A recent revelation about Bunnings sausage sizzles has ignited a fierce debate across Australia, highlighting a regional difference in how the iconic snack is served. Shoppers in Western Australia (WA) are accustomed to receiving their sausage in a hot dog bun, while the rest of the country typically uses a single slice of bread.
The discovery emerged on an online discussion forum when a Western Australian resident recounted their shock upon visiting Victoria and being handed a sausage sizzle in a slice of bread. The post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from Australians nationwide.
Outrage from Other States
Many commenters from outside WA expressed disbelief and strong disapproval. One exclaimed, "BLASPHEMY! The Holy Bunnings snag must be served in a bread slice, not a bun!" Others called the practice "disgusting" and "un-Australian," with one stating, "You monsters!" Another questioned, "How do I unread this?"
Some insisted on the traditional format: "Nope. You get a sausage in bread at a sausage sizzle." Others argued that using a bun transforms the snack into a hot dog, which is unacceptable. "We eat sausage sizzles, not Yankee hot dogs!" one person declared.
WA Defends Its Bun
Western Australians quickly rallied to defend their preference. A 2022 report from Perth Now confirmed that serving sausage sizzles in buns is standard in WA, calling it "genius" for using specially shaped bread rolls. Locals argued that buns offer more room for onions and sauces and provide a better taste and texture.
One WA resident noted, "Having grown up with the slice of bread and now getting the bun, the bun is definitely superior." Another added, "A bun or roll is way better – with more room for add-ons like onions and sauces." Some were equally surprised that other states use bread. "As a Western Australian I was shocked when I found out over east it comes in bread," one commented.
Humorous Reactions
The debate also sparked humour. One person joked, "Sandgropers obviously doing well… You watch, it'll be brioche buns next month." Another quipped, "Well la-di-dah, I'm going to wear a top hat and monocle, go to Bunnings WA for a roll, and then play polo." The WA version was dubbed "Nouveau riche snags" by one commenter.
However, many outsiders argued that a bun misses the point. One said, "You'd need more sauce and also more time to eat it. Having a piece of bread means it's mostly sausage at about a 1:1.5 ratio – much nicer and juicier." Another suggested sending "relief shipments of bread" to WA to prevent them from "forming a separate country."
Common Ground: It's a Sausage Sizzle, Not a Hot Dog
Despite the divide, most Australians agreed on one thing: the snack should never be called a hot dog. One comment read, "I can't stand people who call it a hot dog." Another added, "It low key annoys me when people call a Bunnings sausage sizzle a hot dog." The term "sausage sizzle" remains sacrosanct, regardless of the bread vessel used.
