Auckland's 16 favourite dishes have been revealed, as part of the city's annual Iconic Eats awards.
2021's list of the 100 best loved bites have been compiled from nominations from over one thousand food-loving Aucklanders.
With many dishes back again for a second year, the Iconic Eats awards has revealed the city's must-try bites ahead of the move to the new freedoms Covid-19 framework, this Friday.
"With over 40 per cent of us born overseas, Auckland is one of the most multicultural cities in the world," says Auckland Mayor Phil Goff
"That richness in culture extends to the huge range of food choices on offer from eateries across the city."
The list features dishes from menus as far-flung as South Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf, there's a lot of distance to cover and eateries to explore.
Treasure Kitchen's Or-chien Malaysian oyster omelette in Ōtāhuhu to the Island Grocer's foldover sandwich, overlooking Oneroa Bay on Waiheke Island, there are noteworthy morsels in every corner of the city.
However, it is Central Auckland and the CBD which is stuffed with 62 of the top plates.
Viv Beck chief executive of Heart of the City said this was welcome news for city centre hospitality, which will "make a big difference."
"With city centre hospitality businesses re-opening this Friday it's the perfect time for Aucklanders to get out and about," she said.
Annie Dundas, manager for Food and Beverage Tourism at Auckland Unlimited, said each of the 100 dishes tells a story about the resilience of the city's restaurateurs.
"Our hospitality industry has faced incredible challenges through the pandemic, and the stories shared throughout the list are heart-warming and prove how important food and our hospitality industry is on a very personal level," she says.
The arrival of the new Iconic Eats list ahead of the new Covid-19 Protection Framework is perfectly timed for Aucklanders looking to explore the city's culinary delights, this weekend.
"We can look forward to returning to a more normal life, with the ability to once again visit the hospitality venues that make our city such a great place to live in and visit," said Mayor Goff.
The list of Ionic Eats was first published last year, to reward 'signature dishes' and unique Auckland restaurants only found in the city.
While there are plenty of new flavours and places to explore, the iconic list welcomes back a lot of favourites for second helpings.
Sixteen of the dishes are returnees from last year's list. Meanwhile, 20 restaurants from 2020 were back with new dishes.
The full 100 dishes can be found at iconiceats.co.nz
BACK FOR MORE: 16 FAVOURITE DISHES
Outlet | Dish name |
Amano | Pulled Lamb Shoulder |
Azabu | Volcano Sushi |
Baduzzi | Karitane Crayfish Meatballs |
Blue Ox Babe BBQ | Beef Brisket and House Pickles |
Cocoro | The Signature Sashimi Platter |
Depot | Fish Sliders |
Eden Noodles | Dumplings in Spicy Sauce |
Hello Beasty | Prawn + Crab Toast |
Mekong Baby | Braised Pork Belly, Caramelised Chilli & Soy, Asian Slaw |
Nanam | Wagyu Sausage “Longganisa” |
Soul Bar & Bistro | Macaroni Cheese |
Sri Pinang | Beef Rendang |
Sugar at Chelsea Bay | Strawberry Lamington (note, the 'lamington' was listed in 2020, with no specific flavour) |
Sumthin Dumplin | Beef n Cheese Dumplin' |
The Engine Room | Twice-Baked Goat's Cheese Soufflé |
Three Seven Two | Whole Flounder |
SECOND COURSES: RESTAURANTS RETURNING WITH NEW BITES
Outlet | 2021 Iconic Auckland Eats list | 2020 Iconic Auckland Eats list |
Ahi | Scampi Corn Dogs | Te Mana Lamb and Cheese Savoury |
Angus Steak House | Angus Steak Sandwich | Angus Beef Dip Baguette |
Apero | Roasted Cauliflower, Goat curd | Pork sausage served with pickles and mustard |
Blue Rose Café | Hangi Pie | Koko Samoa Cupcake |
Cheese on Toast | Bacon Jam Toastie | Creamed Corn Toastie |
Cotto | Dumplings - spinach goat cheese sage | Kumara Gnocchi |
Culprit | Parfait & Donuts, chicken liver parfait, fresh yeasted donuts, pear 'butter' | Burnt Brussell Sprouts |
Farina | Linguini with Snapper Sauce | Diavolo Pizza |
Fatima’s | Lamb pita (Takapuna outlet) | Lamb Charwarma (Ponsonby outlet) |
Federal Delicatessen | Chicken Salad Sandwich | Toasted Rueben |
Mellow | Chocolate Shaved ice cream | Strawberry Shaved Ice Cream |
Mr. Hao | 1kg sweet and sour pork ribs (Albany outlet) | Hao's Spicy Chicken Wings (Dominion Road outlet) |
Ockhee | Chun Sa Chae Noodle Salad | Ockhee Fried Chicken (Dak Gang Jeong) |
Paradise Indian Restaurant | Lamb Biryani | Chilly Chicken |
Prego | Potato and Burnt Butter Gnocchi | Market Fish (snapper) with herb risotto |
Linguine alla marinara | ||
Satya | Masala Dosa | Dahi Puri |
Sneaky Snacky | Hot Chicken Donut Burger | OG Wagyu Donut Burger |
The White Lady | Old Skool Burger | The Aucklander Burger |
Tiger Burger | Kimcheese burger | Gang Jeong Burger |
Ima's Cuisine Fort St | Shakshuka | Classic Mezze |
