The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

It's that time of the week again. Get ready to feast your eyes on all the hottest food news from around Aotearoa. We’ve got the inside scoop on all the latest and greatest openings, collabs, events, products and more so you can spend less time researching and more time munching (because priorities, people).

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DineAid Kicks off Their 13th Annual Christmas Campaign

Image credit: DineAid | Supplied (Photography of Hello Beasty owners by Vanessa Wu)

This month until the end of December will see 61 restaurants across Aotearoa take part in DineAid’s annual Christmas campaign, raising money for the city missions in the lead-up to Christmas. The campaign raised over $70K last year, with the top 10 restaurant fundraisers from Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (with Hello Beasty raising the most, with over $5550 last year). Diners have the option to donate $3 to their bill or add $1-3 to a popular dish or cocktail, with all funds raised going to the City Mission closest to their city or region. Jump online to check out the list of participating restaurants this year here and book with them to support the cause. 

We’re Here For Dazza And His Cookbook With All The Biggest Bakery Hits

Image credit: Darren Jarrett | Supplied 

Baker-owner Darren Jarrett is a bit of a bakery legend here in Tāmaki Makaurau. He owns a number of bakeries but any pie-fanatic will know about the top-tier pies (namely, beek cheek and cheese—and those sausage rolls) at Ashby’s Pies in St Heliers. He’s just released his first cookbook, Dazza's Cooked, celebrating all the biggest hits that put Ashby Pies on the map—and many more, ft. crowd-fave snacks like sticky chicken nibbles, corner bakery cinnamon-buns, and a banoffee pie to name a few of the drool-worthy picks (all captured deliciously by award-winning food photographer Manja Wachsmuth). Get your copy, stat.

Ahi Is Bringing Aoteaora Hospitality To Shanghai

Image credit: Ahi x W Shanghai - The Bund | Supplied (Photography by Graeme Kennedy)

This month, Chef Ben Bayly (of Ahi, Origine, Aosta, Little Aosta, The Bathhouse and Blue Door) and his team have transformed The Kitchen Table at W Shanghai - The Bund into ‘Ahi Shanghai.’ Inspired by Chef Ben’s travels in China, the collaborative pop-up opened to the public earlier this week. The space has been redesigned especially for the collab, and hotel’s Wet Deck has also transformed into “The Bach Shanghai,” representing summer bach vibes in Aotearoa. Visitors can experience a slice of Aotearoa in Shanghai—complete with Aotearoa wines, oysters and a fancy take on the Kiwi classic meat pie, all while overlooking the Bund skyline. 

Bellbird Eatery Has A New Chef-Owner And Is Entering A New Culinary Era 

Image credit: Chetan Pangam/Bellbird Eatery | Supplied 

Chef Chetan Pangam (previously Executive Chef at One80 for over 14 years, a huge hospo advocate in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and two-time champ for Visa WOAP Burger Welly in 2023/24) has just announced his new venture as chef-owner of Bellbird Eatery, at Dowse Art Museum’s on-site eatery in Lower Hutt. While Chef Chetan tells me that there aren’t many changes with the menu just yet—emphasising slow and steady vibes (and locals will be pleased to know crowd faves like the cheese scone will remain), we’re buzzing he’s got his own space and can’t wait to see the eatery grow with his culinary direction. Keep up to date with their upcoming dinner service kicking off later this month on their socials here. 

Celebrate International Pickle Day With Pickle Beer And All The Pickle Snacks

Image credit: Garage Project | Supplied

From Tuesday 11th November until Sunday 16th November, Garage Project is running Pickle Week across all Garage Project venues in Aotearoa—in celebration of International Pickle Day. For those in Te Whanganui-a-tara on the official Pickle Day, Burger Liquor will be cooking onsite at Garage Project Leeds Street, serving a specially-created pickle burger to match the beer (being pickle beer, of course). I’m a big fan of the Spicy Pickle Beer and looking forward to trying it in michelada form—along with alllll the pickle snacks. Head to GP for pickle beer on tap, pickle-backs, pickle onion dip and chips, pickle tasting boards and a melty cheese pickle toastie to send off International Pickle Day right. 

This Tāmaki Makaurau Filipino Chef Is Headed To Spain For The World Tapas Champs

Image credit: Nanam Auckland | Instagram

Chef Jess Granada (Chef-owner of Nanam) was crowned the 7th Australasian Tapas competition winner earlier this year at Skills Institute in Tāmaki Makaurau, with her creation ‘The Storyteller’—wagyu sausage taco made with Ibérico pork back fat and lemongrass, chipotle mayonnaise, coriander, peanut barbecue sauce and atchara pickle. Based on her nod to the Spanish longaniza, remixed with Filipino flavours and Aotearoa wagyu—Chef Jess is bringing this winning dish to the World Champs in Valladolid, Spain this week. 

We’re Saying Yes To Game-Changing Gluten-Free Baking With A Scoop Of Ice Cream

Image credit: Giapo | Vicki Young

Team Giapo have stepped out of the freezer and into the oven with their latest addition to their treats menu—Giapo Baking. With freshly-baked, fluffy gluten-free baking (think cinnamon rolls, hokey pokey cookies, and my fave—chocolate-dipped donuts with crunchy cacao nibs and the softest interior) made daily from the talented crew at Giapo. I’ve been a long-time fan of their cookies (without even realising they’re all gluten-free) and can confirm their latest baking offerings are just as incredible. It’s a game-changer for your gluten-free friends and fam, and a must-visit—especially when the GF mates are in town. Jump on the Giapo app or pop in-store to check out what’s coming out of the oven and on offer each day. Ice-cream scoop addition to baking encouraged. 

These Two Legendary Chefs Have Created A French-Polynesian Sharing Menu

Image credit: Metita x Apéro | Instagram

Metita is turning two and marking the occasion with a special collaborative menu. For one night only on Wednesday 12th November, Chef Michael Meredith and Chef Leslie Hottiaux of Apéro are joining forces to present a special menu with French elegance and Pacific soul. From chicken 'fafa' (French Polynesian chicken stew) to white bean cassoulet with Apéro sausage and confit pork belly—expect a whole lot of love for flavour and chef skills across this eleven-dish celebration feast. Tickets have sold out, but you can drool over the sample menu here.

Soak In The Summer Vibes Dining Alfresco With Free Pizza

Image credit: Esther | Supplied

Esther Courtyard is reopening in time for alfresco dining in the sun this Thursday 13th November from 12pm. Plus, the first 30 pizzettas ordered are on them on opening day. With flavours like confit garlic with rosemary ricotta and pine nuts, to Chef’s Pick of nduja and taleggio—we’re here for all the delicious, punchy flavours on mini wood-fired pizza. With $15 pizettas from 12-3pm, Monday to Fridays, it’s the place to be this summer. Plus the courtyard is pet-friendly too—bring your pup and lounge the day away, with a spritz and pizzetta in hand. 

Head To Muriwai For The Summer Food Truck And Beach Combo

Image credit: Local Legend Eats | Supplied (Photography by Paul Menezes Creative @pmcreatives)

Pack your togs and appetite, burger legends Local Legend Eats and their newest food offering Tacotearoa, are parking up west Tāmakai Makaurau ways starting this week. If you’ve had their burgs over the years across Tāmaki Makaurau at gigs and markets, then you’ll understand the hype. From Tacotearoa’s signature birria taco, to the legends’ burger menu featuring low and slow brisket—plus that famous hot honey fried chicken burger (pro tip: don’t forget a side of lava-cheese fries). They'll be parking up outside the old Sand Dunz Beach Café spot from this Thursday 13th November. Check out their socials for opening days and times (they’ll change slightly with their truck travelling over summer gig season too).

Make Your Way Down South To This New Restaurant Celebrating Marlborough Cuisine 

Image credit: Oak & Ivy | Instagram 

Oak & Ivy are set to open their doors at 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim (right next to the newly opened Marlborough Wine & Food Experience) this Thursday 13th November. Celebrating the best of Marlborough produce cooked over charcoal, with a spacious dining area, intimate lounge bar and terrace space—we’re looking forward to fresh Marlborough kaimoana, artisan cheese and locally-grown produce, along with a glass of wine from the region. 

Get A Taste of Cantonese And Shanghai Flavours Together On This New Menu

Image credit: Huami | Supplied

Huami by SkyCity has appointed a new Head Chef, He Jia, after a global search to bring exceptional Chinese flavours to Tāmaki Makaurau. Originally from Nanjing, China, Chef He Jia has over two decades of international experience—bringing flavours from his hometown, as well as drawing inspiration from other regions across China. His new menu at Huami blends Cantonese and Shanghai flavours with modern techniques—with new dishes like sautéed green river shrimp, a textural mushroom and macadamia medley, and XO scallops to name a few featured alongside Huami old faves. They'll still be serving those crispy tobasco prawns, that wood-roasted Peking duck (with the perfect skin) and their intricate hand-made dim sum classics too. Expect a flavoursome and exciting journey exploring some of the incredible styles of Chinese cuisine.

The Latin Market Is Coming To Tāmaki Makaurau This Weekend

Image credit: Uchu Hot Sauce | Instagram (@uchu_nz_)

Pachamama Latino Store is hosting the first of their Latin Market series this Sunday 16th November, with all the Latino eats and beats. From Argentinian BBQ, Peruvian ceviche to Mexican baja tacos, plus traditional Chilean dances and Español rock, bring the fam for a fun day out. Check out the Pachamama store while you’re there too. With locally-made Peruvian Uchu rocoto hot sauce from Chef Carolina Noble, as well as Argentine alfajores made by Mariana’s Kitchen in Lower Hutt—they’re both a must-try and pantry essentials in my books. 

Here’s To 25 Years Of Neapolitan Pizza In Pōneke

Image credit: Pizza Pomodoro | Instagram (@pizzapomodoro_nz)

Neapolitan wood-fired pizza legends Pizza Pomodoro are celebrating 25 years of bringing the goods to Pōneke with free panna cotta of your choice with every online order until Saturday 15th November. I remember having my first Pizza Pomodoro experience back in the early 2000s—a piping hot margherita by the slice on a summer's day along the waterfront, with pizza-juice running down my arm while holding that triangle of blistered dough, smoky and delicious from the wood-fire. Iconic. Here’s to many more years of slinging the good stuff. 

Head Uptown For This Neighbourhood Food Festival

Image credit: Uptown Bites | Supplied (Blink @blinkboys)

Uptown in Tāmaki Makaurau is debuting their first food festival, Uptown Bites. Restaurants, cafes and bars at the top of Grafton, Newton and Eden Terrace are coming together with food deals, free tastings and workshops for two weeks (Monday 3rd November to Sunday 16th November). Learn how to make chicken larb (meat salad) and Luang Prabang salad (a.k.a. Laos salad) at Puen Eatery & Bar, and serve it in your very own ceramic plate made at Eden Ceramics’ workshop. Say cheers with a champagne tasting at Normanby Fine Wines, followed by crayfish from Lillius (served with beautiful greens from local community garden O.M.G. Organic Market Garden). Master the art of coffee with Altezano Brothers and De’Longhi, then watch the team at Sabato demo risotto and paella at their free tasting. Don’t forget to get tickets to A Taste of Dalmatia, where the Dalmatian Cultural Society are putting up an epic buffet spread for two nights—complete with octopus salad, sarma (Croatian cabbage rolls), pršule (fried dougnuts) and palačinke (crepes), to name a few. Check out the full line-up here.

This Pōneke Brunch Spot Is Opening Nights With Pasta And More

Image credit: Volco | Instagram

I’ve been chatting to the Volco crew the past few months and it’s been a long time coming with all their hard work behind the scenes—they’re now bringing their dinner-time offerings at their newest Volco spot on Egmont from Thursday 6th November. From brunch to dinner, Volco on Egmont is going to be popping off on the laneway. We’re eyeing up pig’s head and guanciale croquettes, lamb and bone marrow pappardelle and lip-smacking eggplant with olio santo (literally meaning holy oil, a.k.a. that vibrant red, Italian-style chilli oil).  

Aotearoa’s Christmas Pie Champ Has Been Announced 

Image credit: Baking NZ | Supplied

Last month, Baking NZ held The Great New Zealand Xmas Mince Pie competition at Daily Bread in Britomart, Tāmaki Makaurau—where myself (as a baker and patisserie-trained chef) along with expert baking judges Graham Heaven and Matt Havill, we blind-tasted our way through countless Christmas fruit mince pies from all over Aotearoa ahead of the silly season. We had the difficult task of judging each one based on appearance, pastry quality, filling, aroma and flavour, as well as technical skill. From boozy brandy-soaked fruit, almond pastry, to yuzu-peel additions—there were so many different takes on the Christmas classic. With friendly competition and an engraved silver trophy with all the Christmas rep at stake, Madeleine Colombie from Paneton Bakery in Tāmaki Makaurau took out the winning spot for the 2025 championship. Mike Kloeg from Clareville Bakery in the Wairarapa came in second, and third place went to Canterbury’s Franz Lieber from Fairlie Bakehouse. Mad respect for all the bakers across the motu as they gear up for the silly season ahead.

Head To This High Tea For Their Famous Dessert Trolley And Mozzarella Cheesecake

Image credit: Esther | Vicki Young

If you haven’t experienced Esther’s exquisite High Tea, this is your sign to do so. They roll over the sweet menu via a beautiful trolley of sweet treats piled high—complete with their signature chocolate choux swans and a big tableside scoop of Sean’s orange-scented tiramisu. Their savoury offerings are just as drool-worthy, with Mediterranean flavours (I’m here for all the pops of Ortiz anchovies on toast with salsa verde). Plus, you’d be rude not to go bottomless (with a free-flowing prosecco in each hand) for an extra $20. Book online and don’t miss out—their sweet creations are always executed with such technical skill and finesse (re last season’s lemon-shaped dessert, pictured, that had me fooled)—we hear there’s a buffalo mozz cheesecake on the latest menu that looks just like the real deal. High tea starts at $79 per person (or $99 for bottomless).

Prepare To Get Served At SkyCity

Image credit: SERVED SkyCity | Supplied

In case you missed it, SkyCity’s culinary series SERVED is making a grand return, bringing global flavours and exclusive culinary events to some of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants. Think Pacific-inspired plates at Michael Meredith’s Metita, Diwali feasts at Sid Sahrawat’s Cassia, and the best of Aotearoa at The Grill. And that’s just the start—there’s also Japanese creations at MASU by Nic Watt, traditional Chinese at Huami, sky-high cocktails at SkyBar,  and NYC style chopped cheese sandos at Al Brown's Fed Deli. Basically, you’re about to embark on a round-the-world dining trip without leaving the city. Visit here for the full line-up and start plotting your next feast—because this is one culinary passport you’ll definitely want stamped. —Maisie Gray

Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here. 

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Main Image Credit: Huami | Supplied