8 Traditional Foods
You Have To Try in Auckland

Delicate as the ballerina it was named after, Pavlova is the quintessential summer dessert. Whipped cream is typically dolloped on top of a snowy meringue, followed by a pop of color in the form of fruit, preferably the tart varieties which contrast the sweetness of the meringue. Research suggests Pavlova is a descendant of the German torte and was invented in the 1920s during Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand, although the exact inventor is still debated. The first recipe for Pavlova appeared in print in 1926, although it was not the dessert we know today, but was instead a multi-colored gelatine dish. The base of the cake is prepared almost identically as any meringue, by beating egg whites stiffly, then incorporating sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch. Traditional toppings include whipped cream or lemon curd, and the dessert is often prepared during Christmastime.Expand

This dish is a New Zealander version of the classic English fish and chips. It is believed that fish and chips was introduced to New Zealand before World War I by British settlers. The dish is traditionally served wrapped in newspaper, and it's typically eaten on a Friday night as a takeaway treat. The fish is usually tarahiki, hoki, red cod, blue warehou, or elephant fish (elephant shark) - battered, fried, then served with chips.Expand

Whitebait fritters are considered a delicacy in New Zealand and they are the most popular way of preparing whitebait. The recipe is quite simple, which is in contrast to the rather pricey fish. The batter is made from eggs and flour, to which fry fish is added, then seasoned with salt and pepper, but purists will advise to limit the use of flour and just use egg whites instead of whole eggs as too much eggs, flour, and spices can interfere with the taste of fish. These fritters can be consumed as a snack, enjoyed as an appetizer, or even a main meal when paired with a fresh salad on the side.Expand

Hokey pokey is a New Zealander ice cream variety consisting of vanilla-flavored ice cream with small lumps of honeycomb toffee dispersed throughout it. Although it is produced in New Zealand, this ice cream variety is regularly exported to Japan, where it has achieved a quite popular status over the years. The name hokey pokey refers to the New Zealand term denoting honeycomb toffee.Expand

Mince and cheese pie is a traditional meal. The pie is prepared with a shortcrust pastry shell filled with a combination of cheese cubes and mince. The mince is typically made with onions, garlic, carrots, ground beef, mushrooms, tomato paste, and beef stock, and it is seasoned with oregano and freshly ground salt and pepper. Once the filling is prepared, the pie is sealed with puff pastry on top and baked until golden-brown in color. It is recommended to serve it with steamed peas on the side.Expand

Bacon and egg pie is a New Zealander favorite consisting of a combination of flaky pastry, egg yolks, and salty bacon. It is a staple at picnics throughout the country, and many people recommend consuming the pie when it cools down. Once served, it is recommended to pair it with ketchup or any kind of tomato sauce.Expand

Kiwiburger is a hamburger consisting of a toasted bun that is sandwiched with a four-ounce (113 g) beef patty, fried egg, beetroot, grilled onions, and additional ingredients such as tomato, lettuce, cheese, mustard, and ketchup. The burger was an invention of Bryan Old who came up with it as a nostalgic take on the typical New Zealand hamburger of yesteryear, prior to the introduction of McDonald's to the New Zealand market in 1976. Nowadays, Kiwiburger can be found in burger joints across the country.Expand

Boil-up is a unique Māori technique of preparing meat and vegetables by boiling them in a large pot filled with water. The choice of meat can be anything from pork, beef, and chicken to goat and lamb, but it should be cut into large chunks. Typical vegetables include watercress, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and sweet potatoes known as kumara. When served, boil-up looks like a thick soup or a thin stew.Expand