Cairns, Australia is a food lover’s paradise with a wide range of delicious dishes to try. From fresh seafood to exotic meats, there is something to suit every taste bud. Here are some of the top foods to try in Cairns.

Prawns

Prawns are a popular seafood delicacy worldwide, and Cairns is no exception. The city is renowned for its prawn industry, which supplies fresh and tasty prawns to locals and visitors alike. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and significance of prawns in Cairns.

The history of prawns in Cairns dates back to the 1800s when European settlers first arrived in the region. The settlers discovered the abundance of prawns in the area and quickly established a thriving prawn industry. Over time, the prawn industry has grown to become one of the most significant economic contributors to Cairns’ economy. Today, Cairns is home to a great prawn industry that produce high-quality prawns for domestic and international markets.

Prawns are not just a popular food item in Cairns, but they are also an essential part of the city’s culture. Cairns is known for its seafood culture, and prawns are a significant part of it. The locals in Cairns enjoy a variety of prawn dishes, including grilled prawns, prawn cocktails, and prawn stir-fry. Many restaurants in Cairns specialize in prawn dishes, and visitors can enjoy the delicious taste of fresh prawns cooked in various styles.

One of the most popular prawn dishes in Cairns is the famous seafood platter. A seafood platter is a dish that contains a combination of different seafood items, including prawns, crabs, oysters, and fish. The seafood platter is a must-try dish for any seafood lover visiting Cairns. The platter is usually served with a side of salad and chips, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Apart from being a popular food item and an essential part of Cairns’ culture, prawns are also significant for the city’s economy. The prawn fisheries industry in Cairns generates millions of dollars in revenue every year, making it a crucial contributor to the local economy. The industry provides employment opportunities for many people in the region, supporting families and communities.

Beef Steak

Cairns, Australia is a coastal paradise known for its stunning natural beauty, from the pristine beaches to the lush rainforests. But beyond the breathtaking scenery, Cairns is also a foodie’s haven, offering a wide range of delectable dishes that cater to all tastes. Among the city’s many culinary offerings, one of the most popular and beloved dishes is beef steak.

The history of beef steak in Cairns dates back to the early 1900s when the region was a bustling port town with a thriving agricultural industry. With the arrival of cattle and sheep, the locals began to experiment with different ways of preparing and cooking beef. This led to the birth of the beef steak industry in Cairns, which has since grown to become a major contributor to the local economy and a beloved culinary tradition among locals and visitors alike.

Beef steak is an essential part of Cairns’ food culture, with many local restaurants specializing in serving this classic dish. From the classic Australian steakhouse experience to grilled, pan-seared, and slow-cooked beef steak dishes, there is no shortage of options for those craving a juicy, mouthwatering steak.

For many locals, beef steak is not just a food item but also an expression of their pride and connection to the region’s agricultural heritage. The beef industry in Far North Queensland is a crucial contributor to the local economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities for many people in the region.

In conclusion, beef steak is a beloved and essential part of Australian culinary and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, sampling some of the city’s mouthwatering beef steak dishes is a must-do experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and impressed. From the classic Australian steakhouse to innovative and modern takes on this timeless dish,Australia is a beef steak lover’s paradise that should not be missed.

Tropical Fruits

It is also a tropical paradise for fruit lovers, with a vast array of delicious tropical fruits grown locally. In this article, we will explore the history, culture, and significance of tropical fruits in Cairns.

The tropical climate of Cairns is ideal for growing a wide variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and bananas. The region has a long history of fruit production, dating back to the early 1900s when farmers first began experimenting with growing tropical fruits in the area.

Today, Cairns is one of the largest producers of tropical fruits in Australia, with many of the fruits grown locally making their way to markets across the country and beyond. The region’s tropical fruits are renowned for their sweet, juicy flavors and nutritional value, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

In addition to being a significant source of income for many local farmers, tropical fruits are also an essential part of Cairns’ culture. Many local restaurants and cafes incorporate tropical fruits into their menus, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the region’s fresh, vibrant produce. Visitors to Cairns can also enjoy a range of tropical fruit juices, smoothies, and desserts that are a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

One of the most popular tropical fruits grown in Far North Queensland is the mango, which is considered a symbol of the region’s tropical paradise.Cairns is also home to several mango farms that offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the delicious flavors and aromas of this iconic tropical fruit.

Another tropical fruit that is beloved in Cairns is the pineapple, which is grown in large quantities in the region. Pineapple farms in Cairns offer visitors the opportunity to see how the fruit is grown and harvested, and many local cafes and restaurants feature pineapple in their dishes, from salads to pizzas.

In conclusion, tropical fruits are an essential part of Cairns’ history, culture, and economy. The region’s ideal climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for growing a vast array of delicious and nutritious tropical fruits, from mangoes to pineapples, papayas, and bananas. Cairns’ tropical fruits are not just a source of income for local farmers but also a significant part of the city’s culinary heritage, with many local restaurants and cafes incorporating these fresh, vibrant ingredients into their menus. Whether you are a fruit lover or simply looking to experience the best of Cairns’ local cuisine, exploring the region’s tropical fruits is a must-do activity that will leave you feeling refreshed, satisfied, and impressed.

Barramundi Fish

Barramundi, one of the most popular fish in the region, can be found in the waters surrounding Cairns, Australia. This delicious fish has a mild and buttery flavor with a firm texture, making it an excellent choice for grilling or pan-frying. Many local restaurants in Cairns offer barramundi on their menus, and it is often paired with tropical fruits or locally grown vegetables, which add a burst of flavors to the dish. The culinary scene in Cairns takes pride in its usage of fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, and barramundi is no exception. So, whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new dining experience, be sure to try the barramundi during your visit to Cairns.

Mud Crab

Mud crabs, as the name suggests, are found in the muddy mangrove swamps and estuaries in the Cairns region. They are a prized catch for local fishermen, and the best time to catch them is during the wet season when they come out of hiding to feed in the shallow waters.

The mud crab is a unique delicacy with a sweet, delicate flavor and a firm texture that is perfect for grilling, steaming or stir-frying. In many local restaurants, mud crabs are often served with garlic butter or in a spicy chili sauce. The meat of the mud crab is also used in a variety of dishes, such as crab cakes, crab salads, and crab bisque.

When dining on mud crab in Cairns, it’s important to choose a restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced crabs. One of the best ways to ensure that you are getting a quality meal is to ask the restaurant staff where their crabs come from. Many restaurants in the region source their mud crabs from local fishermen, ensuring that they are fresh and of the highest quality.

In addition to mud crabs, Cairns is home to a variety of other seafood delicacies, such as prawns, scallops, and barramundi.

Crocodile

For those who are feeling adventurous, crocodile is a must-try dish in Cairns. It has a texture similar to chicken but with a slightly gamy flavor. Crocodile meat is often served in a stir-fry or grilled and served with a spicy chili sauce.

Kangaroo

Kangaroo meat is a lean, healthy protein that is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. It has a slightly gamey flavor and is often served in a steak or burger form. If you’re feeling daring, you can even try kangaroo tartare, a dish made with raw kangaroo meat.

Vegemite

No trip to Australia would be complete without trying Vegemite. This savory spread is made from leftover brewer’s yeast and is a popular breakfast food in Australia. It has a salty, slightly bitter flavor and is best enjoyed spread thinly on toast with butter.

Meat pies

This classic Aussie dish consists of a savory filling, such as beef or chicken, encased in a flaky pastry shell. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy day of sightseeing.

Fish and chips

This classic British dish is popular throughout Australia, and Cairns is no exception. Head to a local fish and chip shop for a delicious and filling meal.

Pavlova

Pavlova is a dessert that originated in Australia and New Zealand, and has become a popular sweet treat in Cairns. It is a meringue-based dessert that is crisp on the outside and soft and marshmallow-like on the inside. The dessert is typically topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, such as kiwi, strawberries, and passionfruit.

The origins of Pavlova are somewhat contested, with both Australia and New Zealand claiming to be the birthplace of the dessert.

The recipe for Pavlova is relatively simple, and typically consists of egg whites, sugar, and vinegar or cream of tartar. The egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form, and then the sugar is gradually added until the mixture is glossy and thick. The vinegar or cream of tartar is then added to stabilize the meringue.

The meringue is then typically piped onto a baking sheet in a circular shape, with a slight indentation in the center to hold the toppings. It is then baked in a low oven for several hours until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

In Cairns, Pavlova is a popular dessert option in many restaurants and cafes, and is often served with a tropical twist, such as mango, pineapple, or passionfruit. It is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for the warm, tropical climate of Cairns.

Overall, Pavlova is a beloved dessert that has become a staple in many Australian and New Zealand households, as well as a popular treat in Cairns. Its light and airy texture, paired with the sweet and tangy fruit toppings, make it a perfect dessert option for any occasion.

In conclusion, Cairns is a foodie’s paradise with a wide range of delicious dishes to try. From fresh seafood to exotic meats and tropical fruits, there is something to suit every taste bud. Be sure to try some of these local specialties when you visit Cairns and discover the unique flavors of this tropical paradise.