The Most Popular Lunch in Australia, Ranked

Choose the lunch you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:43
In a bustling street market in Australia, where the scent of various lunches fills the air, choosing what to eat can often be overwhelming. By having a clear, crowd-sourced ranking of popular lunches, both locals and tourists can make quicker and more satisfying choices. This collective insight not only saves time but also enhances the dining experience, steering folks towards tried and tested delights. Voting on your preferred lunch options does more than just rank food; it shapes the culinary landscape and influences what new vendors might offer. When you participate, you're contributing to a dynamic food lover's guide that adjusts with real-time preferences and trends. This ensures that the guide remains relevant, insightful, and tailored to what people truly enjoy eating at any given moment.

What Is the Most Popular Lunch in Australia?

  1. 1
    64
    votes
    The meat pie is a popular lunch in Australia, made with a crispy pastry shell filled with meat and gravy. It is often served with tomato sauce and is a staple of Australian cuisine.
    The meat pie is a classic Australian lunch dish that consists of a savory pastry filled with minced or diced meat and gravy. It is typically enjoyed on its own or paired with tomato sauce (ketchup). The meat pie is a cultural icon in Australia and is widely loved and consumed across the country.
    • Pastry: The pie is encased in a flaky puff pastry that is golden and crisp.
    • Meat Filling: Traditionally, the filling consists of minced or diced beef, although variations with other meats like lamb, chicken, or kangaroo are also popular.
    • Gravy: The filling is generously combined with a thick, flavorsome gravy, which gives the pie its moist and rich texture.
    • Size and Shape: Meat pies are usually individual-sized, round in shape, and fit perfectly in one hand, making them an ideal grab-and-go lunch option.
    • Serving: The pie can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it is often served in bakeries, cafes, sports stadiums, and takeaway shops throughout Australia.
    Meat pie in other rankings
  2. 2
    38
    votes

    Vegemite sandwich

    Cyril Percy Callister
    The Vegemite sandwich is a classic lunch option in Australia, made with Vegemite spread and bread. It is a quick and easy option for those on the go.
    A Vegemite sandwich is a classic Australian lunch option consisting of bread slices spread with Vegemite, a salty and savory yeast extract spread. It is a staple in Australian households and is loved by both adults and children. The sandwich is simple yet flavorful, and it is often enjoyed at school, work, or as a quick snack on the go.
    • Ingredients: Bread, Vegemite spread
    • Flavor: Salty and savory
    • Texture: Soft bread with smooth spread
    • Popular Bread Types: White bread, whole wheat bread, multigrain bread
    • Serving Style: Open-faced or closed sandwich
  3. 3
    13
    votes
    Sausage roll
    Scjessey · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Sausage roll

    Greggs
    The sausage roll is a pastry filled with sausage meat and is a popular lunch option in Australia. It is often served with tomato sauce.
    The sausage roll is a savory pastry item made with a flaky pastry crust that is filled with seasoned ground sausage meat.
    • Size: Regular (131g)
    • Calories: 327
    • Protein: 8.8g
    • Fat: 24.8g
    • Carbohydrates: 17.9g
    Sausage roll in other rankings
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    The chicken schnitzel sandwich is a popular lunch option in Australia, made with a breaded chicken schnitzel and served on a roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
    The Chicken schnitzel sandwich is a classic Australian lunch option enjoyed by many. It features a breaded and fried chicken schnitzel patty, sandwiched between two slices of fresh bread. The schnitzel is usually made from tenderized chicken breast, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. The sandwich is often served with an array of toppings and condiments, allowing for customization to personal preference.
    • Bread: Fresh bread slices
    • Chicken: Tenderized chicken breast
    • Coating: Breadcrumbs
    • Cooking Method: Fried until golden and crispy
    • Toppings: Varies (lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, etc.)
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Fish and chips
    Andrew Dunn · CC BY-SA 2.0

    Fish and chips

    John Lees
    Fish and chips is a classic lunch option in Australia, consisting of battered and deep-fried fish served with chips (fries) and often with tartar sauce.
    Fish and chips is a popular British meal consisting of battered and deep-fried fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut potato chips. It is typically accompanied by tartar sauce, mushy peas, and a sprinkle of salt and vinegar. The dish is known for its crispy and golden exterior, tender flaky fish inside, and soft melt-in-your-mouth chips.
    • Origin: United Kingdom
    • Main ingredients: Fish (cod or haddock), potato, batter
    • Serving temperature: Hot
    • Accompaniments: Tartar sauce, mushy peas
    • Texture: Crispy, tender, soft
    Fish and chips in other rankings
  6. 6
    13
    votes
    The falafel wrap is a popular vegetarian lunch option in Australia, made with falafel balls, salad, and a wrap. It is often served with hummus or tzatziki sauce.
    The Falafel wrap is a popular vegetarian lunch option in Australia. It typically consists of warm, homemade falafel balls wrapped in a soft pita bread, along with a variety of fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces. The creator of the falafel wrap is difficult to attribute to one specific individual or restaurant, as it is a well-known Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity worldwide.
    • Type: Vegetarian
    • Main Ingredient: Falafel (chickpea balls)
    • Bread: Pita bread
    • Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions
    • Sauces: Tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, hummus
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    The Caesar salad is a popular lunch option in Australia, made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing. It is often served with grilled chicken or prawns.
    Caesar salad is a classic, savory salad that originated in Tijuana, Mexico. It is made with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and optionally topped with anchovies. The Caesar salad is known for its rich and tangy flavors, making it a popular choice for salad enthusiasts worldwide.
    • Lettuce: Romaine lettuce
    • Dressing: Caesar dressing
    • Cheese: Parmesan cheese
    • Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons
    • Anchovies: Optional, but traditionally included
    Caesar salad in other rankings
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    The hamburger is a popular lunch option in Australia, made with a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sauce. It is often served with fries.
    The hamburger is a popular American food item that consists of a patty made from ground beef cooked to varying degrees of doneness, placed between two slices of a round bread bun. It is often accompanied by a variety of condiments, such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and cheese. The hamburger is generally served hot and is widely enjoyed as a fast food or casual dining option across the United States.
    • Patty: Made from ground beef, often seasoned with salt and pepper.
    • Bun: Soft, round bread typically made with flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt.
    • Size: Typically weighs around 4-6 ounces (113-170 grams).
    • Doneness: Varies from rare to well-done, based on individual preferences.
    • Condiments: Commonly includes ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and special sauces.
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    The tuna sandwich is a popular lunch option in Australia, made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and bread. It is a quick and easy option for those on the go.
    The Tuna sandwich is a classic lunch option in Australia that consists of a filling made with canned tuna, mixed with mayonnaise and other ingredients, sandwiched between two slices of bread. It is a popular choice for its simplicity, versatility, and satisfying flavors.
    • Main ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, bread
    • Bread options: White bread, whole wheat bread, multigrain bread
    • Additional ingredients: Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, cheese, pickles
    • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, lemon juice, herbs (optional)
    • Variations: Tuna salad sandwich (with additional vegetables), Tuna melt (grilled or toasted sandwich with melted cheese), Tuna and avocado sandwich
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Noodle soup
    Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
    Noodle soup is a popular lunch option in Australia, particularly during colder months. It is often made with noodles, vegetables, and meat or tofu.
    Noodle soup is a popular lunch in Australia, known for its flavorful broth and hearty ingredients. It typically consists of a bowl of noodles cooked in a savory soup base, topped with various ingredients such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and herbs. The soup is often accompanied by condiments like chili oil, soy sauce, or lime juice for added flavor. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is commonly enjoyed during cool weather or as a quick and delicious lunch option.
    • Broth: Savory and flavorful
    • Noodles: A variety of noodles can be used, such as wheat noodles, rice noodles, or egg noodles
    • Protein: May include meat options like chicken, pork, beef, or seafood like prawns, fish, or squid
    • Vegetables: Commonly includes vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms, and spring onions
    • Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, Thai basil, or mint are often used for garnish and added flavor

Missing your favorite lunch?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular lunch

  1. Taste and flavor
    The lunch should be delicious and appeal to the taste buds of the majority of Australians.
  2. Nutritional value
    The lunch should be healthy and offer a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It should also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
  3. Convenience
    The lunch should be easy to prepare and consume, whether at home, work, or school.
  4. Affordability
    The lunch option should be reasonably priced and accessible to the majority of Australians.
  5. Availability
    The ingredients or items required for the lunch should be readily available across Australia, in both urban and rural areas.
  6. Cultural preferences
    The lunch should be popular among Australian culture, taking into account the country's diverse population and culinary traditions.
  7. Portability
    The lunch should be able to be easily transported and consumed in different settings, making it a popular choice for work or school lunches.
  8. Variety
    The lunch should offer different options, allowing for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  9. Seasonality
    The lunch should be appropriate for the season, taking into account weather patterns and seasonal ingredients available in Australia.
  10. Sustainability
    The lunch should take into account environmental concerns, such as sourcing locally produced ingredients or taking measures to reduce waste.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular lunch in Australia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lunch is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2025 views
  • 194 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lunch once every 24 hours. The rank of each lunch is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular lunch in australia

Australia is known for its vibrant food culture and diverse culinary traditions. When it comes to lunch, Aussies have a wide range of options to choose from, whether it's a classic meat pie or a fresh salad. With influences from around the world, Australian cuisine has evolved into a unique blend of flavors and ingredients. So, what is the most popular lunch in Australia? Let's explore the top choices and uncover some delicious insights.

Share this article