Discover 5 Dishes You Can't Miss On Your Trip To New Zealand

Are you a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure? Look no further than New Zealand! While the country is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling activities, its vibrant and diverse cuisine often flies under the radar. From traditional Maori hangi to iconic Kiwi burgers and Hokey Pokey ice cream, New Zealand's dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to discover five can't-miss dishes on your next trip to this culinary wonderland.

Hangi

To begin our culinary journey in New Zealand, let's delve into the traditional Maori hangi - a pinnacle of Maori cuisine. This method involves slow-cooking meat and vegetables in an underground oven, resulting in a unique and flavorful dish. While hangi was a commonly used cooking method in New Zealand for centuries, it is now reserved for special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, birthdays, and festivals due to its time-consuming preparation process.

The ingredients used in Hangi can vary depending on the occasion and the region, but common items include chicken, pork, lamb, kumara (sweet potato), pumpkin, potatoes, and cabbage. Hangi can be enjoyed on its own or served with other traditional Maori dishes, such as rewena bread or boiled corn.

Hangi is dish you can't-miss on your trip to New Zealand

Pavlova

Pavlova is a beloved dessert that originated in New Zealand and is also popular in Australia. Made from whipped egg white and sugar, Pavlova is essentially a huge meringue covered in a thick layer of whipped cream and garnished with fresh fruit. The crust of the ideal "Pav" should have a mild crunch, while the inside should be fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

It's not very common to find pavlova at cafes because it doesn't keep well and doesn't freeze well. Hence, if you find it on the menu, don't be hesitant to order it.

Fish and Chips

The phrase "New Zealand food culture" has been defined. You can bank on some fantastic "fish n' chips" in New Zealand because the country has more than 15,000 kilometers of coastline and a ton of fish-loving Kiwis.

If you’re around for the summer, head to the local chippery to buy some fish and chips. Afterwards, find a spot by the beach to enjoy a picnic filled with scrumptious seafood. Popular fish varieties typically include snapper, terakihi, and kohi.

A simple meal of fried battered fish and chips (fries), fish & chips can be found in most towns in New Zealand, from fast food joints to gourmet restaurants. It can be served as a takeout meal, eaten at the beach or park, or enjoyed in a cozy restaurant setting.

Traditional Fish and chips with mashed peas, tartar sauce, and cold beer

Kiwi Burger

It's a classic hamburger that is typically served with a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and beetroot, along with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce or aioli. What sets the Kiwi burger apart from other burgers is the addition of beetroot. This gives the burger a unique and slightly sweet flavor, and it's a favorite among locals. The Kiwi burger has become an iconic dish in New Zealand and has been adopted by many fast-food chains and restaurants.

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

A staggering 28 liters of ice cream are consumed annually per person in New Zealand, more than any other country on the planet. With a booming dairy industry that produces some of the world's finest milk-based products, it's simple to understand why locals are so enamored with this classic dessert.

Hokey Pokey is made of smooth vanilla ice cream with delicious pieces of honeycomb candy mixed in, creating a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures. It's best enjoyed in a cone, but can also be served in a cup or as a topping. No matter what time of year you visit New Zealand, be sure to indulge in some of this classic Kiwi treat and experience the country's love affair with ice cream.

Hokey pokey ice cream with vanilla flavor and small solid lumps of honeycomb toffee

Whether you're a foodie or just looking for some delicious meals to try on your trip, these 5 dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and give you a taste of New Zealand's culinary culture. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to New Zealand and embark on a culinary adventure that you'll never forget!