Some of the most famous food of New Zealand that you should definitely try are:
1. Whitebait Fritters
Usually available on the menus of restaurants during the whitebait season of every year from August to September, Whitebait fritters are a cultural food of New Zealand that anyone who happens to visit the west coast of the South Island must try. All fishes that are yet to attain complete growth are called whitebaits. The west coast has them in such substantial amounts and hence is the whitebait country. They can be like fishy omelettes since their batter consists of flour and eggs. It is recommended to use the egg whites and a small quantity of flour rather than the whole egg and a lot of flour to prepare the perfect whitebait fritter. After frying in oil, salt and pepper are used for seasoning. They can substitute a whole meal or be a snack according to your priority.
2. New Zealand Fish and Chips
Believed to have been introduced by the British settlers long before, New Zealand’s classic Fish and Chips is a popular take away item that consists of battered and fried fish along with a huge serving of hot chips. The most common type of fish used in this dish are red cod, hoki, tarahaki and elephant shark. In other countries whitefish like haddock, cod and pollock are used. Always prefer to be consumed hot, often with some beer, be careful while relishing fish and chips since one could easily overeat, although it is dense in calories. Almost all the towns in the country have shops that provide fish and chips and is a ubiquitous food of New Zealand.
3. Savoury Pies
Delicious pastries filled with meat and gravy or mince meat and cheese or egg yolks and bacon is a must-have for people of New Zealand in their small outings, barbecues and picnics. Using certain fats like butter and lard while preparing the crust, lends it the crispiness. Some pies can even consist of fish, onions, beef, steak, lamb and even mushrooms. Since 1997, there has been an annual pie eating competition and also at the Bakels New Zealand Extreme Pie Awards, the manufacturer of the best mince pie is awarded. It is advised to start eating once the pie cools down, with tomato sauce. The rugby and football players of the country are fans of the pie.
4. Hāngi
Hāngi is a traditional earth oven method of cooking that involves slow-cooking of meat and vegetables and is one of the most famous food of New Zealand. Chicken, beef, pork and many vegetables are wrapped in leaves and placed in a basket. Then they are laid on heated stones inside a hole. Revered for the smoky taste and tender meat, it is a long and tough task that can take up to seven hours. Hāngi used to be a common method of cooking for many years and is definitely one of the important Maori cultural experiences. Currently, Hāngi meals are an important factor during celebrations inside the country. Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua offers Hāngi Meals as one of the features in Maori cultural experiences.
5. Jaffas
Each year, in the Annual Chocolate Cadbury Carnival, a “Jaffa Race” happens when thousands of Jaffas are rolled down the world’s steepest residential street, Baldwin Street, Dunedin. Hard-coated with orange flavored sugar, Jaffa is ball shaped and has a chocolate centre. Jaffa is a popular sweet in both New Zealand and Australia. First produced during 1931, it is now available in all the supermarkets and the confectionary stores in New Zealand.
6. Pavlova
Made with meringue, whipped cream and fruit, Pavlova has a permanent place at the Christmas dinner table. It has a crispy outer layer and is soft at the center. The debate regarding the true inventor of Pavlova is still going on between New Zealand and Australia. Other than special occasions like Christmas, Pavlova is seen in some of the restaurants in New Zealand. Mikano in Auckland is one among them.
7. Kumara
Preferably cooked in a Hāngi or earth oven, Kumara is a type of sweet potato that the Maori people brought to New Zealand. It still remains to be a loved vegetable in New Zealand. With very low fat content and high fiber content, it also aids towards maintaining a healthy diet. Kumara is also available in the form of fries.
8. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Auckland City’s Giapo has earned the reputation for serving the best Hokey Pokey Ice Cream in New Zealand. Hokey pokey ice Cream is vanilla ice cream mixed with caramelized sugar and it is the most recommended flavor among ice creams. Nothing beats having one of them during summertime with flakes of chocolate or small bits of honeycomb sprinkled over as topping.
9. Pāua
One of the most prized ocean delicacies in the world, Pāua is the local name for a large sea snail in New Zealand. Their shells become material for jewelry and ashtrays, but when cooked properly into fritters or ravioli, Pāua tastes as if it is the steak of the sea. Logan Brown in Wellington has some delicious Pāua ravioli if you are looking to taste one.
10. Lamb Roast
New Zealand is renowned for its high-quality lamb, and a classic lamb roast is a hearty Kiwi favorite. Succulent cuts are slow-cooked to perfection, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables and mint sauce. Local pubs, traditional eateries, and Sunday dinners at home are perfect settings to savor this wholesome dish, celebrating the nation's agricultural heritage.
11. Feijoa
This unique fruit, native to South America but widely grown in New Zealand, has a sweet, aromatic taste reminiscent of a blend between guava and kiwi. Enjoyed fresh or in jams and desserts, feijoa is a flavorful addition to the country's diverse fruit offerings. Look for it in farmers' markets, orchards, and grocery stores during the feijoa season.
12. Pork and Puha
A dish rooted in Maori culinary traditions, pork and puha combine slow-cooked pork with puha, a native green vegetable. The result is a savory and hearty stew, often enjoyed with potatoes or bread. Local Maori eateries, community events, and some traditional Kiwi restaurants showcase this dish, offering a taste of both history and local ingredients.
13. Kiwi Burger
The Kiwi burger is a New Zealand take on the classic hamburger, featuring a beef patty topped with sliced beetroot, a fried egg, lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments. This unique combination provides a burst of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice at local burger joints, food trucks, and cafes across the country.
14. Pork Pie
The Kiwi pork pie is a beloved snack or light meal, a flaky pastry filled with seasoned pork. The layers of pastry encase savory goodness, and variations may include additional ingredients like eggs or cheese. Bakeries, convenience stores, and cafes often offer these delicious handheld treats, making them an ideal on-the-go option for locals and visitors alike.
15. Boil-Up
A Maori dish with cultural significance, boil-up is a hearty soup featuring a mix of meats like pork, mutton, or chicken combined with vegetables such as kumara, potatoes, and watercress. The flavors meld together during slow simmering, creating a comforting and nourishing meal. Look for boil-ups at Maori gatherings, community events, and certain traditional eateries.
16. Cheese Rolls
Hailing from the South Island, cheese rolls are a savory delight consisting of a mixture of grated cheese, onion soup mix, and evaporated milk spread on bread, rolled up, and baked to golden perfection. These delectable bites are often served at social gatherings, school fundraisers, and local cafes, showcasing the simple yet irresistible flavors cherished by Kiwis.
17. Rewena Bread
A traditional Maori sourdough bread, rewena is leavened with a natural starter made from fermented potatoes. The result is a uniquely tangy and slightly sweet bread with a dense, chewy texture. Local bakeries and farmers' markets, especially in Maori communities, proudly feature rewena bread, offering a taste of Maori culture and heritage in each slice.
18. Kina
Also known as sea urchin, kina is a delicacy enjoyed by seafood enthusiasts. The orange roe inside is the prized part, boasting a rich, briny flavor. Typically eaten fresh or used as a topping for sushi, kina is found in coastal regions, seafood markets, and high-end seafood restaurants, providing a taste of New Zealand's diverse marine offerings.
19. ANZAC Biscuits
Originating from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I, these oat-based biscuits are filled with coconut and golden syrup, providing a sweet and hearty treat. ANZAC biscuits are a symbol of national pride and remembrance, available in bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets, especially around ANZAC Day, honoring those who served.
20. Blue Cod
A staple in Kiwi seafood cuisine, blue cod is a mild, sweet-fleshed fish often battered and fried to perfection. Served with chips and a squeeze of lemon, this dish showcases New Zealand's commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Fish and chip shops, seafood restaurants, and coastal eateries feature blue cod on their menus, offering a taste of the country's pristine waters.
21. Manuka Honey
Renowned for its unique antibacterial properties, Manuka honey is produced by bees that forage on the Manuka tree's flowers. This golden elixir is both delicious and health-promoting, with a distinct, rich flavor. Manuka honey is a sweet symbol of New Zealand's pristine landscapes and commitment to sustainable beekeeping, available in supermarkets, specialty honey shops, and farmers' markets.
22. Steak and Cheese Pie
A quintessential Kiwi comfort food, the steak and cheese pie features tender chunks of beef, a savory gravy, and melted cheese encased in flaky pastry. Found in bakeries, service stations, and cafes across the country, this handheld delight is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go, showcasing New Zealand's love for hearty, flavorful pies.
23. Kawakawa Tea
Known for its medicinal properties, Kawakawa leaves are used to make a soothing herbal tea. The leaves, with a distinctive heart shape, impart a peppery flavor to the tea, which is often sweetened with honey. You can find Kawakawa tea in wellness cafes, Maori-inspired eateries, and boutique tea shops, offering a taste of traditional Maori herbal remedies.
24. Bluff Oysters
Harvested from the chilly waters near Bluff, these succulent oysters are a delicacy revered for their briny taste and plump texture. Typically enjoyed raw with a squeeze of lemon, Bluff oysters are available at seafood festivals, high-end restaurants, and coastal eateries during the annual oyster season, showcasing New Zealand's commitment to sustainable seafood practices.
25. Mānuka Smoked Lamb
This dish elevates New Zealand's renowned lamb by smoking it with Mānuka wood, imparting a distinctive flavor to the meat. The result is tender, smoky lamb that showcases the country's culinary innovation. You can savor Mānuka smoked lamb in specialty restaurants, upscale dining establishments, and during food festivals, providing a delicious fusion of tradition and modernity.
26. Lolly Cake
A no-bake treat, lolly cake combines crushed malt biscuits, condensed milk, butter, and colorful Eskimo lollies (chewy, fruity candies). The mixture is rolled into a log and coated with desiccated coconut. This sweet and chewy confection is a nostalgic favorite, often found in bakeries, cafes, and homes across New Zealand, providing a taste of childhood and the country's love for simple, joyful treats.
27. New Zealand Cheese Platter
New Zealand boasts diverse artisanal cheeses, including creamy blue cheeses, tangy cheddars, and earthy goat cheeses. A cheese platter featuring local varieties, paired with fresh fruit, nuts, and honey, is a delightful culinary experience. You can enjoy a New Zealand cheese platter in specialty cheese shops, upscale restaurants, and at local markets, celebrating the country's thriving dairy industry.
28. Tuatua Fritters
Tuatua, a type of New Zealand clam, takes center stage in these fritters, where the tender shellfish is combined with a light batter and fried until golden. Served with a squeeze of lemon, tuatua fritters are a coastal delicacy available at seafood markets, beachside cafes, and traditional Kiwi eateries, offering a taste of the ocean's bounty.
29. Venison Pie
New Zealand's pristine landscapes are home to high-quality venison, and a venison pie is a savory showcase of this lean, flavorful meat. Encased in flaky pastry, the pie often includes rich gravy and seasonal herbs. You can find venison pies in gourmet bakeries, game-focused restaurants, and farmers' markets, offering a taste of the country's diverse and sustainable meat options.
30. Chocolate Fish
A whimsical Kiwi treat, the chocolate fish is a marshmallow coated in milk chocolate, shaped like a fish. This sweet confection is often given as a gesture of appreciation or as a reward, making it a beloved part of Kiwi culture. You can find chocolate fish in candy stores, souvenir shops, and sometimes as a delightful addition to desserts in cafes, providing a fun and delicious taste of New Zealand's sweet side.
Did we miss any of your favourite food of New Zealand? Tell us below.