The foods of Australia carry a strong influence from people around the world. The potato famine of Ireland in the 1840's that caused many starving Irish to move to Australia. Many others traveled to the country a few years after that to enjoy their piece of the "gold rush" that occurred. Europeans and Asians settled in Australia during World War II as well and they, like their predecessors, brought their traditional cuisines. The many different cultures brought with them traditional foods such as Greek and Italian dishes, and the Europeans brought tea, coffee, cheeses, fruits, and cocoa, which have helped to create a rich diversity in Australian meals.
