Ever felt overwhelmed trying to cook something new at home? You’re not alone. New data shows a third of Aussies are clueless in the kitchen!

New findings from the national Taste the World survey reveals that young Australians are experimenting with bold flavours more than any other generation, yet they face practical barriers to home cooking, with a fifth (21%) of Gen Z avoiding certain cuisines because they don’t have the right kitchen equipment.

With the data revealing the primary reason Australians avoid cooking certain cuisines is a lack of knowledge and skills (35%), younger Aussies are the most likely to splurge on a dining experience, with 81% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials eating out at least once a month.

Doug sat down with Laura Simpson, Content Director at Taste.com.au, on Table Talk to break down the findings and see what’s cooking in Australian kitchens today.

Aussies Want More Global Flavours

Taste.com.au surveyed Australians to understand what’s happening in home kitchens. The result? “There’s a massive appetite for global flavours,” says Laura. “But people feel they don’t have the skills to get there.”

Italian and Chinese cuisines still top the list of favourites. However, many Aussies want to learn how to cook Greek, Japanese, and Thai dishes too. They’re just not sure where to start.

Cooking Confidence: What’s Holding People Back?

Are a third of Aussies really clueless in the kitchen, or, as Laura explains, is it just a lack of the right tools? “People are adventurous, but they don’t always feel equipped.”

Interestingly, younger Aussies, especially Gen Z, often think they don’t have the right kitchen tools. The survey showed:

  • 21% of Gen Z believe they’re missing essential equipment.
  • 31% of millennials say it’s hard to find ingredients.

But Laura says this may be more perception than reality. “Supermarkets now have entire aisles dedicated to international ingredients,” she points out. The challenge is knowing how to use them.

The Rise of Cooking from Scratch

In the past, many Aussies relied on jar sauces and ready-made meals. But things are changing.

“People are travelling more and experiencing high-quality food,” Laura says. “Given the cost of living, they can’t eat out every day. So, they want to recreate those flavours at home.”

While there’s still room for convenience, more Australians are looking to cook from scratch, authentically and affordably.

Social Media’s Role: Inspiration or Intimidation?

Social media is a double-edged sword. Platforms like TikTok inspire younger generations to try new dishes. But following a 60-second video isn’t always foolproof.

“There’s a confidence gap,” Laura shares. “We recommend following step-by-step recipes to get better results.”

Her advice? Get inspiration from social media, but trust reliable recipes when you’re in the kitchen.

Gen Z’s Love Affair with Mexican Food

One surprising trend? Gen Z can’t get enough Mexican food. “One in five Gen Zs named nachos, tacos, or burritos as their go-to meal,” says Laura.

Younger Aussies are also more likely to try new cuisines compared to boomers or families with young children. Older generations tend to stick to familiar recipes they’ve cooked for years.

Air Fryers, One-Pot Meals & Making It Work

Convenience still matters, especially for busy families. That’s why air fryers and one-pot meals are booming.

“We’ve seen huge trends like cooking rice paper rolls in an air fryer,” Laura says. “Air fryers have changed the way people cook.”

Similarly, one-pot cooking remains popular thanks to the minimal clean-up.

Australia Leads the Way in Culinary Diversity

Globally, Australians stand out. According to Laura, “In other countries, people often see international cuisine as something to buy in. But here, people want to learn new skills and cook it themselves.”

Thanks to our diverse culture, Australians have access to a wide variety of flavours and a growing desire to master them.

Listen to the full conversation below.