Viral TikTok Video Criticizes New Zealand’s Spaghetti and Cheese on Toast
A Canadian chef and TikTok personality has ignited a social media storm after making fun of a beloved New Zealand dish. Chef Peter Earley, known as “Early Pete,” took aim at the classic Kiwi meal of spaghetti and cheese on toast, comparing it to subpar cafeteria food and questioning the country’s culinary reputation.
Social Media Sensation Takes a Jab at Kiwi Comfort Food
Peter Earley, who has garnered thousands of followers on social media for his viral food critiques, sparked outrage with his latest video targeting the New Zealand favorite. Despite expressing a desire to visit New Zealand in the comments, Earley couldn’t resist mocking the iconic dish, referring to it as “worse than slop.”
“New Zealand, are you ok?” Earley quipped in the video, before launching into his critique.
“New Zealand has been lying to us all,” he continued. “They claim they’ve been serving seasonal ingredients and local produce. If that’s true, explain this—a New Zealand classic.” He then shared an image of the simple dish: canned spaghetti and melted cheese on toast.
“A comfort food that’s literally canned spaghetti on toast,” he added. “This is worse than what they serve in American cafeterias.”
Kiwis Respond to the Criticism
Unsurprisingly, Earley’s comments didn’t sit well with many New Zealanders. His post was quickly flooded with responses from Kiwis defending the dish. While some reacted with humor, others were more serious in their defense of the much-loved meal.
“Wait till he hears about a knuckle sandwich,” one user joked.
“Oi, spaghetti and cheese on toast is God tier,” another chimed in. A third added, “Wait till he hears about the pie sandwich.”
Others invited the chef to experience the full range of New Zealand’s unique comfort foods. One commenter promised, “I will cook you some of our staples: spaghetti on toast, pie sandwich, noodle sandwich, corned beef and spaghetti, and boil up.”
Kiwi TikToker Joins the Debate
The viral post also caught the attention of popular Kiwi TikToker Liam Liams, who responded to Earley’s critique with a video of his own.
“If you were poor, you’d understand our struggle,” Liam said, holding up a can of budget-friendly OAK spaghetti. “You can get 10 of these and feed your whole whanau (family). This stuff is literally your lifeline.”
Liam also pointed out that Earley had used an unflattering image of the dish, saying, “He got the sh***iest photo on planet Earth… You can make that [spaghetti and cheese on toast] look mean.”
A Dish Born from Necessity
For many Kiwis, spaghetti and cheese on toast is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, affordable dish that evokes memories of home. The simplicity of the meal has made it a staple in households across New Zealand, especially for those on a budget. While it may not be a gourmet meal, it holds cultural significance for many.
Peter Earley’s criticism, while tongue-in-cheek, has highlighted the deep connection between food and identity. For some, his comments were seen as an outsider misunderstanding a humble dish that has become a symbol of resilience and comfort for many New Zealanders.
Whether or not Early Pete changes his opinion on New Zealand’s cuisine, the debate has certainly brought global attention to a dish that holds a special place in Kiwi hearts.
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