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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Pici Is Switching Up The Menu With A Bali Twist

Image credit: Pici | Supplied (Alex McVinnie @alexmcv) 

Back in November last year, Chefs Jono and Kia were invited by Ghost Kitchen & Record Bar in Bali to do a special hāngī menu. Since experiencing the beautiful Bali food and culture, they’re keen to bring some of those food memories to Pici this Monday 1st September for one night only, with two sitting and cocktails sending all the tropical vibes. From marmite tiger prawns with kawakawa chimichurri, XO sauce on burrata, to pork satay skewers on sticky rice. Come hungry—and save room for Mezcal steamed pud. Try your luck with a last minute booking here. 

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. 

Feast Up Large At Taranaki’s Edge Of Winter Feastival

Image credit: Snug Lounge | Instagram

Feastival Taranaki will be celebrating the end of winter and beginning of spring with all things food and drink, from Wednesday 3rd September. With cooking demos, food workshops and cocktail masterclasses, plus brunches and lunches (of the long all-day graze, and BBQ buffet variety), as well as restaurant collabs, degustation dinners and a retro 1950s themed diner boogie. Check out all the events here. 

Get Free Fried Chicken With This New Outfit Drop 

Image credit: Popeyes x Checks Downtown | Supplied

Popeyes Famous Louisiana Chicken are teaming up with the cool Kiwi fashion label Checks Downtown for this slick new drop. Every piece of their streetwear from this collab comes embedded with a QR code to get you a free Popeyes chicken sammie and exclusive collab-only frozen soda. Head to flagship store Checks Downtown on Friday 5th September from 10am in Tāmaki Makaurau for this exclusive merch release, or jump online for the rest of Aotearoa. 

This Local Cakery And Coffee Collab Are Giving Away A Cake For Dad

Image credit: MEMO Cakery | Photography by Boshi Wang @boshi.wang, Styled by Tori Tuinman @style_director_tori 

In case you’re still wondering what to get Dad this Father’s Day, jump on Memo Cakery’s socials for a chance to win their latest Rum and Raisin flavour created exclusively for Father’s Day. Made in collaboration with Flight Coffee—or should we say baked—with dreamy layers of coffee mousse, rum and raisin curd and espresso soaked vanilla sponge to tie it all together. They’re also throwing in Flight Coffee with a cute Memo mug—for the perfect cuppa and cake with Dad. Entries close 4th September. 

Treat Dad To Whisky And Wagyu, With A Side Of Caviar

Image credit: Sofitel Hotels & Resorts | Supplied

Sofitel Wellington and Cardrona Distillery are teaming up to give Dads the ultimate luxury dinner and drink experience in Whanganui-a-Tara this Friday 5th September. Treat Dad to decadent Black Origin Wagyu over a three course feast for $99 per person. From yakiniku with smoked crab and caviar, to wagyu chargrilled sirloin with gochugaru-cured yolk, and a Ferrero Rocher-inspired dessert to finish—all paired with Cardrona barrel-aged gin, single malt whisky and butterscotch liqueur. Book online here.

Bottomless Brunch, But Make It Bottomless BBQ—For Father's Day

Image credit: Lilyworld | Supplied

While we’re on the Father’s Day buzz, head to Lilyworld Cafe this Sunday for the ultimate bottomless brunch—BBQ style. We’re talking mac and cheese, maple smoked chicken wings, smoked kranksy, ribs and slaw, with bottomless drinks for $69 per person. They’re running 2 sessions only, so book in quick. 

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 is starting 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. 

Get Your Korean Soul Food Fix With This Hot New Takeout Spot

Image credit: Double Dog | Website 

After five years of feeding Tāmaki Makaurau with their punchy Korean soul food flavours at Ockhee, the team closed up shop in June and we honestly didn’t know what to do with ourselves. But then they announced their new concept—Double Dog Takeaways—and we’re so stoked they’re back. Same crew, same good vibes, just in a different format that works better with the times. Hats off to you guys—can’t wait for those Ockhee faves (hello, japchae) alongside a next level, gochujang-loaded hotdog next takeaway night. 

Indulge Your Inner Diva with Late Night Tuesdays At Auckland Museum

Image credit: Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café | Vicki Young

If you haven’t been to the immersive glam and star-studded Diva exhibition at Auckland Museum, then this is your sign to go. Even better, go on late night (date night) Tuesdays and treat your inner diva with the Diva-themed high tea beforehand at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café inside the museum. Enjoy three tiers of treats, with our fave bite from Chef Billy and the team being their super soft, eggy truffle mushroom roll—plus a tipple of choice, like house bubbles or a classic cocktail (say less). Bring yourself and the bestie, it’s $89 for two people (excluding your Diva exhibition ticket). Book here. 

What else is new? Here are the best new openings in Auckland you need to check out.

Main Image Credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Craving NZ @cravingnz)