Food in New Zealand is such a vibe with a combination of Maori influences and a blend of multiple cultures. Grab a flat white on the bustling streets as a Kiwi does or try a pavlova topped with loads of fresh fruits. Sounds mouthwatering, right? New Zealand has its own share of delicious food that tastes as good as it looks. You might have come across tons of options; no worries, we will help you choose the best to taste on your vacation.

Afghans

These are delicious and crispy biscuits topped with, usually, chocolate icing and half walnut. Every Kiwi’s favourite, Afghans are baked by combining butter, sugar, flour, cocoa and cornflakes. Optionally, the cornflakes may be replaced with NZ’s weetbix biscuits. The result is a slightly crunchy yet melt-in-mouth afghans. Still unknown is its name’s origin; some claim it was named so as it resembles the mountains of Afghanistan. While cruising through New Zealand’s cuisine, definitely grab some afghans to satiate your buds. Afghans are something not to be missed in your list of top food in New Zealand.

Where: Taua’s NZ Bakehouse, Brisbane, is one of the best places for Afghans!

Pavlova

A popular meringue based dessert with a crunchy exterior and a marshmallow-gooey centre, the Pavlova is iconic in and outside New Zealand. Usually lathered on top with whipped cream and fresh fruits—with kiwifruit, passionfruit, or strawberries—the Pavlova is said to be inspired by the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It also known for being a bone of contention between Australia and New Zealand. Both countries claim to have invented the dish—read about it here. Australian or kiwi, Pavlova is that comfort food you want to come back home to. Trying out the desserts is one of the top things to do in New Zealand.

Where: Orbit 360 Dining, Auckland Sky Tower

Sausage sizzles

Popular for raising funds at charity events, the food received its iconic status for all the fundraising it is responsible for. Essentially barbecued sausages on a single slice of bread covered with grilled onions and sauces of customer’s choice—mushroom, tomato or barbecue—sausage sizzles’ iconic status was amplified when they began to be sold at elections. The sizzles received the moniker “democratic sizzles” as kiwis lined up for a bite while casting their vote. Outside politics, they are popular at schools, sports clubs and supermarkets. Whether you support a cause or not, definitely munch into these sizzles whenever you have the chance. It is a must-try food in New Zealand for a delectable experience.

Where: Oh, and the best places to have them at? Johnny Sausage, Christchurch

Marmite

Imported from Britain, New Zealand’s marmite is manufactured solely by Sanitarium Health Food Company. Produced from the yeast extract—a by-product of beer brewing—marmite is eaten as a savoury spread on toast and biscuits. Prefer gulping some of this down? Try Oxo and Bovril—savory hot drinks made of hot water and marmite. The New Zealand marmite, unlike its salty British counterpart, is actually a balance of sweet and salt with a sticky-gooey consistency. Marmite is promoted by the company as a “Marmite and Chippie” sandwich, recommending its consumers spread it on bread, sparingly, with potato chips on top. Yum. Sparingly, we insist. Marmite is, after all, an acquired taste. At least for this, you should plan your New Zealand packages soon.

Where: Any supermarket will be stocked with this essential. ALWAYS. We kid you not.

Tuatua

Tuatuas are edible species of clams that are found on New Zealand’s three islands. Its tender parts are made into fritters or boiled and served on the shell. The Maori are known to have been known to incorporate this as a part of their diet for a long time. Today they are available barbequed or served alongside noodles or even steamed and seasoned with herbs, garlic, lime juice and coriander. If seafood is among food you love or want to try out, tuatua seems a great way to get started! You can try it in any of the top restaurants in New Zealand.

Where: Soul Bar and Bistro, Auckland

Chocolate treats

It is undeniable that kiwis have an unending love saga with chocolate. Case in point are chocolate fish and pineapple lumps. Chocolate covering on a pink / white marshmallow layer, chocolate fish is conventionally shaped like a fish. They are given as treats to kids in appreciation. With chewy pineapple centre masked by chocolate flavoured exteriors, pineapple lumps come in bite-sized pieces. Alongside chocolate fish and almost all the other items in the list, they are known as kiwiana—a list of uniquely kiwi icons.

Where: Your closest supermarket’s aisles.

Hokey Pokey ice cream

As a kiwi, you would have grown eating this on warm summer nights or as an accompaniment to a nice family meal. Or, perhaps, as a cajolement after a visit to your dentist. Relive childhood memories by scooping up a scoop for yourself of this vanilla ice cream dotted with honeycomb toffee for yourself. The word hokey pokey itself was a slang to refer to ice cream.

Where: Grab a tub at the nearest shop or indulge in some in the nearest ice cream parlor—no dearth of them in New Zealand. More reasons to visit New Zealand? Right here!

Now you have all the more reasons to visit New Zealand. If you are struggling to put together a trip plan, just choose any of our New Zealand themed packages or New Zealand honeymoon packages to have a hassle-free holiday. We hope you enjoy a delectable holiday in the heavenly destination.