Vicki Young
New Zealand Contributor
Vicki joined Urban List as a freelance writer in May 2024, starting off as Guest Editor for the month where she gave us a sneak peek into her life as a private chef, trained pastry chef, food stylist, recipe developer and all-round foodie travelling to Georgia (country not the state) in the search for tkemali, a Georgian plum sauce. A few months later, she slid into Urban List DMs (lol) and pitched as a regular contributor to Urban List NZ.
Vicki loves spinning a yarn with the hospo community, and sharing the power of storytelling by writing about the culinary journey of others in the Aotearoa food scene. She’s worked in front and back of house, got stuck in the dish pit, trained in patisserie, taught baking, and cooked for famous people in penthouse apartments and roaming food trucks. She’s a feeder through and through, but can also sit happily over a five hour dinner sitting with great company. Where there’s moments in food that transcend spoken word, where flavours and textures transport you to a core memory or place—Vicki is there translating that fleeting feeling into the latest listing, or article on where’s good to stick your fork into from breakfast to dessert, in Tāmaki, over the hills and beyond. Having lived and worked in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara for 15 years before moving to the ‘09, you’ll find her writing about her love for Pōneke too, a place which will always have her heart (and appetite).
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her perched at a prime people-watching spot over golden hour, with a glass of natty wine and snacks in hand—or whipping up a feast for family and friends as a trained—and seasoned—chef (pun definitely intended).
The Good Life by Vicki
Crispy snacks + Drink in hand + Big table of laughs
Image credit: Victoria Baldwin
Connect with
Articles
The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know
Roll up, roll up. It’s time for this week’s New Zealand food news. Hot off the press (or should we say, toastie press) are all the tasty tidbits you need to know.
The Chef’s Table At Blue Duck Station
We sent writer Vicki Young to check out The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station.
Everything You Need To Know About The Country Calendar Famous Blue Duck Station
We sent writer Vicki Young to check out Blue Duck Station.
The Best Late Night Desserts In Auckland
Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.
Where to Eat, Play, Stay in Ruapehu
While Ruapehu is known as the go-to destination during winter months for keen skiers and snowboarders, the autumn months are just as good.
30 Of The Best Cheap Eats In Wellington
We love satisfying our food cravings and nabbing a bangin’ food deal at the same time—and what better way than getting a chicken wing fix while also getting more bang for your buck (yes to making savings for the next meal).
50 Of The Best Things To Do In Wellington
The Urban List guide to the absolute best things to do in Wellington.
The Best Markets In Auckland
Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too (we're looking at you Auckland Night Markets). Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.
Where to Eat, Play and Stay in Marlborough
From a kaimoana-filled cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds (complete with BBQ boat-side), to trekking through the famous Queen Charlotte Track—Marlborough is just a short flight from Tāmaki Makaurau and makes for one helluva way to escape the daily grind.
Where To Find The Best Breakfasts In Wellington
Wellington’s breakfast game is strong, just like their coffee.
Wellington’s Best New Restaurant Openings To Add to Your Eat List
It's no secret we love a new opening and if you're reading this, chances are you do, too. As luck would have it, Wellington is packed with tantalizing eats with new eateries.
The Best Restaurants In Wellington
There’s a reason why Wellington is Aotearoa’s coolest capital. Among the most (and best) flat whites per corner, beach-side brunch spots and breathtaking walks along the windy hills, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara truly has some of the best restaurants in Aotearoa.
Auckland’s Best Bakeries Right Now
We’ve rounded up our go-to picks for that bakery run—whether you’re a sucker for a kiwi classic, a modern Asian sweet, gluten-free sausage roll or a vegan croissant—we’ve got you.
New Year New Snacks: What To Eat At The BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival
Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.
The Best Ramen Joints In Auckland
Piping hot and packed full of flavour, ramen is as good for the soul as it is for the stomach. It's no wonder this drool-worthy dish, which features noodles swimming in a lush savoury broth, topped with goodies like braised or barbecued pork and soft-boiled eggs—is one of Japan's most popular dishes and an absolute fan favourite here in New Zealand.
21 Delicious Māori-Owned Eateries You Should Know About
We’ve rounded up our top picks of Māori-owned kai pakihi (food businesses) across the motu where you can show your support.
The Best Places For Strawberry Picking In And Around Auckland
If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond).
The Best Bars In Wellington To Try in 2024
Whatever your tipple of choice—we’ve got you. Here are the best bars in Wellington.
The Best Markets In Wellington
Whether you’re out for a veggie deal, are craving some homemade treats, or just want to support local grassroots creatives, Wellington’s market scene has got you.
The Best Walks And Hikes In Wellington
As the saying goes, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.
29 Of The Best Cafes In Wellington For Coffee That Slaps
Wellington prides itself on its cafe culture and we’ll be the first to say it’s justified.
The Best Japanese Restaurants in Wellington
From authentic experiences to Japanese patisserie, we’ve scoped out the very best Japanese restaurants in Wellington, so in no particular order, here are the best Japanese joints in town.
Auckland’s Best Steakhouses
If there’s something New Zealanders know how to appreciate, it’s a well-cooked, tender steak. Coupled with roasted vegetables and a cheeky glass of fine red wine, you can’t go wrong with a simple steak dish.
Auckland’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Restaurants So You Can Chow Down
We’ve tracked down the best all-you-can-eat restaurants for when à la carte just doesn’t cut it. Stretchy pants advised.
Vicki Young: Why It Took Me 10 Years To Travel… For Plum Sauce
Some Kiwis do their initiation into adulthood and go on a “gap year,” aka the big OE. For me, I didn’t exactly get that chance. Instead, I dived headfirst into a career shift in my mid-twenties.