Top 100 New Zealand Foods

Australian and New Zealander meat pie is made with flaky pastry that is filled with gravy and minced meat. Of course, numerous variations exist, so the filling can also be made with onions, chicken and asparagus, mushrooms, cheese, crocodile meat, vegetables, or seafood. There are also variations of meat pies such as party pies (tiny pies served to party guests) and the pie floater (a green pea soup with a pie floating on top of it). The concept of the pie traces way back to the Neolithic period, when barley, semolina, and grains were made into a paste, filled with honey and baked over hot coals. The Greeks then developed the pie filled with meat. It is believed that the meat pie was brought to Australia and New Zealand during the colonization period, as it was hugely popular in Europe at the time and provided good nutritional value for settlers, with basic and largely available ingredients. Nowadays, the meat pies are typically smothered in tomato sauce that is similar to ketchup, sparking passionate debates about whether the tomato sauce should be squeezed over the pie at once or bit by bit, and whether the sauce should be cold or served at room temperature. As proof of the meat pie's popularity, the Great Aussie Pie Competition, founded in 1990, is held annually in hopes of discovering the best pies in the country.Expand

Sausage sizzle is a popular Australian and New Zealander event in which sausages are grilled or barbecued. The event mostly occurs in large public spaces. Sausage sizzles can be a free event or a fundraiser event for a local community organization such as bush fire brigades or public schools. The term sausage sizzle denotes both the event and the barbecuing technique. Cheaper sausages (a.k.a. snags) are grilled or barbecued, then served on a slice of bread. Ketchup, barbecue sauce, and mustard are the typical condiments, while fried onions are usually placed on top of the sausage sandwich. The onions have recently caused a big debate because Bunnings, the Aussie home improvement store which offers barbecue facilities for hire, has decided to alter the sausage sandwiches and place onions on the bottom for ''safety reasons'', causing a massive outrage in the country.Expand

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

Anzac biscuits are sweet cookies made from a combination of flour, oats, golden syrup, butter, sugar, coconut, and soda bicarbonate. Although the origins of these cookies are not clear, both Australia and New Zealand claim to have invented Anzac biscuits that we know today. The first known recipe for the biscuits is completely different than modern Anzacs, although other similar recipes were found in the cookbooks of the early 1900s. The cookies are linked to Anzac Day, a day of remembrance of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landing at Gallipoli, because some believe that the biscuits were sent to Anzac soldiers during the war. However, the oaty, buttery biscuits were more often prepared at home to sell them at fundraising events, so they got connected to the war, and it led to the use of the name Anzacs. Today, these simple biscuits are usually found in most supermarkets and cafés throughout Australia and New Zealand, ranging from crispy to chewy, making them ideal to dunk into a cup of hot coffee or tea.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

Pikelets are Australian pancakes made with a combination of flour, eggs, and milk. They are typically prepared for breakfast in Australia. Besides Australia, these pancakes are also popular in Scotland, Wales, and New Zealand. The batter for pikelets is slightly thicker than the one used for American pancakes, which makes them heavy once they have risen in the pan. They are small in size, and are often made with yeast, while American pancakes are prepared with baking powder. Once done, pikelets can be served hot or cold, preferably with butter, syrups, and fruits on the side, which are used as toppings.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

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

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

Clarity Distilling Company is a New Zealand-based distillery founded in 2022 by friends George and Stephanie, who share a passion for crafting exceptional spirits that embody purity, vibrancy, and unforgettable flavor. Clarity Distilling Company is also known for its innovative Gin Blending Kit, allowing enthusiasts to craft personalized gin blends using a selection of pre-distilled natural botanicals. Located in Tauriko, Tauranga, the distillery emphasizes transparency and quality, ensuring consumers know exactly what they're sipping. Expand

Foundry Chocolate is a New Zealand craft chocolatier working on a bean-to-bar principle, focusing on micro-batches of pure, single-origin chocolate. Their philosophy is based on using only two ingredients - carefully selected cocoa beans and organic sugar - without additives such as cocoa butter, lecithin, or vanilla, in order to let each terroir fully express itself. Their range includes bars from origins such as the Solomon Islands, Peru, Tanzania, Vanuatu, and Uganda. In addition to bars, they also produce luxury gift collections and drinking chocolate. Their chocolate delivers a wide spectrum of flavors - from fruity and floral notes to earthy and nutty tones - depending on the origin of the cacao. Special attention is given to small batches that highlight the uniqueness of each plantation and region. They have been recognized at international competitions, winning awards for quality and authenticity of approach. Foundry Chocolate thus combines simplicity of ingredients with complexity of flavor, offering an experience that goes far beyond a simple treat.Expand

Destiny Bay Wines is a family-owned boutique winery located on Waiheke Island, New Zealand, recognized for its limited-production, premium red wines. The vineyards are planted in a naturally amphitheater-shaped valley with clay-rich soils and strong maritime influence, providing a long and even ripening season. The estate focuses primarily on Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, which are crafted into structured and age-worthy blends. Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted to ensure strict quality selection. Fermentation and maturation take place with controlled use of French oak, aiming to preserve precision, balance, and varietal expression. The wines are typically deeply colored, tannic, and concentrated, with notable aging potential. Magna Praemia, the estate’s flagship label, is considered among New Zealand’s most ambitious and highly regarded red blends. Production volumes remain intentionally small, and distribution is selective, often targeting fine dining establishments and private collectors. The winery operates under sustainable viticultural practices, emphasizing responsible resource management and minimal intervention in the cellar. Tastings are available by appointment only, reinforcing its exclusive positioning. Destiny Bay represents a New Zealand interpretation of classic Bordeaux structure, shaped by the distinctive terroir of Waiheke Island.Expand

Zealong Tea Estate is located in Waikato, New Zealand, and is the country's only commercial tea estate, producing 100% organic, award-winning tea. It offers a unique combination of tea production, hospitality, art, and sustainability. The estate provides visitors with scenic views, a variety of event venues, and guided tours to experience tea cultivation firsthand. Zealong is renowned for its commitment to quality and organic practices, and it offers premium teas such as green, oolong, and black tea. In addition to tea, it features a Camellia Restaurant and Tea Room for guests, making it a top destination for tea lovers and tourists. The estate also hosts weddings, corporate events, and private functions, combining tea culture with New Zealand hospitality.Expand