18 New Zealand’s Dishes You Have To Try When Visiting (part 1)

New Zealand's dishes are not so famous around the world, but they have features that attract visitors. New Zealanders take great pride in their specialties, and it's easy to see why seafood is a staple as the nation has a coastline of some 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles). Traditional meals are a must-try when coming here; whether it's hāngī, fried bread, or kawakawa tea, they've been an important part of Maori culture for hundreds of years.

1. Hāngī

A dish associated with traditional Maori hāngī! Not only is New Zealand cuisine delicious, but hāngī is also the most delicious dish of the Maori people. You will hear a lot of interesting stories from the locals when enjoying the food. This is a slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish in an underground oven. Although this has been a popular cooking method for hundreds of years in New Zealand, today hāngī is reserved for more special occasions as it takes a long time to prepare. Arriving in New Zealand, you'll find hāngī available to try on many of the Maori cultural tours around.

Hāngī

2. Kina

New Zealanders love seafood, so it's understandable that Kina is always on the list of favorites. Representing ocean cuisine, Kina is the local name for a type of sea urchin with a hard outer shell and thin flesh inside. It has been a New Zealand delicacy for centuries. You can try Kina on boat trips in the Bay of Islands, Kai Caff Aye in Rotorua, the seafood market in Hamilton, and other fish and chip/seafood shops around New Zealand.

3. Pavlova

Ask an Aussie, and they'll swear Oz invented pavlova; ask a Kiwi, and they'll tell you otherwise. Pavlova is a very popular New Zealand dessert made with meringues, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. Although this dessert can be found on dessert menus in New Zealand, Kiwis traditionally eat this refreshing dessert around Christmas. Pavlova is on the dessert menu of many New Zealand restaurants, including Cibo in Auckland, Public Kitchen and Bar in Queenstown, and Floriditas in Wellington.

Pavlova

4. Kiwi Burger

You may think it's weird, but it's still a staple of New Zealand cuisine. What makes a “Kiwi” burger are beets and a fried egg, along with standard burger patties, lettuce, and anything else in between. Almost everyone loves meatloaf, but New Zealanders love it even more. Nearly any pub or restaurant has a burger menu, even McDonald's. However, they are not always listed as "Kiwi burgers", which require eggs and beets.

5. Crayfish

Another traditional New Zealand dish is crayfish; almost everyone in this country loves to eat crayfish. Crayfish and lobster are Kiwi's favorites, mainly because they're something many fishermen and divers take pride in catching on their own. Sometimes you'll have to pay up to NZ$80 for a full crayfish, which isn't exactly the most affordable dish, but it's definitely worth a try when you get the chance. Then you'll understand why Kiwis go crayfish fishing! Try some crayfish at Kaikoura. Restaurants include Nins Bin, Cods & Crayfish, Karaka Lobster, and Kaikoura Seafood BBQ.

Crayfish

6. Jaffas

Another famous New Zealand food is Jaffas, which is a favorite New Zealand confection, not just for kids. Jaffas are small, sugar-coated pieces of chocolate with a subtle orange flavor. You can buy Jaffas at any supermarket, dairy, or convenience store.

Enjoying local cuisine is an integral part of your New Zealand travel itinerary. The list of dishes from this interesting land will continue, so make a note to make your trip memorable. And don't miss any of New Zealand’s dishes on this list!