Blogs

Taste of Australia with Bush Foods: Exploring Native Ingredients in Modern Cooking

Australia is often celebrated as a multicultural culinary destination, drawing flavours and food traditions from across the globe. But nestled in this diversity is a treasure trove of ingredients that many Australians have overlooked for decades—bush foods.

Also known as bush tucker, these native Australian ingredients have nourished Indigenous communities for tens of thousands of years. Today, they’re making a major comeback, with high-profile chef  with An Immersive Night of Torres Strait Island Flavours with Nornie Bero and food lovers alike embracing bush foods for their flavour, nutritional benefits, and cultural significance.

If you keep it simple and buy ingredients at farmers' markets, the food can pretty much take care of itself. Do as little as possible to the food; consider leaving out an ingredient and relying on instinct. We have a list of shopping streets and farmer markets in Melbourne for you.

If you keep it simple and buy fresh ingredients at farmers’ markets, the food can pretty much take care of itself. That’s one of our mantras at Otao Kitchen. Whether you're cooking at home or joining us for a masterclass, we believe seasonal produce is the foundation of flavour.

Instead of overcomplicating your dishes, try doing as little as possible—skip a garnish, trust your instincts, and let those perfectly ripe tomatoes, vibrant greens, and crusty loaves shine. Below is our curated guide to Melbourne’s best farmers’ markets and fresh food streets. These places aren’t just for shopping—they’re experiences in themselves.

Cook with the Seasons: What to Buy and How to Use It

Eating with the seasons helps you enjoy fresher flavours, support local growers, and cook meals that naturally suit the weather. Melbourne’s four seasons each bring unique produce that can inspire your kitchen creations. At Otao Kitchen, we love showcasing seasonal fruits and vegetables in our cooking classes—from fresh spring salads to hearty winter stews.

Here’s your go-to guide for what’s in season around Melbourne, plus how to best use the produce at home or in the kitchen.