New Zealand is so much more than rolling hills, snowy mountains, and Lord of the Rings. The breathtaking nation is also home to an amazing array of rare culinary treasures that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the world.
1. Pavlova
The ultimate ‘Down Under’-dish, a crumbly shell filled with a fluffy meringue, stacked with fresh cream and seasonal fruits, pavlova will put your head in the clouds. The contrast of the flavors and the textures is just too delicious even to imagine. If you think the name doesn’t sound very Kiwi, you’re right! It’s actually named after Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova who made a successful tour in Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. And just a word of advice, if you run into some Aussies, they just might claim this delicacy as theirs, but we will leave that debate to the side; the Pavlova itself is the main dish!
2. Fush and Chups
Perhaps better known by its English name of “fish and chips,” this New Zealand twist on the classic deep-fried fish is a can’t-miss meal. As you’ll never be more than 140km from a beach during your stay, it’s no wonder why New Zealand is famous for its battered, fresh fish. Gastro-enthusiasts will have a range of batters and marinades to choose from, and for those of you wondering what the difference between a french fry and a “chip” is…prepare to be amazed.
3. Lamington
There has been a long-standing debate as to whether this coconut deliciousness is technically Australian or Kiwi. But after much historical research, debate, and consultation, we have to give it to the New Zealanders. A light vanilla sponge cake, rippled with jam, covered in chocolate icing, and smothered in desiccated coconut, these delicious cakes go down so easily that you won’t be able to stop at just one.
4. Fish
But hang on, isn’t fish already on the list? We see how that could appear to be a mistake, but this is a whole different ballgame entirely. We’re talking about chocolate fish, a fish-shaped delight that is jam-packed with strawberry marshmallows, coated in chocolate, and cherished in the hearts of every Kiwi’s inner child. But let it be noted that you don’t need to be a child to enjoy these marshmallow miracles.
5. Feijoas
Fei-what? Such a difficult name for such a delicious fruit, but we’re here to help: feijoas is actually pronounced Fee-Joe-Ahs. Don’t let their South American origin fool you, this fruit is 100% Kiwi. Pun intended. The flavor of this avocado doppelgänger is a blend of pineapple, guava, and strawberry, so you know that they’re going to taste incredible.
6. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Hokey Pokey, a flavor explosion of smooth vanilla ice cream rippled with chunky bits of honeycomb toffee, has been mending broken hearts since the 19th century. If you’ve never tried it, we highly recommend you give it a go on your next trip to New Zealand. In the meantime, you best get to work inventing a portable freezer because once you try it, you’ll never know how to live without it again.
7. Kiwis
I know it must be tricky for you to know which “Kiwi” we’re referring to right now, but we’re talking kiwifruit. Our love for this yummy New Zealand icon is utterly insatiable. With its furry skin, bright green, vibrant flesh speckled with small black seeds, and a crisp white core, this superfood has a distinct flavor, making it both sour and sweet with every single mouthful. While this fruit is refreshing on its own, we recommend enjoying it alongside one of New Zealand’s famous pavlovas.
8. Lamb
Ok, so wherever you are in the world, there’s most likely lamb available to enjoy. However, it’s made the list because you’ve never really tried lamb until you’ve tried it in New Zealand. In a country where there are twenty-two sheep for every person, you can imagine that the Kiwis know their way around a great cut of lamb. Roasted, marinated, barbecued, or braised, your palate will celebrate the amazing flavors with every bite.
9. Jaffas
Found at any supermarket, these sweet treats break the chains of confection convention. Are they candy? Are they chocolate? Who cares. They’re delicious. Jaffas are a dark chocolate balls coated in an orange-flavoured shell and native to New Zealand. The more you travel New Zealand, the more you realize that there is a jaffa-flavored version of just about everything.
10. Whittaker’s Peanut Slab
What appears as a bite-sized chocolate bar is a little chocolate treat that packs a peanut punch. Voted one of New Zealand’s most trusted brands, the smooth, creamy milk chocolate, and roasted peanuts are a match made in heaven.
11. Whitebait Fritter
Despite New Zealand’s abundance of fresh seafood, white bait has become a national favorite. This New Zealand comfort classic is renowned for its clean flavor, crispy texture, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness when served drizzled in fresh-squeezed lemon juice and garlic aioli.
Featured image by: pingked
