GOOD TASTE IN TARANAKI
Most people know the Taranaki region is renowned for its majestic mountain, spectacular surf and friendly locals. However, it doesn’t stop there - the region deserves to be just as famous for its food. Whether you’re after flavoursome street tucker, a filling breakfast before embarking on a busy day, or an ethically farmed paddock- to- plate elegant dining, you’ll need to bring your appetite when you explore around this region.
Let us start from the beginning, and the beginning starts in the ground when it comes to food. Taranaki’s rich volcanic soil is a grower’s delight and the producers gain. From award-winning gin and, white rum, to macadamias, hand crafted chocolate, honey, quinoa, hot sauce, and not forgetting the staples of meat and cheese, with a luxurious twist. Taranaki is home to many local producers, whose products and produce all reap the benefits of the region’s fertile soils, and wide- open spaces.
This handy leg up, as it were, opens the gates to unique ‘ behind the scene’ producer experiences. If you’re a foodie, you can’t go past one of the many local food tours available. From a beekeeper experience with Egmont Honey’s tour group Egmont Tours, to a distillery tour of internationally recognised Juno Gin, there is something for everyone. If you’re after your own curated experience, then Discover Taranaki can help you build something to suit your own pallet.
Breakfast:
As much as it’s fun to sleep in when you’re on holiday, you don’t want to waste too much time snoozing in when visiting Taranaki, and so why not kick things off with a hearty meal. Look for West End Precinct in the Victorian timber building, formally the infamous White Heart Hotel, opposite the reflective Govett- Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre in the cultural heart of New Plymouth. Today this elegant edifice and the surrounding precinct is home to Ozone Coffee Roasters where you can down a long black before settling in at nearby Monica’s Eatery for some excellent egg creations. Or stop in at the Public Catering Company to buy baked goods to go, and then hit the road. For bread connoisseurs, Billow Bakery is wowing epicureans with their exquisite sourdough and small, ever- changing, fresh and thoughtful menu. If you’re situated nearer Stratford, then the Shakee Pear Café at Pioneer Village is the place to be for all- day brunch– they even have vegan options for those who have a green tooth.
Lunch:
Is it time to eat again?
Don’t mind if I do.
But where to go?
How about Someday in Hawera? This sweet cafe has locals and visitors raving about everything from the baking to bagel burgers. Alternatively, if you find yourself driving along the Forgotten World Highway, head for Whangamomona Hotel & Restaurant for family favourites like wedges, nachos and pea pie and pud. In fact, why not book a room and stay the night, then you can dine on lamb shanks, or mussels in a white wine curry sauce. Once you make it back to New Plymouth, taking in the breath-taking scenery and picture perfect mountain views along the way, it’s time to push the boat out and book a table at Arborio Restaurant, Café and Terrace Bar found adjoining Puke Ariki Museum – home to Meg the Megaladon shark and a variety of after lunch worthy exhibitions.
Dinner:
Taranaki days sure do fly by with the mountain or coastal air whetting the appetite, and if you’re staying at Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House then you will need to try the home- baked garlic rewena bread while you peruse the rest of the menu.
If China was on your itinerary for 2020, plans may have changed, but you can still get your fix of quality Chinese dining at Laughing Buddha where their authentic Peking Duck will go a long way to soothing your soul for travel opportunities lost.
Liardet Street Eats is another popular place where grounded jetsetters can soothe their itchy feet, because here you’ll find a selection of lively street food vendors in one handy spot, including Viet Nom Nom, Gamma Rays Burgers and Voodoo Vinny’s whose barbecue aromas fill the night air. Equally as delicious for dinner as lunch, with the added benefit of being able to pick and mix if you can’t decide!
Perhaps your relationship with food is more worshipful, in which case you need to visit Social Kitchen, an establishment that has made more than just a name for itself for heavenly food, they’ve also made their home in the former Salvation Army citadel. With the addition of a Mirbrasa charcoal oven, let’s not go too far with the biblical analogies, the focus here is on sharing and flavour. Within three years of opening, Social Kitchen was named one of Cuisine Magazine’s Top 100 Restaurants, so don’t miss the chance to experience it for yourself.
Perhaps lately, more than ever, you’ve fantasised of travelling not just geographically but in time, to an era when things were simpler and Covid-free – well, in New Plymouth you can live that dream at the 1950s inspired Deluxe Diner Café and Milk Bar featuring American diner classics with a rock ‘n’ roll Formica atmosphere. Take the family, your blue suede shoes, and some coins for the duke box.
Boasting sea views at every table, Salt On The Waterfront is another must dine – open from early till late you’ll find them on level one of the Millennium Hotel where you can spill out onto the balcony and catch the afternoon rays over a glass of your favourite drop, and their famous sharing plate, or dine in for the full decadent dining experience.
On your merry way
Visitors who align themselves more with owls than larks, who believe a good night is a late night, will say cheers when they discover the several classy establishments where they can take their preferred tipple. Itch Wine Bar, Snug Lounge, Good Home Rooftop Bar & Gastro Pub, they are all top-notch and a must-try for a delicious night out.
The final feast
Taranaki plays host to an annual food festival, Feast Festival Taranaki. The festival celebrates the vibrant food and hospitality scene right across Taranaki, with restaurants, eateries and a variety of establishment taking part and creating bespoke offerings and dining experiences. This year, the festival will be taking place in November, with dates being announced soon – keep an eye on their website for more details and sign up to their newsletter to be the first to feast.