Aussie Customs

Being in Australia for close to a year now; I have observed or inferred the following Australian customs or cultural practices.

Common foods (fast food or pub food)

Meat Pie

Sausage roll

Sausage sizzle – sausage served with onions (optional), on a piece of white bread, with the bread folded up to create a bun. You can also add tomato sauce (ketchup).

Sausage sizzles are very popular during summer to eat or serve for fund raisers or at social events like lawn bowling.

Sausages on their own (Snags) are popular BBQ items to eat during summer.

Kebabs – Lamb kebabs served in pita bread or Turkish bread is very popular. I would say the 2nd most popular after a tie for first for meat pie and sausages. You can also get chicken or beef (Steak) kebabs.

Sushi – Take away Sushi is very popular here, especially with the young people. It is not uncommon to see young people walking down the street or on the bus eating Sushi out of clear plastic containers.

Fish and Chips are very common in Australia. Many neighborhoods have their own Fish and Chips restaurants.

Chicken Parma or Chook Parma – is a chicken schnitzel or huge chicken breast breaded with tomato sauce, pieces of ham and melted cheese on top of it.

It is a very common dish at pubs. Many pubs will designate a cheap parma night or Beer and Parma for a reduced price. Usually comes with chips and salad.

Drinks

Cordial (a sweet liquid) is a very popular drink here in Oz. Your pour a cap full or splash into a glass of water or soda water.

Milo is popular chocolate drink, described as malted chocolate drink. It was developed in Sydney in 1934. Milo is also very popular in the Caribbean and in Asian countries.

Beer – When ordering beer at a pub or bar and you want a small glass ask for a pot and for the largest ask for a pint. Valid for the state of Victoria, other states have their own naming conventions.

Social Customs

The 21^st Birthday seems to be a very important age to celebrate, becoming an adult ? People will have big parties or celebrate in a special way with large groups of people – family and friends.

For regular Birthdays or other significant occasions, a lot of people will celebrate at Bar/Pub/Funky bar. You invite all your friends/family, say join me for a drink. Those who show up share in your special occasion.

Clothing/Footwear

Singlet
Is basically a T-shirt without arms and less material around the shoulders and upper chest, worn by men during summer time.

Thongs
Thongs or flip flops to North Americans are plastic rubbery slippers. Many people will wear this in summer time both men and women.

Words/Slang

Mate
It’s common to refer to both males and females as mate.
Examples: Thanks mate, See you mate, Cheers mate.

Ta
Ta is thanks. It is more common to hear Ta than thanks.