Do you know any savory Food to Try in New Zealand?
The country has drawn most people because of its wonderful beauty and the connection it gives with Mother Nature. Its finest draperies come in the shape of unending waterfalls. As well as its beautiful views of majestic fjords, and snow-peaked mountains in the background.
However, there is something unique about the local cuisine scene. You haven’t truly experienced the heartbeat of the world’s most desirable tourism destination unless you’ve had a taste of these local delicacies.
Canterbury Lamb
The South Island produces the majority of the country’s lamb, beef, and venison exports. In fact, it is not uncommon to find New Zealand lamb served in some of Europe’s and America’s most prestigious restaurants. However, there is no better place to sample magnificent meat cuts than right from the source. You should eat some of our excellent local lambs while you’re in New Zealand.
Kaimoana
Kaimoana is Te Reo Māori. Kai is food. And Moana is the ocean. So it literally means food from the ocean. Without seafood, no list of “things to try in New Zealand” would be complete! The most fascinating aspect of New Zealand’s seafood is that you can often gather and prepare it yourself. Because New Zealand is an island nation, most cities are quite close to the water. You’ll find something great to eat. Whether it’s whitebait, green-lipped mussels, bluff oysters, Kura (crayfish), paua, or salmon.
The ‘Kiwi’ Burger
Burgers can be found all over the world. But there’s something special about a Kiwi burger that sets it apart from the rest. For example, they will almost always be created with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This instantly transforms a plain burger patty into a first-rate feast. Pickles, grass-fed beef, tomato, sliced beetroot, and a fried egg are some of the special local elements that go into an NZ burger. McDonald’s even has a Kiwi burger, complete with an egg and beetroot!
Hāngī – Savory Food in New Zealand
It should come as no surprise that this Maori classic is included on this list. People here use hot steam to cook root vegetables, chicken, potatoes, and meat. After being wrapped in leaves, the ingredients are placed in a basket and laid on hot stones within a hole cut into the earth. Food cooked in a hangi, or “earth oven,” has a distinct smokey flavor after hours of cooking. Hangi is still one of the centerpieces of traditional Maori festivals in the country of the long, white cloud as a traditional cooking method. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may even find hangi on the menus of select specialty restaurants and roadside booths.
Kūmara
One of the classic cooked dishes in a hangi is the New Zealand sweet potato (kumara in Te Reo Mori). However, diverse cooking methods have transformed the Kumara into a popular snack in New Zealand. Whether it’s made into chips, croquettes, or wedges. You can bet New Zealanders love it in all of its forms. There are several types of kumara available in supermarkets. But the most common is the purple-skinned, creamy-fleshed variety.
Meat Pies
If there’s one quick, on-the-go lunch choice that New Zealand is known for, it’s without a doubt our delicious meat pies! With buttery, flakey crust and a variety of flavorful fillings, our pies are a winning lunch option for almost all palates. Traditional fillings include mince, mince and cheese, beef, steak and cheese, and chicken and vegetable, although modern pies go much beyond the traditional. Many bakeries offer unusual flavor combinations like chicken, cranberry, camembert or lamb, mint, and kumara. A pie is the best well-rounded meal, according to Kiwis, and we’re sure you’ll agree!
Southland Cheese Rolls
Cheese rolls are a southern favorite. You can find it in bakeries and cafes all across the South Island. However, you will not find them anyplace else in New Zealand! They make a simple yet wonderful local specialty. It contains fresh white bread with cheese, cream, evaporated milk, and onion soup powder. These are a budget-friendly must-try snack on any Aotearoa journey!
See you next time on Savory Food to Try in New Zealand part 2
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