New Zealand’s capital city is known for a lot of things, the Beehive, Te Papa, wind (half of which is supplied by politicians in my opinion), but for those in the know, Wellington’s culinary scene is one of its biggest selling points. And nothing epitomises that better than Visa Wellington on a Plate. Now in its 13^th year, it’s the biggest culinary festival in the Southern Hemisphere – growing from 35 participants in 2009 to a whopping 300 for 2021. In fact, it’s gotten so big that last year a total of 279,000 burgers alone were consumed over 20 days of the festival. That’s over 10,000 burgers a day!

Like a hungry diner whose eyes are bigger than their stomach, this year’s festival promises to double down on its success with a massive order of exciting culinary events. Running for the entire month of August, this year’s “Out of Place” theme will be a collision course of culinary experiences, introducing foodies to a diversity of events and food that challenge the norm. Featuring local and international chef collaborations, hands-on-classes, pop-ups, creative cocktails and the stories behind Wellington’s food scene, Visa Welly on a Plate 2021 will be as enlightening as it will be delicious.

What to see at Visa Wellington on a Plate 2021

Each year, there are literally hundreds of one-of-a-kind events and participating restaurants at the festival, so let’s look at some of the highlights for 2021.

Festival Events (1-31 August)

Visa Wellington on a Plate’s festival events are the cherry on top of this incredible month-long celebration. Jam-packed with pop-ups, culinary classes, family events and unique experiences, which incorporate art, music and dance, they will satisfy more than just your tastebuds.

This year, things are getting a little risque with Sex & Food - A Bulesque Dining Event, featuring provacative desserts presented alongside a burlesque show, care of NZ's premiere drag king, Hugo Grrrl, winner of the inaugural season of House of Drag.  For a more family-friendly affair, join Cinderella & Her Lovely Sisters as newcomer to the Wellington restaurant scene, Cinderella is joined by her three Auckland ‘sisters,’ Ada, Lilian and Bar Celeste for a celebration of their shared ‘family’ traits. Immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of Syria with Damascus cafés all-you-can-eat Middle Eastern banquet or hop on the interislander ferry for cocktails, canapes and a multi-course dinner prepared by highly acclaimed Wellington restaurant, Shepherd.

Dine Wellington (1-15 August)

Dine Wellington takes things quite literally this year, serving up dishes that tell tales of the capital’s topography, history and people so you can enjoy Wellington on a plate.

Monsoon Poon’s Tom Yum Koura will serve up a mouth-watering pot-harvested Cook Strait crayfish bathed in a lemongrass bisque. Pasta lovers will have their tastebuds rocked by Vivant! Restaurant’s Pasta Not Pasta!  An Indian savoury snack, Khandvi, served in the form of ‘pasta.’ While Mockingbird’s out-of-this-world Kupe on Mars is yet another culinary mystery waiting to be explored.

Garage Project Presents Burger Wellington (13-31 August)

Every year Burger Wellington takes the city by storm as people use clever tactics to try and eat their way through the limited-time offerings. 2021 will see 256 new burger creations on offer across the region from Wairarapa to Hutt City.

Most of the Burger Wellington burgers come paired with Garage Project beers - every year, they create three new beers especially for the Festival. In 2021, they're pouring a Raspberry & Hibiscus Berliner Weisse, a Tropical Xtra Pale Ale and a German Wheat with a citrus twist! 

Sample Atlas’ The Baller, a buttermilk-fried chicken and caviar delight or Boneface Brewing Co.’s Shrimply Irresistible burger with prawn katsu patty and house smoked pork belly. Dillinger’s The Fat Elvis is a pure slice of Americana with its grilled beef patty with pepper-candied bacon, American cheese, Fix & Fogg Smoke & Fire peanut butter and grape jelly. For a sugary spin, The Library’s Choc Rockin’ Beets Roast Fix & Fogg peanut butter and Whittaker’s choc brownie patty is sweet as!

Cocktail Wellington Presented by Tommy’s (1-31 August)

Cocktail Wellington is by far the most experimental of the festival’s programme but it may be the most fun as well. Enjoy a few cocktails, usually available with a non-alcoholic counterpart, served with a food pairing/tapas.

If you’re feeling brave, El Culo del Mundo’s El Chapulin Verde offers a Mexican twist on the classic Grasshopper with tequila and house made horchata and mint, garnished with an edible grasshopper. Refinery Bar & Eatery’s Plumerella is a refreshing blend of 5036 plum liqueur, The Bond Store kawkawa gin, Change Maker spicy ginger beer and Pimm’s served with fresh cucumber and lemon. Dragonfly’s Mekong Milo is truly eyebrow-raising, serving up Milo, toasted rice syrup, The Bond Store vodka, smoke and bubble and paired with Asian Food Republic Milo soil and rice syrup marshmallow.

Visa pre-sale tickets go on sale for Visa debit and credit cardholders from midday Monday June 14 to midnight Wednesday June 16 with general sales available from midday Monday June 21. Visit Visawoap.co.nz for more information.