Ep 1. Episode 1
- December 6, 2006
- 25 min
Food Safari is an Australian documentary series that explores the culinary landscape of the diverse culture that calls Australia home. In this season, the show's host, Maeve O'Meara, takes us on a mouth-watering journey as she celebrates the food traditions and cultures of various communities in Australia.
Episode 1 of Food Safari season 1 is an exciting introduction to the show. Maeve O'Meara takes us on a culinary journey through the unique food culture of Australia's Indigenous communities. In this episode, Maeve explores the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cuisines and how they have evolved over thousands of years.
Maeve starts her exploration by visiting the Gunditjmara people in western Victoria, where she meets Andrew and his family. Andrew's family is the custodian of a special delicacy called Murnong, also known as Yam Daisy. Murnong is a rare and highly-prized food that is native to the region. Andrew and his family prepare Murnong in various ways, including roasting and boiling. Maeve gets to taste it and is amazed by its unique flavour and texture.
Next, Maeve visits Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, where she meets Gunbalanya and its Aboriginal community. She learns about their ancient knowledge of the land and how it is the foundation of their food culture. Maeve also learns about the way the community has maintained the tradition of hunting and gathering food from the wild. She joins the hunt with some of the community's best hunters as they harvest Magpie Goose and Dhayirri.
Maeve then travels to Queensland, where she meets the Torres Strait Islanders. They prepare a traditional feast, which includes the famous Torres Strait Islander dish, Lobsters. They also introduce her to their unique way of cooking using underground ovens, known as Mumu. This cooking technique is used to cook entire meals underground, and Maeve is impressed by the flavours it produces.
The episode ends with Maeve exploring bushfood, which is an essential part of Aboriginal cuisine. She visits a wild Australian food market in Sydney, where she meets farmers who produce bushfood on their farms and sells them to major markets and restaurants in Sydney. Mao also learns about the nutritional value of bushfood that is considered a superfood.
Food Safari episode 1 of season 1 is a fascinating introduction to the show. Maeve O'Meara does an excellent job of showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Australia's Indigenous communities. The episode is a celebration of the culture, tradition, and unique food of the Indigenous people of Australia. It is a must-watch for every food lover who is interested in exploring new food cultures and traditions.