Ep 9. Episode 9

Food Safari is a show that dives deep into the rich and diverse food culture of Australia. It combines the elements of travelogue and cooking show to bring viewers on a culinary journey across the continent. In each episode, the host, Maeve O'Meara, introduces us to a different cuisine and its unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

Episode 9 of Food Safari season 1 takes us on a gastronomic adventure to the Aboriginal cuisine, which is one of the oldest and most varied food cultures in the world. Maeve explores the traditional foods of indigenous communities in different parts of Australia and learns how they have adapted their cooking methods to modern times.

The episode begins with Maeve visiting a bushfood farm in New South Wales, where she meets an Aboriginal farmer who shows her some of the native ingredients used in the cuisine, such as lemon myrtle, wattle seeds, and bush tomatoes. She learns how these ingredients have been used for thousands of years by indigenous Australians for their medicinal and culinary properties.

Next, Maeve travels to the Northern Territory to taste some of the traditional foods of the Larrakia people, who are the traditional owners of the Darwin region. She visits a local market where she tries some crocodile meat, which is a delicacy in the region. Maeve also samples some kangaroo tail soup, which is a hearty dish made with meat, bones, and vegetables.

Maeve then visits a restaurant in Melbourne that specializes in contemporary Aboriginal cuisine. She meets the head chef, who shows her how to make a dish called 'emu carpaccio,' which is thinly sliced emu meat served with a salad of native greens and fruits. Maeve also visits an indigenous artist who creates beautiful plates and bowls using native clays and pigments.

In the next segment of the episode, Maeve travels to the Torres Strait Islands, which are located between Australia and Papua New Guinea. She learns about the unique culture and cuisine of the Torres Strait Islanders, who have a strong connection to the sea. Maeve joins a local fisherman as he catches some fresh fish, which she later cooks with a local cook in a traditional outdoor kitchen.

Finally, Maeve ends her journey by visiting a community in the Kimberley, where she learns about the importance of 'bush tucker,' which refers to the native foods found in the wild. She tries some of the local delicacies, such as witchetty grubs, which are a type of edible larvae found in the roots of certain trees.

Overall, episode 9 of Food Safari season 1 is a fascinating exploration of the Aboriginal cuisine of Australia. Viewers will be treated to a wide variety of flavors and ingredients that are unique to this ancient culture. Maeve's journey offers a glimpse into the rich history, traditions, and community values of indigenous Australians, and showcases the resilience and adaptability of their food culture.