UPDATED: 5.36PM The Health Minister has described his lunch at Dunedin Hospital today as delicious.

LISTEN ABOVE: Health Minister Jonathan Coleman talks to Larry Williams

Jonathan Coleman altered his schedule during a visit to the city to fit in the taste testing, following criticism from patients about the quality of the food.

Mr Coleman told Larry Williams while cost-cutting and economies of scale have been implemented in creating a national food delivery service, the food served to patients is just as good as ever despite complaints from patients to the contrary.

He says the food is straight, simple, "Kiwi fare" and has rated the experience.

"Ten out of ten. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. It was very tasty. I was going in there for a test, I ate the whole meal. I've just text my wife at home saying I won't need tea tonight. It was very very good".

He said he ate a tasty nutritious meal of pea and ham soup and pasta bolognese, chosen off the same menu patients were eating from.

The DHB last year downgraded its own kitchen and began providing meals through multinational Compass Group.