Photo of ‘Australian delicacy’ receives mixed reactions: ‘Absolutely revolting’

When it comes to Australian cuisine, the usual suspects often dominate the conversation: Vegemite, meat pies, and fairy bread are staples that have stood the test of time.

But another contender has been causing quite a stir on social media lately—a dish that some hail as an 'Australian delicacy’ while others are less than impressed.

It's the 'Australian pig in a blanket' or 'devon roll', and it's got Aussies all over the country chattering—and perhaps a bit nostalgic.



The devon roll, for those who haven't had the pleasure (or displeasure, depending on who you ask), consists of mashed potato and onion wrapped snugly in a slice of devon—a type of luncheon meat known in some parts of the world as bologna.

This snack, secured with a toothpick, was a hit in the last century, and it seems many Australians still enjoy it today.


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The devon roll is an ‘Australian delicacy’ that was popular in the last century. Credit: Facebook


A recent post on social media showcased this snack, sparking a debate that has divided the nation.

'Why aren't these served at kids' birthday parties anymore? Who said Australia doesn't have fine cuisine,' the original poster mused.

The reactions were as varied. Some social media users reminisced about the uniquely Australian treat from their childhood, while others were less than enthusiastic.

'Got to be honest, I have never had it and am not really drawn to it! It looks absolutely revolting,' one commenter expressed.

Others offered twists on the classic recipe, saying, ‘Had to have mayo in the mash and onion and the mash was better rough rather than smooth.’

'I remember when my kids were little, we had this for dinner one night, and it was great, lol,' shared another.



But not everyone is on board with this culinary blast from the past.

'I can honestly say, hand on heart, I’m Aussie and never had one in my life,' one person commented.

Despite the mixed reviews, the devon roll has its loyal fans.

'Some call them pigs in blankets or mashed potatoes, and devon rolls either way, I love them a must for parties,' a supporter declared.

‘I had them as a child. Mum made them for parties, and then I made them for my kids' parties, and they make them for their kids now,’ another said.

A third reminisced, 'It was a summer meal at our house. Devon and mashed potato rolls and salad…Yum.'

‘Love them and still make them this way, “pig’s in blankets” is what our parents called them,’ a fourth added.



If you love indulging in snacks, this combination of two flavours into one may be something you want to try!

In a previous story, Twisties introduced a new flavour combining chicken and cheese flavours.

However, this new flavour created division among Australians, with reactions ranging from excitement to the view that Twisties are 'officially ruined’. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
  • An image of a dish known as an 'Australian pig in a blanket' or 'devon roll' has sparked debate among Australians on social media.
  • While some praise the snack, which combines mashed potato and onion wrapped in devon, as a nostalgic treat, others express disgust or unfamiliarity with it.
  • The dish holds a place in Australian culinary history, with some people recounting fond childhood memories or commenting on its role in family and party food traditions.
  • Reactions to the dish are mixed, with comments ranging from enthusiasm and recipes for personal touches to outright rejection and surprise at its existence.
Have you ever indulged in a devon roll? Do you have fond memories of this snack, or do you agree with the naysayers? Let us know in the comments below!
 
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I grew up in NSW and I remember when my grandmother had or went to Tupperware party or another party They always made pigs in a blanket...cocktail Frankfurts with bacon wrapped around it. And closed with a tooth pick

Then there was the mashed potato inside a slice of Devon closed with a tooth pick .

Hubby and some of my kids love the Frankfurts wrapped in bacon but no way could I tempt them with the Devon filled mash
 
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By all the comments I'm thinking it was mostly an NSW thing.

Growing up, everyone knew of them.

Oh my goodness, I remember eating lettuce with sugar 😁
 
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I'm 77 and I've never heard of them (and certainly don't regret never having one). Were they popular in a certain state? I have never seen them in Victoria. Maybe they were a South Australian thing - I think they call it Devon there.
In South Australia, ‘devon’ is called fritz.
 
Omg really🙀wowee yuk
My aunty and cousin visited yesterday and only found out yesterday she is on here. We were talking about strange foods we ate and have forgotten about and the Devon and mashed came up as did cooked milk n bread and lettuce wrapped up with sugar in it.

My aunt told me about a lady on here with the same name as me Suzanne Rose and how she post amazing recipes. She laughed when she found out it was me. She loves my cooking. She's 8 years older than me
 
I've never heard of them either. If you eat anything with raw onion added, your breath smells like a pole cat. That in itself does not bode well if you want to divulge with a passionate kiss with your lover.
 
It's not the Devon I find yucky it's the mashed potato, I am not a fan of mashed potatoes unless they are with a good old fashion stew and covered in lashings of butter. Now that in my eyes is really yummy
 
Really wow 🙀what year are we talking here I’m 65 and never heard of them.😊
Big in the 60's & 70's - I was just looking at the devon yesterday in the deli - $10/kg as opposed to cheapest ham $22/kg -starting to look even better!
 
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I'm 77 and I've never heard of them (and certainly don't regret never having one). Were they popular in a certain state? I have never seen them in Victoria. Maybe they were a South Australian thing - I think they call it Devon there.
No - also in NSW& Qld
 
These were always swooped upon at our gatherings.
Devon was an economical preference over fancy pants blankets.
Don't knock it till you try it. Mind you, if the person making them doesn't make a nice creamy mashed potato, or, dice onions nice and fine, they are destined for a fail.
Yes as kids we loved them . And you are right the potato and onion had to be just right. I must say I am not fond of Devon as an adult - my preference was Strasberg but a good one today is hard to find as most are too fatty.
 

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