Moving to Australia brought me a mix of excitement and challenges. Among the things I had to adjust to was food. Coming from the Philippines’ Bicol region, I was used to dishes like taro cooked in coconut cream, which I couldn’t imagine giving up. Thankfully, Australia offers a world of options to help migrants enjoy the flavours they love while embracing healthier eating habits.
Here are some tips I’ve learned from my journey that you can apply as you settle into life Down Under.
1. Explore Australian Food Culture
Australia’s food scene is diverse and abundant. Supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, IGA and Costco offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, while farmers’ markets are great for locally sourced options. What stands out here is the emphasis on health—many products come with a Health Star Rating to help you make better choices.
Don’t hesitate to explore foods you’re not familiar with. For instance, I’ve discovered kale as a great substitute for tropical vegetables like taro leaves when they’re not in season.
2. Grow Your Own Ingredients
One of the joys of settling in Australia has been starting my own backyard garden. Missing the taro I grew up with, I found an online nursery selling taro plants and decided to propagate them in pots. It was surprisingly easy, and now I have a continuous supply of taro for my favourite coconut cream dishes.
I also grow lemongrass, curry plants and spring onions, which are low-maintenance and thrive in pots. I have lemons, sweet potatoes, rosemary, and even a banana tree, from which I get a regular supply of banana leaves. From time to time, I plant tomatoes. Growing your own ingredients is not only cost-effective but also incredibly fulfilling. It’s something anyone can try, even in small spaces.
3. Find Specialty Stores for Familiar Flavours
Australia’s multicultural population means you’ll find plenty of specialty grocery stores catering to different cuisines. Whether you’re after Filipino bagoong, Chinese soy sauces, Indian spices, or Vietnamese fish sauce, these stores are a treasure trove of flavours from home.
Online stores are another great option, especially if you’re in regional areas. Many deliver hard-to-find ingredients straight to your doorstep.
4. Adjust Old Habits for Healthier Living
In the Philippines, I was used to dishes that were a bit salty or sweet. Moving to Australia gave me the opportunity to rethink these habits. I’ve since learned to tweak my recipes to use less salt and sugar without losing flavour. For instance:
- Instead of adding too much sugar to desserts, I use natural sweeteners like honey or fruits.
- To reduce salt, I experiment with herbs and spices like garlic, onions, and ginger.
Small adjustments like these can make a big difference over time.
5. Cook at Home to Stay Healthy and Save Money
Cooking at home has been my go-to solution for eating healthier while keeping my budget in check. By shopping for seasonal produce and making meals from scratch, I stay in control of what I eat.
One of my favourite meals is taro cooked in coconut cream with lemongrass—most of which come from my garden. It’s comforting, nutritious, and reminds me of home.
6. Enjoy Healthy Dining Out Options
Australia has a vibrant dining scene, but it’s easy to overindulge. When eating out, I choose grilled or roasted dishes over fried ones. Many restaurants also offer smaller portion options, so don’t be afraid to ask.
For example, when I’m craving fish and chips, I opt for grilled barramundi with a side of greens—it’s delicious and much lighter.
7. Stay Active and Connect with the Community
Healthy eating pairs well with staying active. Australia’s parks and walking trails make it easy to stay fit. Joining community groups or multicultural events is also a great way to connect with others and swap ideas for recipes and gardening tips.
Adjusting to life in Australia doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. Whether you’re growing your own ingredients, shopping at specialty stores, or making small tweaks to your recipes, there are endless ways to eat healthier while staying connected to your roots.
What ingredients or recipes remind you of home? Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear it!
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