What does a Kiwi eat? We found out on our recent trip to New Zealand’s epically beautiful South Island! Between the lamb, the lattes, and the Pavlova, I’m here to show you only the best!
Breakfast
A Kiwi breakfast is strikingly (though not shockingly) like a traditional British breakfast! Though it often also included an Asian element, such as congee, due to the high number of Asian tourists.
Fried Egg and Bacon Sandwich from OGB, Christchurch
Salmon Eggs Benedict from OGB, Christchurch
Egg and Avocado “Smash” Toast from Full of Beans Cafe, Franz Josef
Maybe the biggest omelete I’ve ever had! Full of Beans Cafe, Franz Josef
Bacon, mushroom, and spinach frittata from The Coffee Exchange, Queenstown
Bacon, egg, and cheese with sweet sauce on ciabatta, The Coffee Exchange, Queenstown
Chinese congee, pancakes, poached egg, baked beans, bacon, tomatoes, orange juice, coffee from Bailiez, Te Anau
Brown bread, ham, avocado spread, cheeses, and fruit of all sorts from the Classic Villa, Christchurch
Lunch
Some things I learned about lunch and food in general in New Zealand:
Pumpkin is also a popular winter food there as it has been in the U.S. in recent years.
Ketchup is called “tomato sauce,” and it’s not as popular there as back home. I could have used quite a bit more for my fries!
It’s all about the savory pies—they are awesome!
Mince can be a lot of things. It’s kind of like hot dogs—don’t ask what’s in it, just eat it and enjoy!
Lamb is my new favorite meat.
Mince and cheese pie from Arthur’s Pass Cafe, Arthur’s Pass
Punkpin sour with garlic bread from Hard Antler Bar and Restaurant, Haast
Seafood Chowder and steamed spinach from Olive Tree Cafe, Te Anau
Beef rump steak, fried egg, “chips” (French fries), and mushroom sauce from Olive Tree Cafe, Te Anau
Lamb burger and chips from the Ballroom at Larnach Castle, Dunedin
Punmpkin soup and portobello and brie sandwich from the Ballroom at Larnach Castle, Dunedin
Hearty chicken soup and buttered bread from Teapot Inn, Temuka
Chicken and Apricot Rolled Pie with Salad from the International Antarctic Centre
Supper
After long days of driving, hiking, and exploring, we mostly just wanted to go to sleep! But a little something for our bellies always did us well. Here’s what we got into.
Sushi from Hikari Sushi, Christchurch
Akaroa salmon with spinach risotto from Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
Fish ‘n Chips from Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
Pescara Pizza with local green-lipped mussels, shrimp, and salmon from Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza, Queenstown
Grocery store sushi! Queenstown
Egg rolls and dumplings from Bamboozled, Queenstown
Salmon risotto from Fiddlesticks, Christchurch
Lamb with sweet potatoes and Swiss chard from Fiddlesticks, Christchurch
Coffee, Sweets, and Snacks
I’ve saved the best for last:
Beautiful latte from OGB, Christchurch
Passion fruit yo-yo and caramel macadamia nut bar from Arthur’s Pass Cafe, Arthur’s Pass
Latte and Cappuccino from the Clocktower Cafe, Hokitika
Pavlova and caramel ice cream (and a kiwi fruit inside the Pavlova!) from Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef
The BEST hazelnut latte I have ever had in my life! Full of Beans Cafe, Franz Josef
Dessert pizza with apples, cinnamon, and cranberry crumble, with a side of white chocolate, berry coulis, and ice cream! From Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza, Queenstown
Kiwi treats! Left: chocolate and caramel bar; Right: something called a “Lolly” bar! From the grocery store, Greymouth
Classiest cappuccino ever from the Coffee Exchange, Queenstown
Cream bun with chocolate, Afghan cookie, tan cookie bar
A most elegant treat: salted caramel delice with passionfruit, pistachio crisp, and popcorn from Fiddlesticks, Christchurch
Are you ready to eat your way through New Zealand’s South Island? What would you like to try first?
Craving more of New Zealand? Check out my New Zealand Page!
Welcome to the blog! We do things a little differently around here: no ads, no negativity, and no checked luggage, y'all. My name is Whitney, and Quick Whit Travel Blog is your one-stop shop for all the best travel tips, packing advice, and destination information. Click around or message me on social media @quickwhittravel for more!
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