with australian native ingredients and home-grown spices. He is one of the best Australian chefs with immense knowledge of Aboriginal cooking techniques.

As a promoter of indigenous Australian food culture, Olive has educated and inspired many young chefs.  He’s also a famous TV host and has penned a cookbook called “Mark Olive’s Outback Cafe: A Taste of Australia”.

10. Alla Wolf-Tasker: Australian Chef Championing Four Decades of Farm-to-Table Excellence

Source: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/

Alla Wolf-Tasker is another famous Australian chef known for her undying penchant for working with local produce. She is the culinary Director and co-proprietor of the iconic Lake House in Daylesford.

For over four decades, Wolf-Tasker has been an advocate of farm-to-table practice, elevating the Australian food culture. Whether it’s exceptional dining or sustainable food sourcing, Lake House continues to shine and inspire the community around.

Wrap Up


Undeniably, modern Australian cuisine is far richer, complex, and globally significant than we think. From indigenous use of ingredients to sustainable practice, these famous Australian chefs are committed to the spirit of Australian food and culture.

 

Because like all good things, designing a delightful cuisine is all about fitting the right blocks. And no one does it better than our beloved Australian chefs. They equally respect tradition and are open to experimenting with flavours to celebrate the diversity of Australian cuisine. Each famous Aussie chef and Australian cook on this list proves that innovation and tradition can beautifully coexist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Who is considered the most famous Australian cook in modern cuisine? 

Ben Shewry is widely regarded as a famous Australian cook who revolutionized Australian dining. His restaurant Attica consistently ranks among the world’s best restaurants.

 

Q2: What makes Aussie chefs different from other international chefs? 

Aussie chefs blend indigenous Australian ingredients with international techniques. Famous Australian chefs like Kylie Kwong focus on sustainability and native produce.

 

Q3: Who are the best Australian chef pioneers in sustainable cooking? 

The best Australian chef advocates include Ben Shewry and Dan Hunter. These Australian famous chefs make sustainability central to their cooking philosophy.

 

Q4: Which famous Australian chefs are leading the farm-to-table movement? 

Dan Hunter from Brae and Alla Wolf-Tasker are leading famous Australian chefs in farm-to-table cooking. These Australian chef innovators support local agriculture through their restaurants.

 

Q5: How do Australian cooks incorporate native ingredients into modern cooking? 

Australian cooks like Mark Olive use native ingredients such as wattleseed and finger limes. This famous Australian cook approach creates a distinctive Australian chef identity.

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