Must try Kiwi foods when visiting New Zealand
It’s no secret that visitors to New Zealand are extremely lucky, not only are they surrounded by incredible scenery, they also have the opportunity to experience world class visitor activities throughout the country (even though the ones in Rotorua are the best!). However, what a lot of visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand don’t know is that we have a great range of must-try kiwi foods available. From sweet to salty and everything in between. Our favourite kiwi foods are sure to tempt even the fussiest food connoisseur. We’ve compiled a list of our must try kiwi foods when visiting New Zealand. They’re all fairly common and you’ll find most of these options at any supermarket or dairy.
L&P or Lemon and Paeroa
L&P was invented in 1907 by a gentleman in Paeroa who wanted to spice up plain mineral water with a squeeze of lemon. The rest is history and L&P is now New Zealand’s most icon
ic fizzy drink that gives the big brands from overseas a run for their money. You can now find cans or bottles of this staple lemony fizzy drink at every supermarket or dairy. If you find yourself on a road trip around the North Island you can even take a selfie with the giant L&P bottle in Paeroa.
Marmite
Whilst Marmite may not have originated in New Zealand, it is worthy of a place on this list. With a slightly acquired taste, Marmite has become a true kiwi icon, solidifying it’s status as a staple hero of the New Zealand toast spread options and a standard item in every kiwi household. Add a decent layer of butter to your toast of choice and tread very lightly with Marmite, it has a very strong taste and a little goes a long way! If you’re feeling extra spicy add avocado to your toast – you’ll thank us later.
Pineapple Lumps
Made with a chewy centre of pineapple marshmallow and covered in dark chocolate, pineapple lumps are a cultural icon in New Zealand that have been enjoyed for generations. Grab a bag and enjoy straight from the packet or put in the freezer for a few hours for a completely different and delectable experience!
Whittakers Chocolate
Founded in 1896, Whittakers is still family-owned and operated and prides itself on using only the finest ingredients, including cocoa from Ghana and Madagascar. Whittakers chocolate is well known for it’s wide range of chocolate bars which come in a variety of flavours such as Creamy Milk, Berry and Biscuit, Dark Salted Caramel and many more. Whittakers chocolate is a must try on any trip to New Zealand!
Fish and chips
Fish and chips have long been a staple of a kiwi diet and is often the takeaway of choice for most New Zealand households on a Friday night. The most popular fish used is hoki, which is then covered in batter and deep fried. Along with delicious battered fish the next star of the show is hot chips. In New Zealand our hot chips are cut thick and cooked until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Fish and chips is commonly served with an excessive amount of tomato sauce (Watties of course). Our top tip when ordering fish and chips is to also buy a loaf of white bread and butter and make yourself a chip sandwich or butty!
Bakery Pie
A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without sampling at least a couple of bakery pies. A bakery pie is a staple Kiwi cuisine and can be found in almost every bakery, café and gas station in New Zealand with a huge range of flavours. Pies are so popular in New Zealand, we even have our own national pie awards! These savoury pies are typically filled with minced meat, gravy and other ingredients such as cheese, bacon, mushrooms and many more! A pie is the perfect choice for a road trip for a quick and satisfying meal option that can be easily enjoyed on the go!
Kiwi onion dip
Kiwi onion dip is a must have at any social gathering in New Zealand. So much so that you’ll even find the ingredients right next to each other on the shelves at the supermarket. Kiwi onion dip is made with a combination of reduced cream, a packet of onion soup mix and a splash of lemon juice or malt vinegar. Give everything a mix and then pop that bad boy in the fridge for a couple of hours to set. Once set, serve with chips of your choice and enjoy!
Lolly cake
Lolly cake is a classic kiwi treat that’s been enjoyed in New Zealand for generations. This no-bake dessert is made from a combination of crushed malt biscuits, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped up fruit marshmallow. The mixture is then rolled into a log and coated in desiccated coconut before being chilled in the fridge until firm. Lolly cake is a perfect sweet treat for any occasion and can be found at most bakeries or you can make your own with this recipe!
