Calling all penny-pinching travellers! Australia is an awesome place to explore, but eating out every day can leave your wallet feeling a bit light. Fear not, budget warriors! This guide will turn you into a kitchen ninja, whipping up delicious and affordable meals to fuel your adventures.

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Why Cook?

 

Let's face it, eating out gets expensive fast. But with most hostels boasting fully equipped kitchens and your preparedness in the bush, why not channel your inner chef and save some serious coin, allowing you to spend it on the adventures and experiences that will provide lifetime memories.

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Top Tips for Hostel Kitchen Champions:

 

• Pack Light: Don't overburden yourself with groceries. Buy just what you need for a few meals to avoid carrying a backpack full of food.

• Small Portions, Big Flavours: You probably won't have a fridge overflowing with leftovers, so plan meals for one or two people.

• Pantry Power: Stock up on non-perishables like pasta, rice, and canned goods. These are your base ingredients, and you can add fresh produce for a variety of meals.

• Spice Up Your Life! A sprinkle of spices can transform a boring dish into a taste sensation. Stock up on a few basic spices like garlic powder, paprika, and chili flakes to add some magic to your meals.

• Become a Recipe Rockstar: Impress your fellow hostel dwellers (and maybe even score a free dishwasher!) with these easy and delicious recipes.

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Delish Dishes on a Dime:

Here are some Aussie hostel kitchen classics that are easy on the wallet and big on flavour:

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• Nacho Ordinary: This crowd-pleaser is perfect for using up leftovers. Throw in your vegetables, can of beans, diced tomato, lentils, and mince. Top with your favourite chips.
   

• Mi Goreng Magic: Level up your instant noodles by adding fresh veggies like carrots, peppers, and broccoli. Bonus points for some leftover bacon or chicken!
   

• Fake-Away Pizza: Craving pizza but stuck with a toaster and a frying pan? No worries! Travel back in time and make an Aussie classic. Spread some pasta sauce on toasted bread, add your favourite toppings (ham, cheese, pineapple – the choice is yours!), and create a mini pizza masterpiece.
   

• Spag-tacular Bolognaise: This budget-friendly classic is a winner every time. Simply combine pasta, diced tomatoes, lentils or mince, and some chopped veggies for a hearty and filling meal.
   

• Chicken Parma Partay!: This Aussie favourite is a breaded chicken schnitzel (or eggplant for the vegos) smothered in pasta sauce, cheese, and ham. Pair it with some steamed veggies for a complete meal. If the hostel does not have an oven, simply use a lid on top of a frying pan to melt the cheese.
   

• Spicy Chicken Rolls with a Kick: These flavour bombs are perfect for those who like a little heat. In the frying pan, marinate chicken in a mixture of chili, honey, soy sauce, and spices. with the left over juices, throw in your thinly diced onion to soak all the flavours up. When it comes to plating, stuff it in a roll along with some carrot and cucumber.
   

• Wrappin' it Up: Wraps are the ultimate lunchbox heroes. Fill them with anything from leftover meats to fresh salads and hummus. The possibilities are endless!
   

• ​Veggie Stir-Fry Delight: A quick and healthy option. Toss your favourite veggies (like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas) in a hot pan with some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add tofu or leftover chicken for extra protein. Serve over rice or noodles.
   

• ​It's'A'Me, Pasta: Cook pasta in a pot with canned tomatoes, garlic, and your choice of veggies. Add some spinach or kale at the end for extra greens. The pasta absorbs all the flavours, making it a delicious and easy clean-up meal.
   

• ​Egg-cellent Fried Rice: Use leftover rice to make a quick fried rice. fry some onions, garlic, and mixed veggies, then add the rice and a couple of beaten eggs. Season with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for a tasty meal.
   

• Sweet Potato Jackets: This one for when your out camping. covered your potatoes in aluminium foil and cover them in the hot coals of the fire. Bake for about 30 minutes. For the toppings, open the cans so air can escape and it doesn't explode, and heat up black beans, corn. Add cheese, Greek yogurt and some chopped green onions. Be prepared for a lot of trial and error. 

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Breakfast like a Champion

 

Aussie breakfasts are all about being big on flavour and easy on the wallet. Start your day with a bowl of Weet-Bix, a classic Aussie cereal that you can customize with fruit, nuts, or even a warm-up in the microwave and a spoonful of brown sugar. Muesli and oats are other budget-friendly breakfast options that will keep you fuelled for a day of exploring. Wanting to cook up a hot breakfast, impress us Aussies with a bacon and egg roll.
Pro tip - collect a cheap pot and pan that you can use on the fire.

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So there you have it!

With a little planning and these handy tips, you can become a kitchen guru, saving money and whipping up delicious meals that will have your fellow travellers begging for seconds.

 

Now get out there, explore Australia, and eat like a champ!