As I mentioned in my post from a couple of weeks ago, one of the ways to reduce the stress of being homesick is to try out the cuisine of your new country. I think food is one of the best ways to get to know a new place.
I’ve found that trying out new foods when you’re just visiting a new city is quite different than if you actually live there. When you’re just visiting, you have a limited time, so you’re going to miss out on some things. But if you live there, you have all the time to try everything.
When we first arrived in New Zealand, I thought that there wasn’t too much of a difference in their food and the Western fare I’ve tried in other places. But if you look a little closer, they do have a couple of unique foods that I can say are MUST-TRYs when you’re in New Zealand.
Kiwiburger
Look no further than McDonald’s/Maccas for a good old-fashioned burger with a Kiwi twist. The Kiwiburger is basically a slightly bigger Cheeseburger with beetroot slices and a fried egg.
If you’re not familiar with beetroot, don’t be afraid. It gives the burger a nice sweet taste. Just make sure it does not fall to your shirt–it stains!
Pavlova
The origin of this dish has been the subject of debate between Australia and New Zealand for a long time. It is named after a Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova who toured Australia and New Zealand in the early 1900s. The “pav”, as locals call it, is a giant merengue cake that is usually topped with cream and fruits. It is served during special occasions, but most notably during Christmas.
The pavlova is quite tricky to bake. I have not attempted to do so. But local supermarkets sell ready-made ones, which you can just decorate at home and serve at parties.
White Bait Fritter
White Bait Fritter is baby fish that are mixed with egg and flour, then fried in oil. The fritters are usually served with a salad, then dipped into tartare sauce.
These are not always available, as there’s a specific season for white bait fishing. It’s usually found in restaurant menus around November through the summer months.
Toast with Butter and Marmite
Katie and Patty are both used to the taste of Marmite toast since this is given to kids for morning or afternoon tea in childcare. The first time I tried it, I slapped a thick paste on to the bread, which was a bad idea.
The trick to making Marmite toast is to spread some butter first, and just a very thin layer of Marmite on top. Very thin–I say! Marmite (and it’s cousin, Vegemite) tastes like soy sauce in spreadable form. It is very salty, so eat with caution.
Huge Jackman gave a demo on how to eat the toast (he used Vegemite, because–Aussie)
Kiwi Dip
On the chips aisle in most groceries, you’ll find a shelf containing cans of cream and packs of French Onion Soup mix. These are the two ingredients in making the Kiwi Dip.
Just mix those two together (you don’t have to put all of the soup mix, as it can get quite salty), and maybe add a dash of lemon, and dip your favorite cut vegetables or chips, and you’ll be snacking for hours. I got quite addicted to Kiwi Dip when I was pregnant with Patty.
I hope you try these foods when you’re here. These are just a few, and I will have to make another post about other interesting foods you will find in New Zealand. It’s actually fun to go out and have a bit of food adventure, isn’t it? Just make sure not to eat too much, or you’ll gain a few pounds in the process, like me! Enjoy!
