Cuisine

The food culture of New Zealand is strongly characterized by the English colonial rule: Even today you can buy fish and chips for example at every street corner. However, a distinct New Zealand cuisine evolved, combining European as well as Asian influences with domestic products. Meat, fresh vegetables and fruits are the main ingredients of New Zealand dishes. One specialty is the traditional hangi from the Maoris, which is meat and vegetables wrapped in leaves and cooked in an earth oven.
The pavlova is considered to be a typical desert. This sweet is a meringue tart filled with cream and fruits. It is considered to be a national dish in Australia as well as New Zealand. Both countries lay claim to the invention of the pavlova. It is clear that the tart is called after the Russian ballerina Anna Pawlowa who had guest appearances in both countries in the end of the 1920’s.