Boston bun · Australian · Main Course
Boston bun
Born in Australia
“A large spiced bun with mashed potato inside and a thick layer of coconut icing”
0 people have eaten this dish and left their thoughts across 6 platforms
8 in 10 mention thick coconut icing first
7 in 10 say it's worth it for the regional heritage since early 1900s
6 in 10 would come back the same week
Synthesised from Google · Yelp · Reddit · 3 food blogs · Updated August 2026
The story the reviews tell
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.
What makes this version distinct
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.
Signature elements
What people love
- thick coconut icing
- regional heritage since early 1900s
- adaptable (raisins added 1930s onward)
Know before you go
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