New Zealand is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and, of course, mouthwatering food.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’re in for a treat.
We’ve rounded up over 10 of the best New Zealand recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the Kiwi shores.
From hearty classics to sweet indulgences, these dishes are a must-try for anyone who loves exploring global cuisines.
Ready to dive into a culinary adventure? These recipes aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with history, tradition, and a whole lot of flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these Kiwi-inspired dishes will leave you craving more. Let’s get cooking!
1. Classic New Zealand Meat Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 cup beef stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by sautéing the onion in a pan until golden. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Toss in the carrot and potato, then stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer until the filling thickens.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the filling into pie dishes, cover with puff pastry, and brush with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Why We Chose It:
This isn’t just any pie—it’s a Kiwi icon. You’ll find these handheld delights at every corner bakery in New Zealand.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
2. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tbsp golden syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda
How to Make It:
Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the sweetened condensed milk.
For the hokey pokey, heat golden syrup in a pan until bubbling, then stir in baking soda.
It’ll foam up—pour it onto parchment paper to cool and harden. Break it into pieces and mix into the cream. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Hokey pokey is New Zealand’s favorite ice cream flavor for a reason. The crunchy honeycomb toffee mixed with creamy ice cream is pure magic.
3. Kiwi Pavlova
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh kiwi fruit, sliced
How to Make It:
Beat egg whites until stiff, then gradually add sugar. Fold in vinegar and cornstarch.
Spread the mixture into a circle on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1.5 hours. Let it cool, then top with whipped cream and kiwi slices.
Why We Selected It:
Pavlova is a Kiwi dessert legend. Crispy on the outside, marshmallowy on the inside, and topped with fresh fruit—it’s a showstopper.
4. Lamb Roast with Mint Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make small cuts in the lamb and insert garlic slices.
Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 1.5-2 hours. For the mint sauce, blend mint leaves, sugar, and vinegar until smooth. Serve alongside the lamb.
Why We Chose It:
New Zealand is famous for its lamb, and this roast is a Sunday dinner staple. The mint sauce adds a refreshing zing.
5. Kumara (Sweet Potato) Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 large kumara (sweet potatoes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Cut kumara into thin fries. Toss with olive oil, paprika, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Kumara fries are a healthier, sweeter twist on regular fries. They’re crispy, addictive, and totally Kiwi.
6. Whitebait Fritters
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whitebait (or small fish)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper
- Butter for frying
How to Make It:
Mix whitebait, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat butter in a pan and spoon the mixture into small patties. Fry until golden on both sides.
Why We Selected It:
Whitebait fritters are a coastal Kiwi favorite. They’re simple, savory, and packed with flavor.
7. Feijoa Crumble
Ingredients:
- 6 feijoas, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup butter
How to Make It:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place feijoas in a baking dish and sprinkle with sugar.
Mix flour, oats, and butter into a crumble texture. Sprinkle over the feijoas and bake for 30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Feijoas are a Kiwi fruit sensation. This crumble is warm, comforting, and uniquely New Zealand.
8. Maori Boil-Up
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bones
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1 kumara, chopped
- 1 bunch watercress
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
Boil bones in water for 1 hour. Add potatoes, kumara, and onion. Simmer until tender. Add watercress and season with salt and pepper.
Why This Made It to Our List:
This traditional Maori dish is a hearty, soul-warming meal that’s deeply rooted in New Zealand’s culture.
9. Anzac Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda
How to Make It:
Mix oats, flour, sugar, and coconut. Melt butter and golden syrup, then stir in baking soda.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes.
Why We Selected It:
Anzac biscuits are a Kiwi classic with a rich history. They’re chewy, sweet, and perfect with a cup of tea.
10. Kiwi Burger
Ingredients:
- 1 beef patty
- 1 burger bun
- 1 slice beetroot
- 1 fried egg
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Cheese
How to Make It:
Grill the beef patty and assemble the burger with all the toppings. Don’t forget the beetroot—it’s what makes it Kiwi!
Why We Chose It:
The Kiwi burger is a quirky, delicious twist on the classic burger. It’s a must-try for any burger lover.
11. Lolly Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 pack malt biscuits
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup colorful fruit puffs
How to Make It:
Crush the biscuits and mix with melted butter and condensed milk. Add fruit puffs and shape into a log. Chill for 2 hours, then slice.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Lolly cake is a fun, no-bake treat that’s loved by Kiwis of all ages. It’s sweet, colorful, and totally irresistible.
Conclusion
There you have it—over 10 of the best New Zealand recipes to try at home.
Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or downright unique, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and let’s bring a taste of New Zealand to your kitchen.