Gen Z dethrones Aussie national dish

Some iconic Aussie foods have not withstood the test of time, and what Gen Z and Millennials have chosen for Australia’s national dish will shock you.

The verdict on what is Australia’s national dish is in – but it depends on which generation you ask.

Australia’s number one cooking resource taste.com.au surveyed more than 2350 Australians from all cultural backgrounds on their food habits for their Taste the World report, finding younger generations seem to have very different tastes compared to those of their parents, and grandparents.

In a move that will make Sam Kekovich choke on a cutlet, lamb chops were ranked in the bottom three, along with lasagne and pork.

Roast lamb reigned as Australia’s national dish for years, but according to those surveyed it now sits at number nine, with the meat pie taking out the top spot.

Younger generations have dethroned roast lamb and chosen this surprising favourite as Australia’s national dish.

Former MasterChef contestant and cook Khanh Ong nominated a Bunnings and election day favourite – the sausage sizzle. But according to the Taste the World findings, sausages ranked seventh.

“Parmas, pies, roast lamb (we do have the best spring lamb), pavs, lamingtons,” were all good options, but “but can you really beat a snag?,” Khanh told news.com.au

Khanh, who comes from a Vietnamese background, said the growing multiculturalism of Australia is also influencing tastes and preferences.

“Australia itself is a melting pot of culture and I think that’s why Greek, Italian, Chinese and a plethora of different cuisines is so popular to Australians,” he said.

“As our country gets older our food identity will change and evolve and become more diverse to mimic the cultural environment.

“As we cook, learn and explore different foods our palates will change.”

This could be why the barbie also took a hit, with only five per cent of Gen Z voting it in for our national dish, despite it being a popular choice for Boomers and Pre-Boomers.

And while Boomers and Gen X often do not agree on much, they are united in believing a roast should be our national dish, with the iconic Sunday dinner chosen by roughly one in five aged 61+.

Taste’s Food Director Michelle Southan said her top national dishes include “Mum’s lamb roast studded with garlic and rosemary, crispy skinned barramundi, meat pie with super flaky pastry (don’t forget the sauce!), Vegemite on toast, (and the) sausage sizzle.”

However, only 13 per cent of Millennials and 10 per cent of Gen Z chose roast lamb as the national dish.

Taste’s Food Director Michelle Southan. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Former MasterChef and celebrity cook Khanh Ong, Picture: Justin Lloyd

Desserts also did not feel the love, with less than 10 per cent of those surveyed thinking a sweet treat should be our national dish, with Southan nominating the “bakery favourite vanilla slice, light and fluffy lamington or that childhood party favourite, fairy bread”.

In second place for Millennials and Gen Z was a classic chicken parmigiana – schnitzel covered in tomato sauce and cheese.

Surprisingly, in first place for both these younger generations was the meat pie, with one in three Gen Zs picking it as their top choice, followed by 16 per cent of Millennials, 12 per cent of Gen Xs and 8 per cent of Boomers.

Sam Kekovich‘s lamb chops are out.

While meat pies are in with younger Aussies. Picture: Supplied

The preference shifting from a roast dinner in older generations to a meat pie for the younger end of the spectrum could be due to cost of living pressures.

A roast with all the trimmings can usually range from $18-30 dollars at restaurants and pubs, compared to a $2 meat pie from 7/11.

“Today we seem to be more on the run than ever and cramming as much as we can into the day – so grabbing something easy on the run may be the go-to option for many people,” Southan said.

“Many people tend to savour the lamb roast for more special family get-togethers, I know I do. When we all come together and sit around the table, my mum’s lamb roast brings back those memories of fun family dinners.

“It’s often said that nothing beats your mum’s lamb roast, not even a dinner date with Tom Cruise, according to the famous ad campaign from the 80s!”

For more food inspiration and recipes go to taste.com.au/world