The pavlova is a meringue cake with a crisp shell and marshmallow centre, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. A summertime Brisbane Christmas table standard.
The pavlova is named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who toured Australia and New Zealand in 1926 and 1929. Both countries claim invention; food historian Helen Leach traced earlier published recipes to New Zealand, but Australian versions evolved separately. By the 1950s the pavlova was Australia's most-served celebration dessert, particularly at Christmas. In Brisbane, the Pavlova takes a tropical-fruit turn with passionfruit, kiwi and Bowen mango toppings replacing the colder-climate berries of the south. Australian Macadamia nuts (a native Queensland tree) crown some modern interpretations.
1 editor pick for Pavlova in Brisbane, ranked by editorial score. All Brisbane signature dishes · Pavlova across every city.