Kiwi food you should try (at least once!)

What Is the Food Like in New Zealand?

Let's be honest, this is my favourite part of the guide. Kai (food) is huge in New Zealand. Whilst we don't have national dishes like goulash, paella, nasi goreng and bœuf bourguignon, we have a delicious array of food to munch on while you're here.

New Zealand cuisine is a mix of European, Māori and Asian flavours, and it generally changes with the season as we have an abundance of locally grown produce. Kiwis love meat and seafood, and hunting and fishing are common; there's nothing better than a sea-to-table fish and chip dinner. If you have dietary requirements and are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, you'll find there are still loads of options in supermarkets and restaurants.

The Classic Kiwi Pie

We're off to a roaring start. New Zealand has got to be the world capital for the humble pie. There's almost nothing I can compare a Kiwi pie to. Unlike pies in America, which are sweet and usually made from pumpkin or pecan, pies in New Zealand are savoury. They're made from buttery, flaky pastry and filled with Kiwi classics like mince and cheese, steak and mushroom and bacon and egg. However, the options are endless, and you can usually come across flavours like butter chicken, chicken and cranberry, lamb and mint or, in some locations, a creamed pāua pie. You can find them served in a brown paper bag in any bakery or petrol station (gas station) across the country, and they usually cost between $6 and $8, making them a very affordable lunch option on the go.

Friday Night Fish and Chips

A classic. Fish and chips are best enjoyed at the beach on a Friday evening in the middle of summer. If you order fish and chips in New Zealand, you'll find fresh fish (usually Snapper or Hoki) covered in crispy, deep-fried batter and a generous serving of chips to go with your meal. If fish isn't for you, most takeaway shops sell burgers, calamari, and a hot dog on a stick. You'll also find fish and chips on most restaurant menus, usually served with a side salad.

Coffee

A staple in my diet and the thing I missed most when I was travelling through Europe.

If you like coffee, I implore you to drink as much as possible while you're in New Zealand. Our coffee and cafe culture is rivalled only by that of Australia. We usually use espresso shots to make our drinks (instead of things like filter/cold brew). A general rule of thumb is that a regular-size coffee will have two espresso shots. Our drinks are simple (we don't often have different syrups available) and revolve around a base of espresso, milk and sugar if you're that way inclined. I'd caution a guess that flat whites are the most popular drink across the country, roughly 1/3 espresso and 2/3 steamed milk with minimal foam.

Chocolate and Lollies (Sweets/Candy)

If you ask any Kiwi their favourite chocolate, they'll likely tell you it's Whittakers. Creamy, utterly indulgent and ridiculously expensive at $7.50 a block, Whittaker's reigns supreme as the NZ chocolate king. There are lots of different favourites to choose from, but some fan favourites are Creamy Milk, Peanut Slabs, Berry & Biscuit, Hokey Pokey, Creamy Caramel, Almond Gold and Dark Salted Caramel.

If you like biscuits, you must try Tim Tams (unpopular opinion, but regular is much better than double-coated), Cookie Time, Squiggles, Toffee Pops, Iced Animals and Hundreds and Thousands.

If you prefer sweets, try Fruit Bursts, any Natural Confectionery Co. range, Pineapple Lumps, Jaffas, Jet Planes, or RJS Liquorice.

Sushi

If there's one thing New Zealand has by the dozen, it's sushi shops. Sushi in New Zealand is one of the things I miss most when I go overseas. It's a go-to lunch for most people I know, and there are hundreds of different flavour combinations like teriyaki chicken, salmon and avocado, tempura prawn and deep-fried varieties. Fun fact: New Zealand and Australia are the only countries with chicken sushi.

Cheese

New Zealand is the largest dairy exporter in the world and has several world-class cheese companies. You'll find some form of cheese on every platter, grazing board or as an antipasto accompaniment. While you're here, try Kāpiti Cheese, creamy Whitestone and Puhoi Valley. Another Kiwi favourite is Sweet Chilli Philly - a pot of Philadelphia Cream Cheese covered in Sweet Chilli sauce and usually served with crackers, chips (crisps) or cut-up veg. It's a staple at every summer party. Don't knock it till you try it!

Wine

When it comes to wine, New Zealand have got it down to a fine art. Home to some of the most delicious tipples in the world, you can enjoy everything from full-bodied pinot noirs in Hawkes Bay to light and fruity sauvignon blanc in Marlborough.

Brunch

So, this isn't exactly a specific food. But, when travelling through New Zealand, you MUST make time to go out for brunch. I don't know what it is about Kiwis, but we all prefer to go out for meals during the day rather than at night. However, brunch is one of the best meals to eat out, particularly on the weekend, if you've had a big evening the night before. My favourite brunch meals are a Big Kiwi Breakfast (similar to a full English), French toast and grilled banana, granola, pancakes, mince on toast or classic poached eggs with smoked salmon.