Aussies outraged by American’s Vegemite toast ‘abomination’

An American expat has sparked yet another national debate after sharing his creative take on our nation’s staple breakfast.

Few culinary debates get Aussies riled up as much as the topic of the “proper” way to eat Vegemite.

Fans Down Under consider it a matter of national importance, so any time the issue comes up — be it at the breakfast table or on internet forums — a battle ensues.

The main debate, of course, is: “How much is too much?”

Are you the type to generously coat your toast with Vegemite, covering every inch from edge to edge, or do you opt for more of a cautious smear, wary of its intensity?

And then, there are the sub-debates: to butter or not to butter? Cheese or no cheese? Should an egg ever be involved?

Recently, this timeless discussion was reignited when an American decided to put their own spin on the iconic dish, and bravely share it online.

This American’s Vegemite creation divided Reddit. Picture: Reddit

Their creation was deemed “disgusting” and “culturally unacceptable”.

Taking to Reddit, the Yank asked Australians: “How’s my latest Vegemite toast?

“This time with butter, cheese, and a touch of dill and smoked paprika.”

And while it actually looks half decent — with what appears to be two types of melted cheese oozing all over it — people argued that on principle, you shouldn’t overcomplicate Vegemite on toast, especially when the core ingredient already packs such a punch.

“Why is dill on the official breakfast of Australia?” one of the top comments read.

“Not once have I ever had a Vegemite sandwich, with or without cheese, and thought, ‘flavour’s not strong enough – what can I add?’” said another.

Another person compared the situation to “that Italian chef on that British show when the host asked when to add cream to the carbonara”.

“National insult,” someone else declared, as someone else took it a step further and called it an “international war crime”.

Other descriptors included “abomination” and “barbaric,” and one user admitted they were pregnant, and therefore used to having weird cravings, but even this made them gag.

“Have you no shame?” another quipped.

They added butter, cheese, paprika and dill. Picture: Reddit

Meanwhile, some Aussies were slightly kinder to the poster, with one saying, “Don’t let all these weird comments and downvotes affect you. We Aussies don’t usually do fancy Vegemite on toast like you’ve posted, and it appears that a few jimmies have been rustled. You do you”.

“Mate, you tell us! This is something most of us will never have tried. P. S. A simple Vegemite on toast plus avocado is a winner, if you haven’t tried,” a second supported.

The debate about how to use Vegemite is far from a new one. Picture: Reddit

Another American’s version of Vegemite toast. Picture: Reddit

It comes after Vegemite itself responded to another American expat’s attempt to enjoy the country’s national condiment.

In a photo on Reddit, they shared a picture of two slices of bread nearly entirely covered in Vegemite, with only a small amount of bread peeking out from underneath.

His bold approach earned a mix of reactions, with most people agreeing it was a “serial killer” amount of Vegemite.

However, the Head of Spreads at Bega, Mary Stafford, told news.com.au that there’s no “right” amount, and it’s entirely personal.

“Feel free to spread more or less on your slice of toast to find the right balance and suit your personal taste!” she said.

Originally published as Aussies outraged by American’s Vegemite toast ‘abomination’