Tauranga
New-zealand
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in Tauranga, New-zealand. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
Browse by Cuisine
Restaurants in Tauranga
Showing 12 of 12 restaurantsChicken Fungi
BurgerFuel / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Chicken FungiFree-range chicken breast, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, Dijon mustard, BurgerFuel Aioli and whole leaf lettuce.
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V8 Vegan
BurgerFuel / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View V8 VeganPlant-based pattie, vegan aioli, mustard, tomato relish, melted vegan cheddar.
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Bacon Backfire
BurgerFuel / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Bacon Backfire100% pure NZ grass-fed beef, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, Dijon mustard, relish and BurgerFuel Aioli.
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Ford Freakout
BurgerFuel / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Ford Freakout100% pure NZ grass-fed beef, melted cheddar, smashed avocado, bacon, BurgerFuel Aioli and relish.
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C N Cheese
BurgerFuel / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View C N Cheese100% pure NZ grass-fed beef, melted cheddar, mustard, ketchup, and BurgerFuel Aioli.
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Turkish pizza. Flatbread topped with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, and vegetables.
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Mixed Grill
Instanbul / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Mixed GrillCombination of grilled meats, typically including lamb, chicken, and beef.
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Adana Kebab
Instanbul / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Adana KebabLong, hand-minced meat kebab mounted on a wide iron skewer and grilled on an open mangal filled with burning charcoal.
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Iskender Kebab
Instanbul / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Iskender KebabGrilled meat, pita bread, tomato sauce, melted butter and yogurt
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Chicken Tikka Masala
Me & U / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Chicken Tikka MasalaAromatic Indian dish.
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Lamb Rogan Josh
Me & U / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Lamb Rogan JoshAromatic Kashmiri Lamb Curry cooked with spices, tomatoes and yogurt.
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Butter Chicken
Me & U / Tauranga (New Zealand)
View Butter ChickenChicken Tikka pieces cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce.
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Signature Dishes
Tauranga's culinary scene thrives on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, particularly seafood and produce from the Bay of Plenty region. Expect a focus on clean, vibrant flavors, often incorporating Māori culinary traditions with modern techniques.
Whitebait Fritters
Small, delicate whitebait (tiny juvenile fish) are mixed with egg and flour to form a fritter, then pan-fried until golden brown. A classic New Zealand dish, often served with lemon wedges.
Seafood Chowder
A creamy and hearty soup filled with a variety of locally caught seafood like snapper, mussels, and prawns. Often flavored with herbs and vegetables, perfect for a cooler evening.
Hāngī
A traditional Māori cooking method where food (typically meats, vegetables, and root crops) is cooked in an underground oven lined with heated rocks. The food is slow-cooked, resulting in a smoky and earthy flavor.
Kūmara (Sweet Potato) Dishes
Kūmara, a type of sweet potato introduced by Māori, features prominently in Tauranga cuisine. It can be roasted, mashed, fried, or used in soups and desserts.
Feijoa Crumble
Feijoas, a unique subtropical fruit, are abundant in the Bay of Plenty. This crumble features the tangy feijoa filling topped with a buttery, oaty crumble.
Local Tips
To fully experience Tauranga's culinary scene, consider these tips for discovering hidden gems and making the most of your gastronomic adventure.
Explore Local Vineyards
The Bay of Plenty region is home to several vineyards producing award-winning wines. Take a wine tour and sample local varietals paired with regional cuisine.
Visit a Kiwifruit Orchard
The Bay of Plenty is known as the 'Kiwifruit Capital' of New Zealand. Take a tour of a kiwifruit orchard to learn about the fruit's cultivation and sample fresh kiwifruit products.
Look for Restaurant Specials
About Tauranga
Bay of Plenty
Food History
Tauranga's cuisine is a reflection of its rich Māori heritage and subsequent European settlement. Traditional Māori cooking techniques like the hāngī, utilizing underground ovens, were central to their diet. European settlers brought farming practices and introduced new ingredients, which over time have blended with native foods to create a unique culinary landscape.
Food Culture
Food in Tauranga is more than just sustenance; it's a way to connect with the region's history, culture, and community. From farmers' markets to marae feasts, food plays a central role in social gatherings and celebrations.
Marae Feasts (Hākari)
Attending a hākari, a traditional Māori feast held on a marae (meeting ground), is a unique opportunity to experience authentic Māori cuisine and hospitality. These feasts are often part of important cultural events.
Farmers' Markets
Tauranga's farmers' markets showcase the region's abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal products. They are a great place to meet local growers and producers and sample the best of the Bay of Plenty.
Seafood's Importance
Given Tauranga's coastal location, seafood is a staple of the local diet. Fishing has always been a significant part of the region's economy and culture, and fresh seafood is readily available in restaurants and markets.