New Zealand produces some of the world’s best chefs. Take a trip to the dining precincts around New Zealand, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were eating out in New York or London.
Many of New Zealand’s top chefs have made names for themselves on the global culinary stage, serving up delectable dishes at some of the most famous restaurants around the world. They have become renowned for their unique styles and approaches to food, infusing Kiwi thinking with international food trends, and setting them too.
While some have settled in countries outside of Aotearoa, others have returned to share their high-calibre fare with New Zealanders and now run many of the country’s most celebrated eateries, which rival the best restaurants in the world. Meet three Kiwi chefs cooking up a storm.
Peter Gordon – introducing Kiwi ingredients to the world stage
Peter is known as the global pioneer of fusion food, with well-known eateries like The Providores and Tapa Room, The Sugar Club, and Crosstown Doughnuts under his belt. He lived in the UK for 30 years and after coming home in 2021 has opened a Food Embassy with his partner, Alastair Carruthers, called Homeland. He believes the world’s best food comes from his own back yard and through this venture – which includes a cooking school, restaurant, retail and community component – is showcasing the best New Zealand and the Pacific have to offer.
Chantelle Nicholson – putting plant-based dishes on the map
Multi award-winning chef, restaurateur and author Chantelle Nicholson is an advocate for sustainability, championing veg-forward cooking through her restaurants and her cookbook, Planted. The Kiwi and former chef-owner of iconic Covent Garden restaurant Tredwells (now closed) was the recipient of a green Michelin star in 2021. She is currently working on the much-anticipated opening of her new restaurant in London, Apricity, which is due to welcome guests in Spring 2022. Originally from New Zealand, and a trained lawyer, Chantelle is committed to creating a more sustainable future across her food and operations.
Miles Kirby – Kiwi takes over London with world class restaurants
Miles Kirby had a pipe dream to open great spaces in London that served excellent food – with sustainability, health and flavour at the core. And now the co-founder and chef director of Caravan restaurants has done just that – opening seven beautifully designed restaurants across London that welcomes Kiwi and locals in their masses to enjoy world class cuisine. Miles’ wholesale and retail coffee roasting operation Caravan Coffee Roasters also has a cult-following, committed to bringing the best of Kiwi coffee culture to the UK. Miles’ operates three cafés in addition to the seven Caravan restaurants, with hundreds turning up every day to experience that unique sense of Kiwi hospitality.
Looking for somewhere setting culinary trends? We know a place.
