List of Auckland’s Iconic Eats Celebrates the Food of Tāmaki Makaurau

The list of Auckland’s most Iconic Eats will feature 100 unique dishes - half chosen by well known foodies (including dish Food Editor Claire Aldous), and half as voted by you.

From Fried Chicken Wings at Lowbrow chosen by Elle Armon Jones, Saint Alice's Fried Oyster Brioche McMuffin chosen by Albert Cho, Dahi Puri from Satya chosen by Connie Clarkson to dish's own Food Editor Claire Aldous' favourite Croquetas from Barulho (pictured at the top), Auckland’s most Iconic Eats list is certainly diverse... The list spans all price ranges and restaurant types (farmers markets, food trucks, fine dining and more)... And it is only half way finished. 

The Saint Alice Fried Oyster Brioche McMuffin chosen by Albert Cho and the Dahi Puri from Satya chosen by Connie Clarkson

The initial 50 dishes have been nominated by well-known Aucklanders, including critics, chefs and food writers, and now the Auckland public is getting their chance. You can submit your go-to dish from an Auckland restaurant during the upcoming Elemental AKL festival, which is due to kick off in the Auckland region on 1 October. In the end, Iconic Auckland Eats, developed by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), will feature 100 dishes. And by nominating your favourite dish, you go in the draw to win a chance to try every single one of the dishes on the list. Yep, all 100. 

Fried Chicken Wings at Lowbrow chosen by Elle Armon Jones

Mayor Phil Goff hopes Iconic Auckland Eats will encourage Aucklanders to explore their region and try something new.

"COVID-19 border restrictions mean that overseas travel isn’t an option at present, but as one of the most diverse cities on earth, Auckland is home to a world of flavours and meals," he says. "I encourage those who can do so to support their local businesses by getting out and experiencing some of the fantastic food and beverage options available across our region."

Traditional Hangi from The Hangi Master nominated by Te Aroha Grace

"This has been a particularly tough time for the hospitality sector," says ATEED General Manager Steve Armitage. "It’s vital that we continue to support our local food and beverage businesses because a vibrant and thriving hospitality sector is important for Auckland’s economic recovery."

The Iconic Auckland Eats programme is an outcome of the Destination AKL Recovery Plan to support local food and beverage businesses - and because food plays a key role in the local and visitor experience, the Iconic Eats list will highlight unique and well-loved dishes that can only be enjoyed in Auckland. 

Cheese Burger Bao from the Golden Nest at Woodpecker Hill, chosen by Al Brown

Food is central to how we connect with each other and our culture and it is important that we continue to build our region’s reputation as a food and beverage destination," says Steve.

“This list helps uncover those hidden gems across our region, at all ends of the budget, and we hope that this encourages Aucklanders and the rest of New Zealand to explore our region.”

Dim Sum by Grand Park Chinese, recommended by Nic Chan and Lauraine Jacobs' favourite Orata Oysters & Manaaki Whitebait Fritters from the Matakana Farmers Market

We already have a few dishes that we have in mind to submit, and we are sure you do too, so click here to nominate your favourite Auckland 'eat' or click here to see what the well-known foodies have put forward - we're taking all those genuine recommendations of their favourite dishes as a guide of where to go next. Claire says Barulho's croquettas are "small, incredibly light, crumbed and fried to perfection." 

She reckons that "eating a plate of croquettas with a glass of Manzanilla sherry on the side is pure, deep-fried happiness." 

After a description like that, how could we go past such a tempting bite?

Check out the Iconic Auckland Eats Facebook for more information.

Iconic Auckland Eats
iconiceats.co.nz