Is New Zealand coming for something else we love? Here’s what they want to take next!
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There’s a friendly rivalry between Australia and New Zealand that’s as old as the Tasman Sea itself. We’ve sparred over who invented the pavlova, who can lay claim to ANZAC biscuits, and even who gets to call Russell Crowe and Crowded House their own. But now, our Kiwi cousins are eyeing off something that’s truly close to our hearts—and our morning routines. Brace yourselves, because New Zealand is now trying to claim the invention of the flat white!
Yes, you read that right. The humble flat white, that creamy, velvety coffee that’s become a staple in cafes from Melbourne to Manchester, is at the centre of a new trans-Tasman tussle. And for many Aussies, this one feels personal.
The latest shot fired in this caffeine-fuelled skirmish comes courtesy of comedian Tom Cashman, who recently shared his bewilderment on TikTok after spotting a sign at Wellington Airport boldly declaring: ‘Home is where the flat white was really invented.’ Tom, a proud Sydneysider, was initially amused—surely this was a cheeky welcome for Aussie arrivals? But no, this was a permanent fixture, not a digital prank. The Kiwis are serious!
So, who really did invent the flat white? Let’s dig into the frothy history.
The Flat White: A Brewed Battle
Australia, and Melbourne in particular, has long been celebrated for its vibrant coffee culture. Our menus are peppered with unique creations like the long black and, of course, the flat white. These drinks have become so iconic that spotting them overseas is often a telltale sign the café owner has Aussie roots.
But the flat white’s origin story is, well, a bit muddier than a poorly-pulled espresso. Both Australian and New Zealand café owners have staked their claim to this beloved beverage.
The Aussie Argument
On our side of the ditch, the earliest known reference to a ‘flat white coffee’ comes from a 1983 review of Sydney’s Miller Treat café. Alan Preston, a key figure in the story, says he brought the idea to Sydney’s Moors Espresso Bar from Queensland, making it a permanent menu item in 1985. There’s even a quirky tale from Parliament House in Canberra, where a sign reading ‘flat white only’ went up in 1985 due to a seasonal milk froth shortage. If that’s not proof of Aussie ingenuity, what is?
The Kiwi Counterclaim
Not to be outdone, New Zealanders have their own stories. One version credits Auckland’s Café DKD, where owners Derek Townsend and Darrell Ahlers say they picked up the name from a mate who worked in Sydney cafés. Another tale comes from Wellington’s Bar Bodega in 1989, where a failed cappuccino supposedly led to the first flat white. And then there’s Craig Miller, author of *Coffee Houses of Wellington 1939 to 1979*, who claims to have made a flat white in Auckland in the mid-1980s—using, ironically, a recipe from Australia.
The Verdict?
With both sides presenting their evidence, it’s clear this is a debate that won’t be settled over a single cup. Even Wikipedia can’t pick a winner! But if you ask us, the flat white is as Aussie as a lamington at a summer picnic.
And we’re not the only ones who think so. One TikTok commenter pointed out that in Mandarin Chinese, a flat white is called ‘ao bai’, which translates directly to ‘Australian White’. Case closed, right?
Why Does It Matter?
You might be wondering, does it really matter who invented the flat white? For many of us, it’s about more than just coffee—it’s about national pride, cultural identity, and a bit of good-natured ribbing between neighbours. Plus, let’s be honest, we Aussies love a good brag when it comes to our food and drink.
Other Trans-Tasman Tussles
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve locked horns with New Zealand over culinary creations. The pavlova debate rages on, with both countries claiming to have whipped up the first meringue masterpiece. ANZAC biscuits, too, are a shared legacy, though at least we can agree they’re delicious on both sides of the ditch. And don’t get us started on the lamington!
Let’s Hear From You!
So, what do you think, members? Is the flat white an Aussie invention, or do the Kiwis have a case? Have you ever had a coffee in New Zealand and noticed any differences? And while we’re at it, what other Aussie icons do you reckon we should keep a close eye on before our neighbours try to claim them too?
Share your thoughts, stories, and favourite flat white memories in the comments below. And if you’ve got a secret family recipe for the perfect flat white, don’t be shy—spill the beans!
After all, whether you’re Team Australia or Team New Zealand, there’s one thing we can all agree on: a good flat white is worth fighting for.
Yes, you read that right. The humble flat white, that creamy, velvety coffee that’s become a staple in cafes from Melbourne to Manchester, is at the centre of a new trans-Tasman tussle. And for many Aussies, this one feels personal.
The latest shot fired in this caffeine-fuelled skirmish comes courtesy of comedian Tom Cashman, who recently shared his bewilderment on TikTok after spotting a sign at Wellington Airport boldly declaring: ‘Home is where the flat white was really invented.’ Tom, a proud Sydneysider, was initially amused—surely this was a cheeky welcome for Aussie arrivals? But no, this was a permanent fixture, not a digital prank. The Kiwis are serious!
So, who really did invent the flat white? Let’s dig into the frothy history.
Who do you think invented the flat white: Australia or New Zealand? Credit: Robbie Down / Unsplash
The Flat White: A Brewed Battle
Australia, and Melbourne in particular, has long been celebrated for its vibrant coffee culture. Our menus are peppered with unique creations like the long black and, of course, the flat white. These drinks have become so iconic that spotting them overseas is often a telltale sign the café owner has Aussie roots.
But the flat white’s origin story is, well, a bit muddier than a poorly-pulled espresso. Both Australian and New Zealand café owners have staked their claim to this beloved beverage.
The Aussie Argument
On our side of the ditch, the earliest known reference to a ‘flat white coffee’ comes from a 1983 review of Sydney’s Miller Treat café. Alan Preston, a key figure in the story, says he brought the idea to Sydney’s Moors Espresso Bar from Queensland, making it a permanent menu item in 1985. There’s even a quirky tale from Parliament House in Canberra, where a sign reading ‘flat white only’ went up in 1985 due to a seasonal milk froth shortage. If that’s not proof of Aussie ingenuity, what is?
The Kiwi Counterclaim
Not to be outdone, New Zealanders have their own stories. One version credits Auckland’s Café DKD, where owners Derek Townsend and Darrell Ahlers say they picked up the name from a mate who worked in Sydney cafés. Another tale comes from Wellington’s Bar Bodega in 1989, where a failed cappuccino supposedly led to the first flat white. And then there’s Craig Miller, author of *Coffee Houses of Wellington 1939 to 1979*, who claims to have made a flat white in Auckland in the mid-1980s—using, ironically, a recipe from Australia.
The Verdict?
With both sides presenting their evidence, it’s clear this is a debate that won’t be settled over a single cup. Even Wikipedia can’t pick a winner! But if you ask us, the flat white is as Aussie as a lamington at a summer picnic.
And we’re not the only ones who think so. One TikTok commenter pointed out that in Mandarin Chinese, a flat white is called ‘ao bai’, which translates directly to ‘Australian White’. Case closed, right?
Why Does It Matter?
You might be wondering, does it really matter who invented the flat white? For many of us, it’s about more than just coffee—it’s about national pride, cultural identity, and a bit of good-natured ribbing between neighbours. Plus, let’s be honest, we Aussies love a good brag when it comes to our food and drink.
Other Trans-Tasman Tussles
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve locked horns with New Zealand over culinary creations. The pavlova debate rages on, with both countries claiming to have whipped up the first meringue masterpiece. ANZAC biscuits, too, are a shared legacy, though at least we can agree they’re delicious on both sides of the ditch. And don’t get us started on the lamington!
Let’s Hear From You!
So, what do you think, members? Is the flat white an Aussie invention, or do the Kiwis have a case? Have you ever had a coffee in New Zealand and noticed any differences? And while we’re at it, what other Aussie icons do you reckon we should keep a close eye on before our neighbours try to claim them too?
Share your thoughts, stories, and favourite flat white memories in the comments below. And if you’ve got a secret family recipe for the perfect flat white, don’t be shy—spill the beans!
After all, whether you’re Team Australia or Team New Zealand, there’s one thing we can all agree on: a good flat white is worth fighting for.
