From scallop pies to wine and some of the best freshly shucked oysters around, there is plenty to eat and drink with our foodie guide of the top 10 things you must try when in Tasmania!
If you’re lucky enough to visit the stunning state of Tasmania, you simply can’t go past the sensational dishes and produce this island has to offer.
National Pies, Meat Pies
Sticking to the theme of pies – how can we forget the humble yet equally classic Aussie meat pie?! Tasmania’s famous National Pies are best eaten piping hot straight out of the oven. Each pie is made with 128 layers of puff pastry and wrapped around their butchers’ best cuts of Tassie meat. A simple yet stunningly perfect all-in-one meal you must taste whilst travelling.
Flinders Island, Lamb
At the moment Tasmania looks like a very carnivorous state…we do promise this is the last meat-laden item! However, Flinders Island lamb is the most succulent piece of meat you’ll ever eat. Tassie’s best restaurants use the tender milk-fed lamb in a number of dishes for the ultimate and decadent experience. No chewy bits here we promise.
Tasmanian Vinters, Wine
Previously known as Winemaking Tasmania; today, Tasmanian Vinters sources only the best fruit from vineyards to produce some of the best drops Tasmania and Australia has to offer. Sub-branched as ANON and Terra Verde, we would recommend either the 2017 Terra Verde Pinot Noir that has fresh flavours of cherry and raspberry; or the 2018 ANON Pinot Noir Rosé which has a nose of fresh watermelon, wild strawberries and fine citrus aromas of pink grapefruit.
R. Stephens Apiary, Leatherwood Honey
The enchanting wilderness surrounding Cradle Mountain is home to Leatherwood Honey. Cradle Mountain itself is a spectacular place to explore, and can be improved with a stop at R. Stephens Apiary Mole Creek where you can taste and purchase the deliciously sweet and natural honey straight from the factory door![
Ashgrove Cheese
Believe it or not Tasmania grows wild wasabi, and the clever team at Ashgrove Cheese have infused the zingy goodness with their smooth cheddar, which is made from the milk of happy grazing cows. You can buy the addictive block from supermarkets, however nothing beats eating it straight from the Ashgrove Cheese farm gate, where you can meet the cheesemakers and see the beautiful cows for yourself. The Pickled Onion & Chive Infused Club Cheddar is a definite must-try too!
Cradle Coast Olives, Olive Oil
You can’t go wrong with a generous slug of olive oil with some freshly made sourdough – it’s a fact. Thanks to the rich volcanic soils and a cool climate, Tasmania is able to produce some of Australia’s best olives and, to no surprise, Cradle Coast Olives are up there with some of the best! Located under a two-hour drive north-west of Launceston, Cradle Coast Olives’ cellar door is open Monday – Friday for tastings of their renowned olive oil range. Our favourite is the Cradle Coast Medley – a blend of Cradle Coast Olives’ top-quality oils.
Get Shucked, Oysters
We all know that when it comes to finding a great oyster, the fresher the better. You won’t be able to find oysters any fresher than the ones grown and harvested on the shores of beautiful Bruny Island. And, to help foodies taste some of the best Australian oysters, Get Shucked is a locally owned and operated oyster farm and bar in North Bruny that harvests and serves-up oysters at their Oyster Bar daily to ensure you are only eating the best of the best! This is one not to miss.
41 Degrees South, Salmon
Sticking with the foodie treats from the sea, we can’t forget the outstanding salmon our little state produces. 41 Degrees South is a working salmon and ginseng farm in Deloraine, run by farmer Ziggy Pyka. He raises the salmon in tanks and then smokes them himself. If you’d like to spend a little more time you can also take a self guided tour or bus tour around the farm to see how everything works. The small licensed cafe is also a must try, with a variety of salmon sandwiches, platters and burgers on offer. The real stand out – the salmon rillettes.
House of Anvers, Chocolate
Last but not least, chocolate. What foodie experience would be complete without a dash of the good stuff? Well how about a whole chocolate experience?! Explore the chocolate museum at the House of Anvers and watch the confectionery experts at work. Not only will it have you in awe, but it will have you drooling for more. Lucky for you, you can taste some moreish samples and purchase the ones you loved.
To help you on your journey of discovering one of Australia’s finest foodie destinations, we’ve tasted and tippled our way through the best things to do in Tasmania with our guide of the top 10 offerings you must eat and drink when in Tasmania this year:
Photographed by Suthikait Teerawattanaphan. Image via Shutterstock.
Bakery 31, Scallop Pies
The number one must-try foodie treat is a Tasmanian scallop pie. Simply put, it’s a Tassie staple. Fresh Tasmanian scallops are cooked in a creamy curry sauce and are gently encased in deliciously buttery and crispy pastry. The absolute standouts are the scallops sourced from Bicheno scallop fisheries then lovingly put together at Bakery 31 in Ross. You won’t be disappointed!
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