Are there any special New Zealand dishes or food I should try when I'm there?

Question

Are there any special New Zealand dishes or food I should try when I'm there?

Answer 1

The seafood is some of the best in the world...if not the best.  

In terms of sweet treats, they aren't gourmet, but yummy nonetheless - chocolate fish and pineapple chunks.

Answer 2

There are very few (if any) foods in New Zealand that are not found anywhere else in the world. This is because we are a highly multicultural country.

In general, I would suggest that whenever you come across something, which has a name you've never heard of before, try it.

If you are looking for a Maori/NZ cullinary experience then definitely try a 'hangi'. This involves digging a hole in the ground and placing rocks into it which have previously been heated up over a fire. All the food is placed on top of the stones (in a container or wrapped in leaves) and the hole sealed with earth. This creates a kind of steam oven and the food comes out beautifully cooked with a taste that has to be experienced to be believed, all the flavour and juices having been sealed in during the cooking process. This is a style of cooking rather than a special type of food.

Also look out for foods indigenous to New Zealand - traditional Maori food (if you want to phrase it that way). These include:

Kumara (a type of sweet potato)

Puha greens

Green mussels

Manuka (a type of tea tree)

Rewena pararoa (Maori potato bread)

Mutton bird

Various local fish - kahawai, kokiri (leatherjacket), ara ara (trevally) and tarakihi

Various types of local shell fish - pipi, tuatua and toheroa, kina, queen scallops and paua (a type of abalone).

We also love our white bait fritters and oysters.

Finally, of course, New Zealand invented and enjoys pavlova. Don't let any Australians tell you they invented it; they are wrong, but thats their way - always claiming NZ stuff is their's :-)

Answer 3

Try chargrilled lamb rumps with spiced tomato jus,

Answer 4

whitebait fritters!!! d**n they are good

Answer 5

just try everything that looks good or ask the people right there. I did that and trust me the food is really good

Answer 6

h**l yea -- pavlova, sausage rolls, jimmy's pies, mutton, moro bars, pineapple chunks -- go and indulge!!

Answer 7

The seafood without a doubt!  Go to Sails Restaruant.