shutterstock

22 Worst Rated New Zealand Foods

Last updated on June 17, 2026
01

Marmite and Chip Sandwich

2.6 ·

This unusual sandwich consists of sliced butter bread that is coated in Marmite spread and sandwiched together with crispy potato chips. Though the thick, yeast-based Marmite spread is originally British, it is incredibly popular throughout Australia and New Zealand. Marmite and chip sandwich is a quickly assembled treat that is usually enjoyed as a filling snack.

02

Chocolate Fish

2.6 ·

Chocolate fish is a New Zealander confectionery consisting of either white or pink marshmallow that is covered in chocolate and shaped into an elongated fish. It is a favorite of numerous children from New Zealand and also represents a reward for a well-done job. This sweet treat has been around since the 1950s, and today it can be found in groceries and convenience stores throughout the country.

03

Jaffas

2.6 ·

Jaffas is a popular Australian and New Zealander confectionery consisting of small, round balls of chocolate covered in a red-colored orange flavoring. The sweet got its name after the Jaffa orange, and it was first produced in 1931. These sweet balls are so popular that there is even an annual Jaffa race in the world's steepest street in New Zealand, where candy sometimes hits 100 km/h.

04

Krispie

2.7 ·

Krispie is a popular New Zealander toasted biscuit consisting of wheat flour, sugar, and coconut. It is commercially produced by Griffin's Foods, a company that also makes another variety of the biscuits that are coated in chocolate. Krispies have a crunchy texture and are characterized by a toasted coconut flavor. It is recommended to dunk the biscuits into a beverage of choice.

05

Spaghetti on toast

2.8 ·

Spaghetti on toast is a unique creation consisting of canned spaghetti served on a piece of toast. The dish is regularly served as comfort food in New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, either for breakfast or lunch. It is recommended to top the dish with some grated cheese before serving.

06

Māori Boil-Up

2.9 ·

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.

Best restaurants
07

Lolly Cake

2.9 ·

Lolly cake is a favorite dessert of many New Zealanders, consisting of crushed malt biscuits, colorful marshmallows, butter, and condensed milk. The cake is often topped with grated coconut and is served sliced. Malt biscuits are used because their unique flavor cuts the sweetness of the marshmallows. Lolly cake is a staple at various festive events such as birthdays and similar celebrations.

08

Cheese Roll

3 ·

Cheese roll is a popular New Zealander snack consisting of rolled-up pieces of crustless white bread filled with cheese and onions. The combination is then grilled and topped with butter. The dish can be found at numerous cafeterias and similar food joints throughout New Zealand. It is recommended to consume cheese rolls on their own or to pair them with a hot bowl of soup.

09

Jelly Slice

3 ·

Equally popular in New Zealand and Australia, this colorful dessert consists of a cookie base that is topped with a creamy custard and finished off with a layer of smooth jelly. The custard is typically lemon-flavored and based on condensed milk, while the top is usually prepared with vibrant red-colored jelly or fruit jams. Mainly associated with festive occasions and family gatherings, jelly slices are always served well-chilled.

10

Sally Lunn

3 ·

A Boston bun is a big, spiced bun that is commonly consumed throughout Australia and New Zealand. The traditional version is characterized by a thick layer of coconut icing on the exterior, while the interior contains mashed potatoes. The modern version can sometimes contain raisins, and is usually served sliced as an accompaniment to tea. Boston bun is commonly known as Sally Lunn in New Zealand, and it is believed that the original recipe came from Boston during the gold rush years in the 1850s. However, the inventor of the dish and the origins of its name remain a mystery up to this day.

Best restaurants
Read more
View all
View map
About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “22 Worst Rated New Zealand Foods” list until June 17, 2026, 1,134 ratings were recorded, of which 947 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

Similar lists