To be completely honest, I had no idea what to expect when it came to food in New Zealand and Australia. I thought, maybe, it would just be like American food, but I was wrong. Although there are similarities, these two countries and cultures have their own unique flairs. Here are a few highlights you can’t afford to miss:

1. Coffee - New Zealand & Australia

Whether you’re waking yourself up in the morning or are in need of a pick-me-up in the afternoon, both New Zealand and Australia are overrun by coffee shops. The locals here are extremely vocal about their disgust for Starbucks, or in their words, “syrupy American rubbish”. Unlike American coffee stores, there are very few options on the menu the most popular being a tall black or a flat white. But the quality and presentation of coffee in these places far surpass anything I’ve found in the U.S. yet.

2. Hangi - New Zealand

This was definitely one dish that I was not prepared for during my stay in New Zealand. Maori people, the original native culture of New Zealand (with vaguely similar traditions as Native Americans), would create a hole in the ground and add meat and vegetables and then leave it, creating the ultimate slow-cooker. While the hangi I tried was delicious, its humble and authentic appearance made it practically impossible to take an aesthetically pleasing picture.

3. Lamb - New Zealand

Vegetarians beware: lamb is definitely the most popular and world-renowned food in New Zealand. Lamb chops and lamb shank were found and recommended on practically every restaurant menu, and for good reason. With sheep and lamb being the most common livestock in the northern New Zealand countryside, it’s no wonder why New Zealand is famous for it.

4. “Classic” Burgers - Australia

As your ordinary ignorant American, I ordered a “classic burger” off of a menu expecting a bun, beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and maybe some ketchup. Well, apparently, the “classic” in Australia contains all of the above, but to my surprise, also includes bacon, beets, and a fried egg. Yes. A fried egg. For my fellow Americans who choose to visit Australia, be prepared to expand your horizons when it comes to experiencing a new twist on your usual cuisine.

5. Seafood - Austalia

There’s a reason why “shrimp on the barbie” is probably one of the first things you think of when you think about Aussies, and that’s because Australian seafood is probably some of the best in the world. In Sydney, where the harbour provides the perfect location for fisherman and seafood aficionados alike, places such as the famous Sydney Fish Market are alive and bustling. San Francisco and New England can keep bragging, but I have to say, Australia wins my heart in this competition.

6. Chocolate - Australia

Chocolate is popular everywhere around the world, obviously, but Aussies tend to take this favorite dessert extremely seriously. Here, there are multiple “chocolate cafes” on every street, selling only—you guessed it—chocolate. For chocolate lovers such as myself, this was definitely the place to be. These chocolate cafes exactly resembled your ordinary sit-down restaurants, except they gave the feeling that you’re a part of a real-life Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

While food isn’t the only thing I’ll remember about my experience down under, it’s certainly a part of it. If you’re thinking of visiting soon, which I hope you’ll consider, be prepared to try something new and enjoy what New Zealand and Australia have to offer!