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).

For the first time in 125 years, the MICHELIN Guide is coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026. If it’s worth a special journey for Michelin, it’s worth one for you too. Start planning your trip and discover flavours that tell our story... now.

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Here’s What To Eat At The ASB Classic’s The Serve

Image credit: Urban Gourmet | Vicki Young

Prepare to get served at the Manuka Doctor Arena as The ASB Classic (and Women’s Week) officially kicks off this week. The Serve is the hospitality hub of the tournament, where you can grab a scoop of Duck Island at The Bach, or check out the street eats at The Yock Plaza (don’t go past Jo Bro’s beef birria tacos and flavour-packed cheesy elotes a.k.a. Mexican street corn on the cob). Chill between games at The Somersby Garden along with an ice cold bevvy (Aperol Spritz, anyone?), and if you’re lucky to nab yourself corporate box tickets, prepare for Urban Gourmet’s 2026 menu which has all the grazing platters you can think of (including a sushi and smoked salmon number), buttermilk fried chicken with finger lime caviar for snacks, as well as bistro-style mains to see you through those long game days. From tender charcoal-smoked lamb to juicy poached chicken with summer greens (to name a tasty few), along with sides like truffle and parmesan fries (with $1 from every fries sale going to Youthline). Don’t forget to finish with the hit signature tennis ball-shaped tonka bean dessert. 

Head To This Rooftop Racquet Club For ‘Meet Your Match’ Tacos And Margs

Image credit: QT Auckland | Supplied

In partnership with Altos and G.H. Mumm, Rooftop at QT Auckland is calling match point on summer with the launch of the Rooftop Racquet Club. Think cool country club vibes with DJs and Altos Paloma cocktails to go with their taco menu (they’re the only spot in town slinging Altos Palomas), or head there on the weekend for their $65 shared-style feast with a glass of G.H. Mumm champagne on the deck (and they have $3 oysters on Sundays). They’ll also be screening the ASB Classic and Australian Open, so if you didn’t manage to get tickets to sold-out matches, then pop in to this sun-drenched social court with stunning city views to watch in style. 

Hot Cross Buns Are Already On The Shelves This Week

Image credit: Woolworths NZ x KidsCan | Supplied

Woolworths NZ is already in Easter mode, with hot cross buns on shelves nationwide as of today. Having sold more than 1.7 million in-store baked buns last season, they’ve decided to get in early this year—and continuing their partnership with KidsCan, they’re donating five cents from every pack sold to KidsCan. Having donated more than $85K last year, go and get your buns early this year for a good cause. As well as the traditional dried fruit flavour, they’ll be releasing other not-so-traditional flavours like the popular cinnamon-roll inspired number (a hit in Australia last year). Expect a mudcake-inspired bun and Cadbury Caramello bun to also hit the shelves soon. 

This Sold-Out Cookie Pie Flavour Is Back With A Summer Twist

Image credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Photography by Craving Limited @cravingnz) 

Cookie-slingers Moustache are welcoming in 2026 with fresh strawberry crème brûlée cookie cups—and for three weeks only (starting this week). If you’ve had their popular crème brûlée cookie cups in the past, then you’ll know how good these are and the strawberry addition takes it to another level with that tangy-sweet pop of summer. Available in Tāmaki Makaurau only (sorry rest of Aotearoa) and for pick-up only, due to the custard centre. Pre-order online now before they sell out (or try your luck on their giveaway on socials).

Cook Locally-Made Pasta With Aotearoa Grains This Year

Image credit: Monty & Sons | Supplied

Make it your New Year’s resolution to shop and support more locally this year. Monty & Sons are making pasta from 100% New Zealand-grown regenerative durum wheat from the Wairarapa. Using bronze-cut and slow-dried pasta making techniques, where their dough is pressed through bronze dies to get that rough surface for the sauce to stick to better, and then air-dried for 12-24 hours—this not only protects the grain’s nutrients making it nutritious, but gives flavour to the dough. Their packaging is plastic-free too—with the only plastic being the pallet-wrap made with recycled ocean waste. They’re supporting regenerative farming practices, reducing waste and building a better local food system. Their dried 500g pasta packs will launch later this month (around 19th January), both online and at select retailers (Farro, Moore Wilsons, Commonsense Organics and GoodFor) and through subscription services (like Wonky Box). If you’re in Ōtautahi, they will debut on Lillies’ new menu from next week.

Get Your Garlic Butter Crayfish And Bubbles At The Last Week Of This Pop-Up

Image credit: Park Hyatt Auckland | Supplied

It’s the last week of The Louis Roederer Garden this week at Onemata—get your curated champagne tasting trio (of 75ml pours, featuring 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, for $99) and snacks like their half crayfish with garlic butter ($65) before it’s gone. Open Thursday 8th to Saturday 10th (12pm-6pm) and Sunday 11th (12pm-4pm).

Treat Yourself To The Last Week Of This Festive Afternoon Tea

Image credit: Hilton | Supplied 

It’s the last week to get your hands on Bellini Bar’s festive afternoon tea created by Pastry Chef Hiranya Ratnayake. Think wagyu beef and black garlic sausage rolls, prawn toast with sriracha mayo, and matcha strawberry tarts—along with a glass of bubbles and summer views of Waitematā Harbour. Available Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th (11am-4pm).

Join This Local Foody Tour For A Walking Food Adventure

Image credit: The Big Foody at San Ray | Supplied (Photography by Babiche Martens)

A tour over a year in the making is arriving on Ponsonby Road in Tāmaki Makaurau next week. Walk. Talk. Eat. Repeat. Ponsonby Road Food Tour is hitting the streets on Tuesday 13th January. Operated by Elle Armon Jones (a.k.a. The Big Foody, who organises food tours in Tāmaki Makaurau, Pōneke and Ōtepoti), expect tastings along the best of Ponsonby’s food scene—from artisan ice cream tastings, Italian flavours, Asian-inspired bites, to the Ponsonby classics, plus stories from those behind the dishes. The first tour kicks off from 11am-2pm on Tuesday 13th, and costs $225 per person. Jump on the website for all the deets. 

Le Creuset Is Dropping Their Lucky Lunar New Year Carousel Collection

Image credit: Le Creuset | Supplied

On every foodie’s wishlist (including mine) comes the Lunar New Year collection to mark the Year Of The Horse in 2026. With a prosperous cherry-red hue, gold details and stunning horse motif, this special collection launches on January 2nd. Start planning your Lunar New Year longevity noodles and prosperity toss dishes, stat.

Kiwi Summers Are For Charcuterie Picnic Boxes By The Beach

Image credit: Takapuna Beach Café | Supplied

Takapuna Beach Café is offering a lush charcuterie box to take away during summer on the weekends (Friday to Sunday). Each box is $45 and comes with 2 local cheeses, 2 cured meats of the day, fruit, honeycomb and housemade crackers for two people. Pair it with their whisked-to-order blueberry matcha or an award-winning gelato scoop (we’ve been told there’s a game-changing liquorice gelato) and you’ve got the perfect picnic set-up. Head to their website to make your order for pick-up on the way to the beach. 

Head To This Pop-Up For Whitebait Fritters, Chip Butties And Deep-Fried Chocolate Fish 

Image credit: Takapuna Beach Café | Supplied

While you’re headed to the beach, don’t forget to pop into Takapuna Beach Café for their second summer fish and chip shop pop-up. Last year’s debut literally broke their fryers, and they’re back with even more offerings this year. Running until Sunday 10th May, get your FNC classics beachside—from crowd-pleasers like whitebait fritter butties, crispy calamari rolls, seafood basket (with mussels, oysters, scallops and calamari), to a cheeky deep-fried, pineapple-lump-style chocolate fish. Returning faves include fish sliders and chip butties, plus fried John Dory, hapuka and blue cod (of the battered or crumbed variety) with rip and dip Watties T-sauce, housemade tartare or signature aioli with truffle. 

Win A Pack Of Our Sweet, Sharp, And Creamy Conversation Cards

Image credit: Urban List NZ | Supplied

For when the cheeseboard is out, and the chat needs a little extra bite, together with Mainland, we’ve created an exclusive deck of 50 conversation starters—guaranteed to spark the deep-and-meaningfuls and the outrageous confessions. With only 500 packs up for grabs (plus a tasty $2K for one lucky winner), once they’re gone, they’re gone—so get in quick. Grab your pack here. 

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

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Main Image Credit: Rooftop QT Auckland | Supplied