MAIN INGREDIENTS
This dish is a New Zealander version of the classic English fish and chips. It is believed that fish and chips was introduced to New Zealand before World War I by British settlers. The dish is traditionally served wrapped in newspaper, and it's typically eaten on a Friday night as a takeaway treat.
The fish is usually tarahiki, hoki, red cod, blue warehou, or elephant fish (elephant shark) - battered, fried, then served with chips.
MOST ICONIC New Zealand Fish and Chips
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Delicate as the ballerina it was named after, Pavlova is the quintessential summer dessert. Whipped cream is typically dolloped on top of a snowy meringue, followed by a pop of color in the form of fruit, preferably the tart varieties which contrast the sweetness of the meringue.
Research suggests Pavlova is a descendant of the German torte and was invented in the 1920s during Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand, although the exact inventor is still debated. The first recipe for Pavlova appeared in print in 1926, although it was not the dessert we know today, but was instead a multi-colored gelatine dish.
MOST ICONIC Pavlova
Whitebait fritters are considered a delicacy in New Zealand and they are the most popular way of preparing whitebait. The recipe is quite simple, which is in contrast to the rather pricey fish. The batter is made from eggs and flour, to which fry fish is added, then seasoned with salt and pepper, but purists will advise to limit the use of flour and just use egg whites instead of whole eggs as too much eggs, flour, and spices can interfere with the taste of fish.
These fritters can be consumed as a snack, enjoyed as an appetizer, or even a main meal when paired with a fresh salad on the side.
MOST ICONIC Whitebait Fritters
Why these crispy cookies are named Afghan is uncertain, but the recipe can be found in Edmonds Cookery Book, dating back to 1955. The cookies consist of crushed cornflakes that are combined with butter, cocoa, and sugar to create a firm dough that is usually formed into flattened balls.
Baked until firm, each cookie is garnished with a dollop of chocolate icing and halved walnut or almond flakes.
MOST ICONIC Afghan Biscuit
Rewena is a traditional Maori sourdough potato bread with a sweet and slightly sour flavor – a result of the long fermentation process. It is made with a potato starter, called bug, which causes the bread to rise and gives it a unique flavor.
The bread is so popular that there is even a New World Rewena Paraoa Baking Competition held every year in New Zealand.