If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand, you’re probably expecting to be amazed by the landscapes, nature and wildlife. But you might be surprised to learn that the country also has a thriving culinary scene. If you want a truly authentic Kiwi experience, here are the top foods that you must try during your time in New Zealand.
1. Hāngī
Hāngī is a traditional Māori way of cooking food (typically meats, fish and vegetables) in pits underground. It’s more than just a dining experience; attending a hāngī is also about socialising within the community. The best place to learn more about hāngī and try it for yourself is at one of New Zealand’s living Māori villages, such as Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village.
2. Meat pies
The concept of individual savoury pies came originally from the Greek and Roman times, but was first introduced to New Zealand by the British settlers. However, the New Zealand pie is now the best of its kind. You don’t need to shop anywhere gourmet; even if you get your pie from the local dairy (convenience store), the meat filling (usually beef, lamb, steak or mince) will be of top quality because New Zealand is a farming country. Kiwis improved further upon the original recipe in the 1970s, introducing cheese alongside the meat filling.
3. Fish and chips
“Fush and chups” (as the Kiwis pronounce it) is another dish originating from Britain that New Zealand has perfected. There is a much greater variety of fresh fish available, so unlike the British version, which uses cod, Kiwis typically eat hoki, whitebait, snapper or tarakiki. Side note: if you’re a seafood lover, you should also try the famous kina (sea urchin), bluff oysters and mussels. Find the full list of seafood New Zealand is known for here.
4. Kiwi dip
Kiwi dip, otherwise known as Kiwi onion dip, consists of powdered onion soup mixed with cream. We know, this doesn’t sound like a typical must-have food… you’ll have to trust us on this one! It’s a typical dip that goes great with crisps (“chips” in New Zealand) or sliced vegetables. Bring Kiwi dip to a party and you’ll be treated like one of the locals in no time.
5. Manuka honey
This next one isn’t just delicious; it’s good for you, too! Manuka honey comes from the manuka tree, which is indigenous to New Zealand. Manuka honey has been found to be the only 100% natural food in the world with antibacterial properties. As well as different types of manuka honey (e.g. lighter vs. darker batches with different flavour profiles), you can also buy infused honey that is mixed with other natural ingredients, such as lavender or blueberry. New Zealand also sells plenty of manuka honey skincare products.
6. Gold kiwi
You can’t come to the land of the Kiwis and not eat an actual kiwi (we mean the fruit, not the bird or the people!). However, the green kiwi that you may be used to around the world isn’t the best kiwi fruit to try. The gold kiwi, which is literally golden-yellow inside, is much sweeter tasting. The gold kiwi also has a hairless outside, so some people eat the entire fruit like an apple, instead of scooping out the inside and wasting the skin.
7. Lollies
“Lollies” doesn’t refer to ice lollies or lollipops as you might expect; it’s the Kiwi word for sweets or candy. Many of the iconic lollies, such as pineapple lumps, RJ’s liquorice, spearmint leaves or sour feijoas, are a “love them or hate them” situation, but either way, you have to try them to form your own opinion! If you can’t make up your mind, why not get a lolly cake, which is essentially a Rocky Road/tiffin stuffed with lollies, instead of your usual fruit, biscuit and marshmallow filling.
8. Whittaker’s chocolate
You might have come across this New Zealand brand before, as some international supermarkets stock Whittaker’s chocolate. If you haven’t, now is the time to familiarise yourself with the biggest chocolate company in the country, which specialises in palm oil-free chocolate. From the classic bars, be sure to try the hokey pokey (which is Kiwi for honeycomb) or peanut butter. Their artisan collection shines a spotlight on local specialties, with flavours such as Nelson pear and manuka honey, Marlborough sea salt and caramel brittle, or West Coast buttermilk caramelised white chocolate.
9. Pavlova
One of the biggest debates between Kiwis and their Australian neighbours is who invented the pavlova, a simple dessert that involves layering fruit and cream on a baked meringue. Regardless of which country lays claim to the pavlova, it’s delicious and a must-try, especially during summer. Although the traditional pavlova is made with berries, you can also get a tropical pavlova with (what else!) a kiwi fruit topping.
10. Slices
A “slice” is a generic term in New Zealand for baked goods served in square or rectangular slices, covering anything from a blondie to a caramel shortbread. Whether it’s homemade or shop-bought, Kiwis go crazy for a slice, with particular favourites including the vanilla custard slice, peppermint slice, tan slice (caramel shortbread) and ginger slice.
11. Cookie Time
Cookie Time started as a family-owned business in Christchurch, but the best location to try these Kiwi cookies is in Queenstown. The Queenstown Cookie Bar improves upon the original chocolate chip cookie; here, you can try everything from a cookie ice cream sandwich to freak shakes and cookie birthday cakes. As well as the Cookie Time bar, you can enjoy a tour of the many famous foodie hotspots in Queenstown, including burgers at Fergburger, baked goods at Fergbaker, ice cream at Patagonia Chocolates and donuts at Balls & Bangles.
12. Wine
New Zealand is known for having some of the best wine in the world. If you like wine, a wine tasting tour during your stay in New Zealand is a must. The type of wine varies depending on the region and climate. The most popular varieties of wine include sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and cabernet sauvignon. If you prefer white wines, we recommend Marlborough (South Island), the biggest wine region in the country. If your preference is for reds, head to Waiheke Island or Martinborough on the North Island.
13. L&P
If you haven’t heard of Lemon & Paeroa (L&P), this is a lemon-flavoured soft drink completely unique to New Zealand. It was originally made by mixing lemon juice into the natural mineral water from the town of Paerora. If you visit Paerora, they even have a big L&P bottle statue. L&P is so specifically Kiwi that it is considered Kiwiana: iconic items that represent the cultural heritage of New Zealand (as well as pavlova, among other things).
14. Flat white
Rounding off our list is one of the best coffees in the world, the flat white. For the uninitiated, a flat white is essentially a latte with less milk or a cappuccino with less foam. Again, it’s an ongoing debate as to whether the flat white was created in Australia or New Zealand. However, the Kiwis have certainly won when it comes to consistency, as you can order a decent flat white in just about any cafe or bar across the country.
Share your favourite Kiwi food with us in the comments!
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