A new initiative to boost Auckland’s hospitality sector hits the spotlight this month.
Iconic Auckland Eats, developed by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), will feature 100 special Auckland dishes, as selected by well-known Aucklanders and the public.
From food trucks to fine dining and farmers markets, Iconic Eats can be found everywhere across Auckland and on any budget: from Orata Oysters & Manaaki Whitebait Fritters at the Matakana Farmers Markets to the Turbot sliders at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar and Nyonya Fish Head Curry at Bunga Raya Restaurant in New Lynn.
This list helps uncover those hidden gems across Auckland, at all ends of the budget, and is designed to encourage Aucklanders and the rest of New Zealand to explore the region’s food destinations.
Marisa Bidois, CEO, Restaurant Association of New Zealand has endorsed the initiative:
“We know from speaking to members just how important this kind of publicity has been for them in the past and we are hopeful that a spotlight on some of the best dishes our hospitality businesses have to offer will encourage people to get out to try them.
“Iconic Eats highlights the diversity of our Auckland hospitality industry with a number of different styles of food and types of establishments highlighted. The fact there will be 100 menu items really highlights just how much is on offer.
“It is actually about discovering the hidden gems on offer around the region – it’s a chance for us all to get those insider tips, try them out, and then also share our own.
“ATEED has been really proactive in helping promote our Auckland businesses who have been some of the hardest hit by this pandemic. We encourage everyone to get involved in this initiative, be it recommending some of your favourite dishes or getting out to try the recommendations of others.”
Hospitality New Zealand CEO Julie White says the initiative is a great way to encourage community connection and spirit.
“It’s creating reasons for Aucklanders to come together and showcasing the amazing hospitality we’re known for all around the world. Our sector has been hammered by the pandemic, and this initiative will go a long way in supporting the revitalisation of both the day and night-time economies of New Zealand’s largest city.
“Pre COVID-19, hospitality contributed more than $6 billion to our GDP annually. Hospitality initiatives like Iconic Eats have the ability to get money into the economy quickly and that will be a crucial part to the economic recovery of this country,” concludes White.
The initial 50 dishes will be nominated by well-known Aucklanders, including chefs and food writers, with the Auckland public getting their chance to submit their favourite 50 recommendations during the upcoming Elemental AKL festival, which kicked off around the Auckland region on 1 October.
Restaurant Hub has supported the campaign by hosting the specially developed Iconic Auckland Eats website where all 100 Eats can be viewed.
The Iconic Auckland Eats programme is an outcome of the Destination AKL Recovery Plan to support local food and beverage businesses and build Auckland’s reputation as a food and beverage destination.
