New Zealand food

by Yuta I.
(Kanagawa)

New Zealand is a nation of islands. Its waters contain many seafood and fish. However, shellfish has never been an important part of the diet of New Zealanders. Fish consumption has traditionally been low, because New Zealanders typically eat much meat.

It is only in recent years that there has been a change in the preferences for seafood. However, seafood and fish have always been a significant aspect of the Maori diet and many of the seafood and fish names are of Māori origin.

Lamb is one of the most popular traditional meals, almost always cooked in the oven with potatoes and pumpkin. This is a tradition on Sundays, especially in winter.

*Fish and chips:
It is a typical dish of New Zealand served wrapped in newspaper. It is usually cheap and very good, especially when you don't want to cook. You can buy it in many stores called Takeaways or Fish and Chips shops that exist in each city.

*Maori hangi:
Hangi is meat and vegetables put in baskets and cooked under the ground. Hot rocks are put in a pit over the food, and all is covered with earth so that heat does not escape. After about 6 hours, the Earth is taken out and the food is ready.

*Pavlova:
The favorite dessert in New Zealand is pavlova. It is a type of meringue covered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries and Kiwi fruit. Why does it have a Russian name? In honor of a Russian ballet dancer who visited New Zealand in 1926.

*Hot pies:
Warm pies are filled with meat and it is typical to eat them at lunch time. A great variety of hot pies there are stuffed with bacon & egg, mushrooms, ground beef, vegetables, and many more.