Polydish city guide
Best Boston bun in San Francisco
“A large spiced bun with mashed potato inside and a thick layer of coconut icing”
What the real thing tastes like
A Boston bun, also known as a Sally Lunn, is a large spiced bun with a thick layer of coconut icing, prevalent in Australia and New Zealand. Traditionally the bun contains sieved mashed potato, and modern versions sometimes contain raisins or sultanas, the inclusion of which dates from the 1930s. Records for the sale of a product named "Boston Bun" can be found dating from the early 20th century. It is often served sliced and buttered, to accompany a cup of tea. The origin of the name is unknown.
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The Boston bun is a thick-iced spiced cake that's been part of Australian and New Zealand tea time for over a century. What makes it peculiar is the sieved mashed potato hidden inside—a textural secret that grounds the sweetness. Sliced and buttered, it's built to accompany tea, not compete with it.
Order it here when it has
- thick coconut icing
- regional heritage since early 1900s
- adaptable (raisins added 1930s onward)
Walk away when you see
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