Cultural Foods

September 29, 2019

Cultural Foods

Cultural Foods at Macquarie!

Written by Heloise D'Annunzio

29.09.19

Hey, its me Heloise from the Five Foodies, and today i'll discuss the different cultural foods found within the Macquarie Centre, area and University.

To me, cultural food, whether it be Japanese, Italian, Portuguese or Lebanese, allows people and communities to come together in celebration of meals and communications. The culture within our food, also relates to the our beliefs, ritual and networks of people around us. It enriches us into our past, present and future lives, yet also how we incorporate our cultural interests and beliefs into the food we eat! Cultural foods also allow us to learn about the difference between people we know and where they come from. As an element of unity, food is able to resonate old traditions and customs. Thus, it is within this food Blog, that I encourage you to seek and find new cultural food dishes within the Macqaurie area and University! Ill provide you all with some of my personal favourites, Including Japanese food, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish!
Amongst these also explain the traditions and culture behind each individual yet unique cuisines.

JAPANESE FOODS

For me, Japanese food is one of my favourite dishes! From Sushi to Ramen Curry to Green tea soft serve, all Japanese dishes are my favourite!

The culture behind Japanese Food resonates from their early traditions, in providing small, healthy proportioned meals. Studies have also found that due to Japanese food, Japan have low rates in obesity, and cardiovascular disease, aswell as holding long life expectancy rates!

Sushi World Restaurant - MQ U-BAR
When at University, a basic Japanese place is the 'Sushi World Restaurant' at the U-Bar Centre within the University. For me, they provided an excellent selection of Japanese cuisines from California Crab rolls, Eel Rolls, Seaweed Vegetable rolls, Sashimi boxes, Inari, and Maki Party mixer plates! Personally, my favourite is their seaweed salad, with avocado, leafy greens and Edamame, as well as their Tofu Sweet Inari! This Japanese cuisine defiantly will not disappoint, if you are looking for a quick, healthy and energising snack or meal!

Sushi World Range ~ http://www.sushiworld.com.au

Motto Motto Japanese Kitchen - Macquarie Centre
For a more pricey, filling Japanese meal, the Motto Motto Japanese Kitchen in the Macquarie Centre, is an all time favourite! They provide a whole range of Japanese Cuisines, including, Seafood/Salmon/Wagyu Beef rice bowls, Bento Sets, Japanese Chicken / assorted Vegetable Curries, Ramen Noodles, Miso Soup, as well as soft shell crab and Wagyu Beef rolls. These filling dishes are within a good price range for the quality and tastiness of the Japanese Cuisine! This will definitely drift your senses into the cultural world of Japan!

Motto Motto Kitchen Range ~ https://www.mottomotto.com.au

On the Sweeter side of Japanese Cuisines, Motto Motto also provide various Japanese sweets and drinks! From Alcoholic Japanese beverages, to sweet Green Tea, Lychee Marble lemonade, Melon Peach or Mango cider, & Pokka Iced tea! My favourite is the lychee Marble Lemonade, as its refreshing and energising, whilst also really tasty! Motto, also provide their famous Green Tea Soft Serve. Perfect for a hot summers day, a sweet treat, a study break or Instagram photo, this Green tea ice cream will defiantly bring you in towards the Japanese culture!

Motto Motto Kitchen Drinks & Green Tea Soft Serve ~ https://www.mottomotto.com.au

Italian Foods

Italian food, is one of the largest cultural foods that Australia indulges itself within. From Pizza, to Pasta, or Red Sauce and Smoked Salami, these foods allow us to connect with different cultures amongst us! Favouring Italian food, has shown that many Italian Restaurant's within the Macquarie area provide different twists to their unique cultural food!

Versace Pizzeria - Macquarie Park
A family favourite Italian Restaurant, is the Versace Pizzeria. Versace Pizzeria, provide unique and traditional Italian dishes, such as home made pasta and woodier oven cooked pizzas, whilst also including vegetarian and gluten free meals! From breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, the Italian cuisine will have you sorted!
Breakfast Menu: Assorted pastries, muffins and counter items, etc.
Lunch/Dinner Menu: Vegetable, seafood and meat Antipastos's, Slow cooked lamb Ragu, White wine spaghetti, Gnocchi alla sorrentina, Tomato based Pizzas, and fresh salads, etc.
Dessert Menu: Traditional Cannoli, Tiramisu, Nutella Pizza and Ricotta sweets, etc.
Drinks: A wide range of red & white wines, including Barolo, Brunello, Gattinara & Chianti Classico.

There food is known for great taste and unique atmosphere, as was recognised by the Daily Telegraph! Check out the video below!

https://www.facebook.com/dailytelegraph/videos/10154490560336105/

Versace Pizzeria Range ~ http://www.veracepizzeria.com.au/index.html

U-Bar Pizzeria

If, however, you are looking within the Macquarie University area, for an Italian treat or meal, the U-Bar has an amazing and affordable Pizzeria Bar! They have the basic Italian Antipastos starters, such as garlic bread, Anchovies and Caprese, as well as a wide range of tasty pizzas, including vegan, seafood, vegetarian, tomato base, and meat pizzas! Luckily enough, they also serve classical and traditional Italian desserts including Nutella pizza, home-made Cannolis and Tiramisu!
For anyone within the University area or studying at Macquarie University, the U-bar pizzeria is the best place to catch up with friends and eat, or to go on a study break!

U-Bar Pizzeria Range ~ https://www.zomato.com/sydney/u-bar-macquarie-park/menu#tabtop

Portuguese Foods

Portuguese cuisines are not commonly found places to eat. However, certain places do provide the traditional Portuguese dishes, whereas others have become more westernised. From snails, to barbecued chicken, seafood rice, and pastel de natas, Portuguese food is a MUST, to put on your list of cultural foods to try! Yet also, traditional Portuguese food, is best known for its seafood cuisines. Portuguese codfish, Bacalhau and sardines, octopus or polvo are more popular Portuguese dishes loved by all. Polvo à la lagareiro is a famous octopus dish that is quite popular in Portuguese traditions, yet the modernised version of Portuguese food today in Australia, is quite different.

Oporto Range ~ https://www.oporto.com.au

Oportos ~ Macquarie Centre
Although most people may be familiar with the brand Oporto, people may not be aware of its origins. Oporto is a more westernised option of Portuguese cuisines, from its Portuguese styled chargrilled chicken, Chicken Taça Bowl, Portuguese Heirloom Tomato Salad, and Spicy Rice (Perri Perri Arroz de Tomate). Originally known as Portuguese Style Bondi Charcoal Chicken, in the 1980's, the Portuguese cuisine franchised to global areas, (and within the Macquarie Centre!)and has shifted its tone of food to suit the more westernised culture.

Oporto Range ~
https://www.instagram.com/oportosl/

More specifically, in Australia, Oporto's most popular dishes are the Bondi Burger, Pulled Chicken Wrap, and Hazelnut Donuts. Whereas the franchise of Oporto in Indias most popular dishes consist of the Crispy Chicken Strips, along with the spicy Rice Bowl. For me, the Veggie burger is quite unique and different for those willing to try something new at Oporto's!

Nandos ~ Macquarie Centre
Another all time favourite Portuguese traditional reasturaunt, is Nandos. Known for its unique ethnic recipes, Nandos definitely will enlighten you to the cultural foods of Portugal. From Perri Perri Churrasco, to flame grilled chicken, Mediterranean salads, and Paella (traditional chicken/Gallinga, red rice and vegetables), Nandos is the epitome of Portuguese food. The westernised mix of this Portuguese cuisines is defiantly known to all of us, but important to know its originations so we can learn from the Portuguese traditions and culture!

Personally, my favourite dish at Nandos, is their Halloumi Stick 'n' dips, with the buttered corn cob and spicy rice. For those wanting a more food filling course, the Traditional Portuguese Paella dish is one you have to try! It is packed with different flavours, colours, and will absorb you into the cultural food world of Portugal, perfect for a meet up with friends or filling meal within the Macquarie Centre area.

Nandos ~ https://www.nandos.com.au

Turkish Foods

Similarly, Turkish food is not one to be commonly seen or eaten in our everyday lives within Australia. However, it is important to recognise the Turkish cultures and traditions through their food! For me, Turkish food includes heavy based, tasty and colourful dishes. It brings our food senses to new smells and tastes, which is why I have the best recommendation for you foodies to try out!

Doner Kebab ~ Macquarie U-Bar
For me, Doner Kebab Turkish street food, hold the best Turkish food I've tried! From Lemon salted Tabouli, Hummus Chips, falafel wraps and meat kebabs, as well as fresh caramelised vegetables. They bring to you fresh dips, Mediterranean mixed meat platters, home made salads and halal dishes, that deliver authentic Turkish tastes and senses. For me personally, a favourite is the Falafel wrap with crispy tabouli salad, fresh tomato, hummus, and beans, wrapped and toasted in traditional Turkish Pita bread. I usually come here, at the Macquarie U-Bar, for a quick study salad snack, or for a heavy lunch/dinner meal. My go to!

Doner Kebab Range ~ https://www.mq.edu.au/pubstatic/on_campus/food_and_shopping/food_and_drink/

Enjoy exploring these favourite Cultural cafes, foods, and drinks within the MQ area! They are a must for anyone willing to try something new! Enjoy the best flavours of these traditional meals, whilst opening your tastebuds to new food ventures, flavours and traditions! For those who did want to explore making their own Cultural Meals, I've attached a helpful video below! Ive tried some of these before, and they are great to emerge yourself into new worlds, Enjoy!

~ Heloise D'Annunzio