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American Comforts in Australia: Food, Shops & Restaurants 🇺🇸✨🐨
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items From food cravings to everyday essentials, sometimes you just need a little piece of home while living abroad.
This list rounds up the best products, stores, and spots across Australia that bring those American comforts back — whether it’s your fav...
Map
Sections
5
Food + Snacks 🍔
Coffee + Drinks 🥤
Stores + Online Shops 🛍️
Home + Everyday Comforts 🏡
Restaurants + Dining 🍽️
Food + Snacks 🍔
Because nothing cures homesickness like a familiar bite.
Game days might look different, but the flavors can taste the same! I’ve made my chicken buffalo dip several times with Franks Red Hot - it’s in Woolies/Coles, so it’s easy to achieve that taste of home.
Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce 148mL
Whether adding them as a cupcake topping, a cheesecake filling, or just dunking in milk, Oreos are a staple that you can find in Aussie grocery stores as well! Now, I’ve found them to be more pricey and the packs are not as large as what you would fi...
Oreo Original Cookies
Exactly as you would find in the states, Hellman’s is a great choice for any recipe that calls for mayo. I’m a ranch dressing FIEND, so of course, I bought over hidden valley seasoning - well, I was disappointed with the first Aussie mayo I tried mak...
Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise Jar Real Mayonnaise
Yes, the grocery stores here have Ben & Jerry’s!!! Definitely a comfort food must
(but also do yourself a favor and try Connoisseur Cookies N Cream)
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
Coffee + Drinks 🥤
Sips from home — from Dr Pepper to pumpkin spice, here’s where to find them.
While 2 years of Sydney living has turned me into a bit more of a coffee enthusiast, Starbucks was still my go-to for the first 6 months or so when I first moved. The locations at York Street, in the CBD, and Bondi Westfield were great to visit for a...
Starbucks
Ah, my true love.. this is my drink of choice above everything else, so not having it available most places was devastating when I first moved. Luckily enough, there are places that have it!! I’ve linked the Costco option, but most of the time I see ...
Dr Pepper
While it’s not a must-have for me, I do like the occasional Gatorade after the gym - these are in Woolies/Coles and even Aldi has a few flavors. A nice-to-have and especially great if you’re very active!
Gatorade Sports Drinks
This cocktail was a favorite of mine, but I’d only ever heard of the one name “Moscow Mule” to order it. I can confirm hardly any place around Sydney knows this by name, so it’s easier to ask for a ginger beer with vodka & lime juice!
Vodka Buck/Moscow Mule (How to order)
Stores + Online Shops 🛍️
Go-to shops and online spots stocked with U.S. goodies you’ll actually crave.
If you think this looks like TJ Maxx, it’s because it is the same brand! Because of a UK store with a similar name, TJ Maxx is known as TK Maxx everywhere outside the USA. It’s the same store though - my ex-pat friend and I love to go for TK Maxx day...
TK Maxx
Certainly feels like a blast from the past, but a Kmart run is one of the most similar things in Sydney to a US Target experience .. these are typically large stores with a wide variety to look through, great for staples and some unique finds!
Kmart
Quite literally the best place for US comfort foods - my friend (also from the states) ordered from here last year for our Friendsgiving, and it was perfect!!
USA Foods
Ok ok - this one is bittersweet. I love that Costco is an option here and it does seem similar, but I’m afraid it’s just not as convenient as it would be back home.
First, it’s pretty far out of the city (a half hour drive or more depending on traf...
Costco Wholesale
When in doubt, you can always order US products via Amazon! I’ve found many things to be a bit more costly though. For smaller, travel friendly items, I’d recommend strategically planning to order a delivery for your US address when you go home to vi...
Amazon AU
Home + Everyday Comforts 🏡
Little household comforts that make life abroad feel instantly familiar.
One thing about IKEA is the experience so similar at any store you visit. This location is a bit out from the lower north shore, but not too far out if you can drive. It’s really nice to be able to pick up familiar essentials and of course enjoy some...
IKEA Australia
Same scents, same store setup - honestly, it’s like stepping into your local B&BW! I love dropping in when I’m at the QVB and seeing the new options and classic favorites.
Bath & Body Works
Spotlight is THE place for craft supplies in Australia!! They’ve got the best selection of materials, thread, sewing tools, and other crafting supplies - I haven’t heard of any competitor with the same focus, and I’ve found them to be quite reasonabl...
Spotlight
Restaurants + Dining 🍽️
Where to find a taste of home — American-style diners, BBQ joints, and comfort food spots across Australia
Is this a one to one chain? No. But it’s certainly some of the best Nashville hot chicken I’ve ever had, and that’s from a Tennessee valley native! This is ONLY place I would say the ranch is similar to US style ranch - highly recommend trying it if ...
Belles Hot Chicken Barangaroo
I mean, what is better than a chicken burrito with chips & queso?! I’ve had the hardest time being away from the absolute pinnacle of dining at my local cantinas back home, but G&G is my favorite Aussie substitute I’ve found.
The chips are n...
Guzman y Gomez
LISTEN!! Domino’s and Pizza Hut are VASTLY different in Australia - try them out if you’d like to, but I’ve found I Love Pizza to be a much better option. The Chicken BBQ pizza is my favorite and my hubby loves the Australiana (bacon + egg).
I Love Pizza
Bagels are not massive in Sydney, so when I find a good one, it’s amazing!! Pina has a beautiful presentation and I added bacon as well - SO yummy and have an elevated Bruegger’s Bagels vibe.
PIÑA
Best barbecue sandwiches in Sydney!! The people who run this place are so friendly and apparently have won several competitions with this bbq - and I can see why. Try the Famous Brisket Sandwich and tell me that isn’t a bite straight out of the south...
On A Roll Sandwiches (Cremorne)