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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It’s Fatima’s 30th Birthday Month Of Treats And You’re Invited
Image credit: Fatima’s | Supplied (@markbysouthnz)
Fatima’s is partying it up like it’s 1995 with month-long celebrations ahead of their cookbook release this October (you can pre-order online)—and with allll the birthday snacks. This O.G. institution in Tāmaki Makaurau is turning the big 3-0 and they’ve teamed up with local bread legends over at Wild Wheat with limited edition doughnut—a date, orange, cinnamon and caramel number, for the next two weeks (September 8th-21st). Swing by the shops (Ponsonby, Commercial Bay and Takapuna) and check out the rest of their bday month offers.
Grey Lynn Has Just Scored A Lush New Deli, Bakery and Wine Bar
Image credit: Mother | Instagram
We’ve got the word that Mother, a modern neighbourhood deli and bakery by day—and soon to be wine bar by night—is officially opening in Grey Lynn, Tāmaki Makaurau on Tuesday 9th September. With some well-known hospitality names joining the crew, we can’t wait to visit. Think open kitchen, fresh pastries (they quietly opened the doors for a soft opening last week) and a beautiful lush fitout—with all the delicious chocolate tones and textures. Make this your next cosy spot all day (and soon through to night).
Pinkies Up, This Cafe Known For Their Cinnamon Buns Has Launched Next Level High Tea
Image credit: Farm House Cafe | Supplied (Red Photography)
If you’ve mished it to the stunning grounds of Hill House Cafe (or their sister spot Farmhouse Cafe), for a bite of their famous cinnamon-spiced buns, a.k.a. the controversial and delicious sin-in-a-bun (love it), then you’ll know the hype. If you’ve been lucky enough to go to Farmhouse Cafe for their high tea weekends on the beautiful grounds, you’ll also be excited to know that Hill House are now launching High Tea weekends, starting this Saturday 13th September. Note that isn’t just any ordinary three-tiered situation—they’re bringing a trio of scones, sweet and savoury courses, and a house-made gelato or sorbet for a palette cleanser. Along with barista made coffee and bottomless cups of tea, their signature high tea starts at $79.90 per person (plus you can also upgrade to bottomless matcha, Prosecco or champagne if you’re feeling fancy). Get ready for the ultimate weekend treat and make a booking, stat.
Bring On The Beats And Eats at Afrika Bazaar This Weekend
Image credit: Taste of Rwanda | Instagram
AfroConnect NZ and ORIKoL Productions are bringing back Afrika Bazaar Waikato this Saturday 13th September from 11am-5pm. Get ready for a family-friendly and fun day filled with flavour, colour and rhythm as the Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton is filled with over 20 delicious food stalls, cultural dance performances and music, as well as African arts and crafts from different regions of Africa. From South African street food, Nigerian and West African fusion snacks, Tunisian harissa-spiced bites to a taste of Rwanda—entry is free, with pay on consumption, so snack your way through the hall and then work it all off with a boogie.
Slurp Your Way Down South At The Hakatere Noodle Festival
Image credit: Poms Thai Kitchen | Instagram (@thebuenofoodie)
The Hakatere Noodle Festival returns to Ashburton this Saturday 13th September. With a range of noodle dishes from 20 food trucks and restaurants, get ready for all the different dumpling and noodle varieties with some food trucks getting super creative with the theme. From wok-kissed pad Thai and warming rice noodle soup to mac and cheese pizza and fry bread with crispy chicken noodles—there’s something for everyone. Bring the whānau, free entry from 3pm-8pm at Baring Square East.
This Aotearoa Chef Is Making His Way To France For An International Pop-Up
Image credit: Londo Bar | Photography by Jerome Warburton (@jeromewarburton)
Londo Bar’s Robert Fairs a.k.a. Bob is currently in France preparing for a pop-up collab with Green Michelin-starred restaurant Scratch, in Bourg-en-Bresse. Having worked together at Roots back in the day, Bob is reuniting with Chef Andreas Baehr for a six course surprise menu for one night only. Live vicariously through their socials—or if you’re in Ōtautahi, you can still pop into Londo and enjoy the menu offerings from the rest of the team too.
These Popular Asian-Inspired Bakery Treats Are Back— For This Weekend Only
Image credit: Folds Patisserie | Supplied
After announcing their closure almost two months ago, we didn’t know if we’d get another slice of their delicious Asian-inspired treats. But after getting married in Brunei and celebrating with a casual pop-up there, Folds are back in Aotearoa for a hot minute and slinging their eggies a.k.a. those jiggly egg tarts—in original, pandan and kaya flavours. They’ll be selling their fluffy Swiss rolls by the slice too (in ondeh ondeh, taro and durian flavours). Available via pre-order online—with orders closing Thursday 11th September. Pick-ups will be from various locations across Tāmaki Makaurau on the 13th-14th September.
Celebrate In Style With Cocktails On The 38th Floor
Image credit: Bar Albert | Supplied
Bar Albert in Tāmaki Makaurau is turning 3 this year and they’re hosting a birthday celebration in style—with 18 days of giveaways, new menu offerings and live music every Friday night. A lucky guest will be randomly selected each night to win luxury accommodation packages, champagne or Bar Albert dining vouchers. Make your way to the 38th floor of Voco Auckland this month (from 2nd to 20th September) for a chance to win, with a glass of bubbles (or a birthday month cocktail), plus check out Chef Daniel’s new menu snacks. We’re eyeing up the taleggio and saucisson, raclette-inspired tartiflette.
Raise Your Glass To Aotearoa’s Award-Winning Brews
Image credit: Remuera New World | Instagram
The 11th 2025 New World Beer & Cider Awards winners were just announced last week and we’re here for all the Kiwi brewing talent. From weird and wonderful scoville-steeped Spicy Pickle Beer from Garage Project, to crisp classics like Lakeman Brewing’s Primate Pilsner (three years running on the list)—an expert panel tasted over 650 entries over three days to make their hard decision of just 25 top picks. Tāmaki Makaurau husband and wife team, Hamish Ward and Caroline Muller-Ward from Isthmus Brewing Company took out this year’s Supreme Champion with their hop-loaded 3D IPA. Think West Coast IPA flavour waves of pine resin, citrus and malty caramel—a definite all-round crowd pleaser from the judging panel. Grab yours from your local or head to Browns Bay Brewing who are now pouring it by the pint.
This Cocktail Bar And Lounge Is Slinging One-Off Brisket Sandos For The Month
Image credit: Little Culprit | Instagram
Get ready for Little Culprit’s “Limp Brizkit,” a.k.a. their Nu-Metal inspired brisket sandwich pop-up this month. The chefs at Culprit will be flexing their sandwich-making skills every Thursday and we’re not talking just any sandwich. From a Kiwi tribute to Montréal smoked meat, cheesy pull-aparts, to Chef Berty’s pastrami made from scratch—plus Glenfiddich cocktails thanks to guest bartender Ryan from Panacea. Word on the street is that Chef-owner Kyle Street has started the sando train with his low and slow brisket brodeo (ft. Skippy onion rings and truffled Brie). Make your way to Little Culprit stat—we’ll be rollin’ there with stretchy pants.
Get Your Glass Of Milk Ready—This Sellout Cookie Pie Is Back
Image credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Craving NZ @cravingnz)
Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar are bringing back their most sold moustache cookie pie from 2024. Fresh out of the oven from Monday 25th August and for three weeks only—The Mo-rrero Rocher Cookie Pie will be available from all three stores across Tāmaki Makaurau (and available to the rest of Aotearoa via online order). Signature Moustache cookie dough is filled with hazelnut chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and a crunchy milk chocolate coat (see cover image for full visuals). Can confirm it’s addictively good and you’ll definitely want to get your hands on a six pack. Pro tip: these cookie pies freeze well, so stash some in the freezer for later—if there's any left.
Hit That Lunchtime Craving With KFC’s Limited Edition Katsu Bowls
Image credit: KFC New Zealand | Supplied
Transport yourself to Japan-inspired KFC vibes with KFC's limited edition KFC Katsu Bowls. Choose from a spicy-sweet chilli Zinger, or a savoury teriyaki drizzle on the O.G. secret recipe fillet (my fave)—all bowled up with crunchy slaw, kewpie mayo and steamed jasmine rice. We were the lucky first ones in the country to taste test–can confirm they’re a great light lunch for just $12.99 (and still with the KFC twist). Plus you can customise your bowl by swapping the sauces around (cue the teriyaki zinger, you can thank us later). Dropping storewide from tomorrow, Tuesday 26th August for seven weeks only.
Skip The Queues—Get This Famous Hot Chicken Delivered
Image credit: Peach’s Hot Chicken x DoorDash NZ | Vicki Young
Ever since Tennessee-born Alex and his Kiwi wife Olivia brought their much-loved Southern-style chicken—Peach’s Hot Chicken—to Tāmaki Makaurau in 2017, they’ve gained a huge fan following across Tāmaki. Having just partnered up with DoorDash NZ, Peach’s are now slinging the goods to Central and East Auckland from their pink-hued diner in Panmure. From Wednesday 27th August you can get your hot chicken fix from the comfort of your own home, plus an exclusive delivery-only item—the sweet and spicy Aloha burger. Complete with Peach’s signature fried chicken, pickled pineapple, crunchy radish salad and a candied chilli sauce—we confirm it slaps. Don’t forget the bangin’ sides (an essential pimento mac n cheese and that hashbrown bake). Oh and if you’re game, a dozen of the spiciest wings in town.
Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here.
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Main image credit: Folds Patisserie | Supplied
Hungry? Wash Down Mid-Week Dinner Catchups With These 0% Palomas
Tread carefully with pre-dinner treats. Our tip? Skip the snacks, sip a booze-free bevvy instead.
In partnership with
Ingredients:
60ml grapefruit juice
30ml fresh squeezed lime juice
15ml maple syrup
½ teaspoon non-alcoholic tequila
Pinch of sea salt
100ml Schweppes Classic Soda Water
Salt or Tajin for rim
Method:
Make the rim by pouring a small amount of salt or Tajin on a shallow plate. Run a lime or grapefruit wedge along the outside of the glass and dip the moistened rim into the salt or Tajin and press gently.
Pour the grapefruit juice and lime juice into your shaker. Add the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt, along with 3-4 cubes of ice. Replace the lid and shake for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is cold and the ingredients are well combined.
Strain over fresh ice into a tumbler and top with Schweppes Classic Soda Water. Garnish and serve.
Keep sipping through the week here.