Kiwis love a good toastie, and it has now transformed from a simple snack to a culinary masterpiece. The Great NZ Toastie Takeover has announced fourteen eateries that are finalists in this year’s competition.
“A great toasted sandwich is meant to push boundaries,” says Kerry Tyack, the head judge of the premier toastie competition.
“You can make a delicious ham and cheese toastie, something that blows your socks off, or you can go out and put something exotic or creative in it. One is not better than the other; it’s about how successfully you do that.”
Tyack said he was impressed by the variety of entries, ranging from spicy and salty to sweet and sour.
“We started pretty small, it’s grown yearly, and we had around 170 entries this year.”
One entry, from past winner Okere Falls Store in Rotorua, contains walnuts, figs, chili honey, and blue cheese on sourdough.
He said it’s more than just cooking, it’s a science.
The Finalists
Cazador Deli in Mt Eden, Auckland for The Chilango
Cheese on Toast in Birkenhead, Newmarket, and Three Kings, Auckland for the Spicy Meatball Melt
Capers Café & Store in Rotorua for Brotha ‘Mmmm’
Okere Falls Store in Rotorua for Figgy In the Middle
Hayes Common in Hamilton East for Turkish Rubenstein
Jimmy Coops Lakehouse in Taupo for Smokey Mooloo
Brew Union in Palmerston North for The Smoked Chicken Ripper
The Offering in Greytown for the Beefy Melt
Small Batch Coffee in Petone for Crackle Belly Rosti Tosti
The Tasting Room in Wellington for Samun Melting Pot
Street Food on Washington in Nelson for The Pickled Philly
BEERS Craft Brewery in Christchurch for Surf, Turf and Earth
Fergbutcher in Arrowtown for The Texas Showdown
Johnny Crema in Queenstown for Welcome To The Club
