These 27 New Zealand Recipe choices lets you see what actually turns up on Kiwi tables, starting with the way many meals still lean on meat, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, then fold in Māori dishes and modern café plates. At family dinners you often find roast lamb, potatoes, pumpkin, and greens, while weekend takeaways lean heavily on fish and chips made with local species like hoki or tarakihi. Traditional Māori hāngī – meat and root vegetables slow-cooked over hot stones in an earth oven – adds another layer, with pork, lamb, kūmara, pumpkin, and cabbage cooked together for special occasions.

Across the mains in 27 New Zealand Traditional Recipes, you move from those big shared plates into everyday dishes you see in bakeries and casual spots. Steak-and-cheese or mince-and-cheese pies are widely described as staple snacks and light meals, eaten any time of day. Bacon-and-egg pie, sausage rolls, and simple roast lamb with vegetables show up repeatedly in guides to classic New Zealand food, alongside seafood like green-lipped mussels, Bluff oysters, and whitebait fritters in coastal regions. These recipes give you enough options to match both home roasts and “fush and chups” nights without special equipment.

Lighter plates and baked sweets fill out the rest of 27 New Zealand Traditional Recipes. You will see references to hokey pokey ice cream (vanilla with honeycomb toffee pieces), pavlova topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, and simple slices. Afghan biscuits—chocolate cornflake cookies topped with icing and a walnut—and lolly cake made from malt biscuits, condensed milk, and soft lollies rolled in coconut are both repeatedly described as classic New Zealand tray bakes, often found in cafés and supermarkets. Together, these dishes show how strongly baking and no-bake slices sit beside savoury favourites in everyday eating.

You can use 27 New Zealand Traditional Recipes as a planning list rather than just a name-check of famous foods. One day might be built around a simple roast with kumara and greens, another around bakery-style pies with a salad, and another around grilled fish with chips and a basic coleslaw. When you want something more traditional, you can look to hāngī-style combinations—lamb or pork with root vegetables—or recreate café counters at home with Afghan biscuits, lolly cake, and pavlova. The aim is to give you a practical mix of New Zealand meals and treats that reflect what locals actually cook, buy, and serve.

27 New Zealand Traditional Recipes

1. New Zealand Beef Cheddar Pie Recipe

This dish showcases a golden, flaky pastry crust, perfectly crimped along the edges, with a glossy finish from an egg wash. As the pie is sliced open, the filling is revealed: tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, dark gravy that glistens under the light. Chunks of meat are intertwined with melted cheddar cheese, which stretches and oozes slightly. Steam rises from the filling, hinting at the warmth and savoury aroma within. The top crust is slightly puffed, with subtle cracks that give it a rustic, homemade appearance, inviting you to dig in.

2. New Zealand Kiwi Bread Recipe

This New Zealand recipes for  bread boasts a lightly browned crust, with a soft, moist interior marbled with swirls of fresh kiwi fruit. The slices are dotted with tiny black kiwi seeds, adding a speckled texture and contrast to the vibrant green and yellow hues inside. The top crust has a slightly cracked, rustic look, giving way to a soft, airy crumb beneath. Thin slices reveal the natural vibrancy of the kiwi, blending seamlessly into the dough. The loaf’s aroma hints at the sweet and slightly tangy profile of the fruit, making it both visually appealing and mouthwatering.

3. New Zealand Lolly Cake Recipe

This whimsical cake features brightly coloured candies, or “lollies,” embedded in a soft, biscuit-based dough. The log-shaped cake is coated in a dusting of shredded coconut, giving it a frosted appearance. When sliced, the cross-section reveals a kaleidoscope of colours, with pink, yellow, and green candy pieces scattered throughout. The biscuit base is pale and smooth, holding its shape while cradling the vibrant lollies. The texture is soft yet dense, with the shredded coconut adding a touch of contrast. This playful treat is both eye-catching and fun, appealing to anyone with a sweet tooth.

4. New Zealand Stuffed Leg of Lamb Recipe

This New Zealand recipes choice presents a roasted leg of lamb with a golden-brown, crisp exterior glistening from a light glaze. Once sliced, the stuffing is revealed, showcasing a vibrant mix of breadcrumbs, fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley, crushed garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. The stuffing creates a colourful contrast to the tender, pink interior of the lamb, which is juicy and perfectly cooked. The surface of the lamb is seasoned with flecks of salt and pepper, giving it an appealing texture. Garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and served on a wooden platter, it exudes elegance.

5. New Zealand Ginger Honey Cake Recipe

This cake boasts a golden, slightly caramelised top with a subtle shine from a honey glaze. Sliced open, the interior reveals a soft, fluffy crumb flecked with green specks of kiwi and ginger shavings. The natural green hues of the kiwi contrast beautifully with the golden-brown cake. The edges are lightly browned, adding a bit of crispness. A drizzle of additional honey and thin slices of kiwi arranged on top enhance the visual appeal, while the subtle aroma of ginger hints at the warmth and spice within.

6. New Zealand Lemon Curd Pomegranate Pavlova Recipe

This pavlova features a crisp, snow-white meringue base with a slightly cracked surface, giving way to a marshmallow-like interior. The top is generously layered with smooth, bright yellow lemon curd, adding a glossy finish. Juicy, ruby-red pomegranate arils are scattered across the curd, their vibrant colour popping against the creamy white meringue. A dollop of freshly whipped cream sits in the centre, creating a fluffy, cloud-like effect. The dessert is garnished with a few mint leaves, adding a touch of green for balance and freshness.

7. New Zealand Crumbed Fish Kumara Chips Recipe

Golden-brown crumbed fish fillets are arranged alongside thick-cut kumara chips, their vibrant orange interiors peeking through the crispy, seasoned exterior and is a favorite New Zealand recipes choice of mine. The fish, with its crunchy coating, flakes easily when cut, revealing tender, white flesh. The chips are slightly charred on the edges, providing a rustic look. A small ramekin of tartare sauce sits on the side, accompanied by a lemon wedge for an extra burst of freshness. The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, enhancing the visual appeal.

8. New Zealand Caramel Tarts and Hokey Pokey Recipe

These miniature caramel tarts feature a golden, buttery pastry shell filled with smooth, glossy caramel. The surface of each tart is topped with chunks of Hokey Pokey, a crunchy honeycomb toffee that adds texture and sweetness. The caramel filling gleams under the light, contrasting with the slightly matte finish of the pastry. A few crumbs of Hokey Pokey are scattered around the plate for decoration, while a dusting of icing sugar provides a delicate finish.

9. New Zealand Steak and Mushroom Pie Recipe

The pie features a perfectly golden, flaky crust with a slightly puffed top and crimped edges. When sliced open, the filling reveals tender chunks of steak coated in a dark, glossy gravy with slices of earthy mushrooms. Steam escapes from the rich, savoury interior, creating an inviting visual effect. The crust is slightly cracked in places, showcasing its delicate layers. Served with a garnish of fresh thyme, the pie looks rustic yet refined.

10. New Zealand Classic Lamingtons Recipe

These cube-shaped cakes are coated in a thick layer of chocolate icing and rolled in finely shredded coconut, creating a snowy white texture. When cut in half, the soft, sponge interior reveals a thin layer of bright red jam sandwiched in the middle. The chocolate coating glistens slightly, contrasting with the matte finish of the coconut. A few lamingtons are presented on a plate, with crumbs scattered around, adding to the charm of this classic dessert.

11. New Zealand Cheesy Bacon Egg Pie Recipe

This pie features a golden, flaky crust with a glossy, crimped edge that gives it a rustic charm. When sliced, the layers inside reveal chunks of smoky bacon, rich yellow egg yolks, and melted cheese swirled together in a creamy, custard-like filling. The surface is dotted with browned bits of bacon and bubbles of cheese, giving it an inviting texture. Steam rises from the warm filling, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of green for contrast.

12. New Zealand Afghan Biscuits Recipe

These biscuits are round and dark brown, with a dense, crumbly texture made from cocoa and crushed cornflakes. Each biscuit is topped with a generous swirl of chocolate icing that shines under the light. A single walnut sits atop the icing, adding a touch of elegance and crunch. The biscuits are arranged neatly on a plate, with a few crumbs scattered around, showcasing their rich and indulgent appearance.

13. New Zealand Whitebait Fritters Recipe

Golden, crispy fritters are speckled with tiny whitebait fish visible through the light, airy batter. The edges are slightly browned and uneven, giving a homemade feel. The fritters are stacked neatly on a plate, garnished with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A small bowl of dipping sauce sits nearby, completing the presentation. The fritters’ texture appears light yet crunchy, making them visually appetising.

14. New Zealand Manuka Ginger Honey Balls Recipe

These bite-sized treats are round and coated in a fine dusting of powdered sugar that sparkles under the light. The golden interior, visible in a cross-section, reveals a dense, slightly chewy texture made from Manuka honey and ginger. A few crumbs surround the neatly arranged balls, while thin slices of fresh ginger and a drizzle of honey decorate the plate. Their simple yet elegant appearance makes them stand out.

15. New Zealand Kumara Lamb Cakes Recipe

Golden-brown cakes made from grated kumara and shredded lamb are stacked neatly on a plate. Their crisp, pan-fried exterior contrasts with the soft, tender interior visible in a sliced cake. Bits of fresh herbs and seasoning are flecked throughout, adding colour and texture. The cakes are garnished with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped chives, and a few kumara chips on the side for visual balance.

16. New Zealand Potato Lamb Sliders Recipe

Mini burger buns are lightly toasted and golden, with fluffy interiors holding tender slices of lamb and mashed potato patties. The lamb is thinly sliced and slightly pink, drizzled with a light gravy. A layer of leafy greens and a slice of tomato add a pop of colour, while a dollop of aioli spills slightly from the sides. Each slider is secured with a wooden skewer and arranged on a wooden serving board.

17. New Zealand Raw Coconut Fish Recipe

Thin slices of raw fish are arranged artfully on a plate and garnished with finely chopped red chillies, fresh coriander, and thinly sliced red onion. The fish is semi-translucent, its natural white colour accented by the creamy texture of the sauce. Lime wedges are placed alongside for a zesty garnish

18. New Zealand Smoked Kahawai Mishmash Kumara Recipe

This dish features chunks of smoked kahawai fish mixed with golden cubes of roasted kumara, fresh herbs, and sautéed onions. The vibrant orange of the kumara contrasts with the pale white fish and green flecks of parsley. A drizzle of olive oil gives the dish a slight sheen, and cracked black pepper is sprinkled on top. Served in a rustic bowl, it looks hearty and inviting.

19. New Zealand Maori Fry Bread Recipe

Golden-brown rounds of fry bread are stacked high on a platter. Their slightly puffy, airy texture is visible through the light, flaky crust. A light dusting of flour clings to the edges, adding a rustic touch. The bread glistens faintly from a brush of melted butter, and a small bowl of jam or honey is placed nearby for dipping. Each piece appears warm and freshly cooked.

20. New Zealand Kumara Ginger Mash Recipe

A creamy mound of bright orange kumara mash is served in a bowl, with its smooth texture glistening under a light drizzle of melted butter. Fine shavings of fresh ginger are sprinkled on top, adding texture and colour. A sprig of parsley or thyme sits as a garnish, and the mash is surrounded by a few roasted kumara slices for added visual appeal. The dish’s vibrant hues make it look both hearty and elegant.

21. New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe

Golden-brown chicken breasts are stuffed with gooey, melted Camembert cheese and roasted garlic cloves. The edges are lightly charred, while the interior reveals creamy cheese oozing out when sliced. The chicken is garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs, and roasted cherry tomatoes sit on the side, adding a burst of red colour. A drizzle of olive oil and a few cracks of black pepper complete the dish.

22. New Zealand Super Simple Scallops Recipe

Seared scallops are golden-brown on the surface with a tender, glistening white interior. They are arranged in a circular pattern on a plate, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a drizzle of lemon butter sauce. A wedge of lemon rests on the side, and the scallops’ slightly charred edges add a delicious-looking contrast to their soft centres.

23. New Zealand Kiwi Crisps Recipe

Thin, round slices of dried kiwi fruit are arranged in overlapping layers on a white plate. Their translucent green centres are speckled with tiny black seeds, creating a stunning visual effect. The edges of the slices are slightly curled and browned, giving them a rustic, homemade appearance. A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their sweet appeal.

24. New Zealand Mandarin Orange Coffee Cake Recipe

A golden-brown cake with a soft crumb is topped with a glaze made from mandarin orange juice, giving it a glossy finish. Thin slices of mandarin orange and a sprinkle of zest decorate the top, creating a fresh and vibrant look. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch, while the sides of the cake are lightly browned, showcasing its moist and tender interior.

25. New Zealand Salmon Chive Muffins Recipe

These golden muffins are studded with bright pink chunks of salmon and flecks of green chives, visible through their fluffy interiors. The tops are slightly domed and glistening with a light cheese crust. Arranged on a wooden platter, the muffins are garnished with a few sprigs of fresh dill, complementing their savoury aroma. The contrast of colours makes them visually appetising.

26. New Zealand Lamb Shoulder Roast Recipe

A whole lamb shoulder is roasted to a deep golden-brown, with crispy edges and a tender, juicy interior. The surface is encrusted with a mix of fresh herbs, garlic, and sea salt, creating a fragrant and textured crust. Sliced portions reveal perfectly cooked meat, slightly pink in the centre. The roast is surrounded by roasted vegetables, including kumara, carrots, and potatoes, adding a burst of colour.

27. New Zealand Pan Fried Trout Garlic Lemon Recipe

Golden-brown trout fillets are pan-fried to perfection, their skin crisp and slightly curled at the edges. The flesh is tender and flakes easily, with a light pink hue. A drizzle of garlic lemon butter glistens on the surface, and the dish is garnished with thin slices of lemon and fresh parsley. The fillets are served on a bed of sautéed greens, creating a visually stunning plate.