Iconic Auckland Eats 2025: 100 Culinary Love Letters
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3 min
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by Alanna Chen
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3 min
For the meals that are so iconic you pretend to look at the menu... then order the same thing anyway.
Last night the cityβs food community came together at the beautiful QT Auckland for the fifth year of Iconic Auckland Eats - an amalgamation of culture, love and celebration that reflects the spirit of Tamaki Makaurau.Β
This year saw over 3000+ nominations (a whopping 64% more than last year!), a true reflection of the initiative and a reminder that food has the power to unite, spark memories, and build a community across tables and every neighbourhood in the city.
What made this year extra special? A record breaking number of affordable eats, storytelling through food, and their most diverse list yet - spanning from budget-friendly bites to fine dining gems, and cultures from all corners of the globe.
Aucklandβs Official Top 5 Eats for 2025:
If you know, you know. I used to get these everytime - Eden Noodlesβ Dumplings in Spicy Sauce are the ultimate student staple! Cheap and filling, but totally craveable and worth the walk down from (and walk back up to) campus. It goes beyond the flavour-packed punch and spice kick - itβs a handmade labour of love from the lady by the window, shaping every bite with skill and maternal love.Β
πΈ The BEST bang for buck in town - hands down! Also a massive fan of their braised beef noodles, spicy and sour soup wontons, dandan noodlesβ¦
When I told you their Hot Honey is unreal I meant it. The chewy but light crust, spicy halal pepperoni, addictive hot honeyβ¦ if youβve ever wondered what joy and comfort tastes like, marry Bariβs Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza . From foodie to business connoisseur, Bariβs passion and dedication to his dream is truly inspiring and unforgettable - itβs a sell-out at every pop-up for a reason!Β
π― The hype is real! Line up early and donβt skip the hot honey - I have a bottle at home and it pairs with literally EVERYTHING.Β
Yes, you can actually trust all the TikTokers who rave about Vietnam Cafe - and their Spare Ribs Rice Noodles Soup arenβt something to miss. Itβs a bowl of comfort that's always there for you, no matter what. Winning nominator Joshua Ho wrote that itβs been his favourite from age of 10 - and 30 years later - it remains the same. Let this be your sign; GO.Β
π A warm comforting bowl thatβll heal your trust issues, and is worth crossing Auckland for.Β
Iconic in itself, Prego is a consistent β that circulates the group chat when youβre making dinner plans with friends. Whether youβre there to celebrate, get pics, or just for the vibes, their duck risotto is the star of the show. When ordering Pregoβs Risotto All'Anatra , expect tax from your peers - itβs comforting, creamy and so moreish that everyone will want a bite.
π₯ A must-try at a must-go; come prepared to share a spoonful or two with everyone at the table!
If you look up the definition of βelevatedβ Bar Magdaβs Noelβs Charcoal Steak is the first result. Think juicy and charcoal-grilled, topped with fresh greens that make every bite pop - and donβt get started on the sauce! Simple but sophisticated, the soy butter sauce will have you in a chokehold and get you wiping up every drop from the plate.
π· The kind of dish that looks beautiful and tastes even better, without fault (donβt you love it when pretty food delivers on taste?)
As the night came to a close, I felt struck by the sheer amount of love in the room; owners and entrepreneurs with souls full of passion and minds brimming with ideas, critics and food-lovers united through shared appreciation for storytelling and adventure.
Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 is more than just a list, itβs 100 love letters to the community, from the community. Each dish is a celebration of the people and places that make our city vibrant and brings everyone together, building the bridges between cultures, generations and neighbourhoods.
Until next bite, Beauties x
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