Is there such a thing as New Zealand cuisine? Is the country in the Antipodes something more than fast-food, meat pie and beer? Will the Poles enjoy the taste of such a distant cuisine? Of course! These, just a couple of misleading statements are refuted by The Cuisine of New Zealand, the first cookbook about this country written specially for the Poles. Polish people will learn what our compatriots have brought to their cuisine and what did they do to the benefit of the society of New Zealand. The book comes out in the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Poland and New Zealand.
The idea of writing the book came up six years ago. I was on my way to New Zealand as a conscious culinary tourist. I have already searched some information in Poland, moreover, I have even tried the Pavlova dessert, but I still have a long list of the things to try. Despite this, Aotearoa surprised me with its amazing wealth. A few-month trip through the country turned out to be a big eating festival (the results of that were very visible after returning to Poland).
Each time I went out, it resulted with the discovery of a Mediterranean bistro, full of delicious tarts, baguettes, English muffins and exquisite sandwiches. At the same time, it was never too far from the original Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, or Indian bars. Multi-ethnic society of New Zealand maintains its traditions, and the New Zealanders enjoy culinary novelties and are always willing to visit new restaurants. The take-away food often consists of either the British fish & chips, i.e. deep-fried battered fish and French fries, or cheap sushi. Local pubs and grill bars tend to serve great meat and salads. The best restaurants represent a global level, using a wide range of local ingredients and an elegant, Asian aesthetics presented in the arrangement of the dishes. New Zealand turned out to be a country full of varieties in its gastronomic offer, but it is also a country that everyone can afford.
At the same time, it is there where you can get local products easily. Traditional weekend markets in the cities and towns attract crowds of people. You can buy the local, homemade cheese and smoked meat, organic vegetables and fruits from all over the world, that grow well in the great, friendly climate of New Zealand, good bread and olive oil. The journey across the country makes you aware of the regional wealth and diversity, visible in seafood, honeys or wines. You cannot miss the eating festivals in New Zealand, it is worth to participate at least one of them. The most interesting is the festival of the population from the South Pacific Ocean, Pasifica Festival, held annually in March in Auckland, and the Hokitika Wild Food Festival. Just do not yield to the first hunger and pass round the fast-food bars, and you will have wonderful memories from New Zealand.
These memories are at your fingertips, because the best New Zealand products can bought in Poland. The purpose of the book was not only to provide simple recipes, used by New Zealanders in everyday life. An entire chapter is dedicated to the description of products, of which New Zealand is famous for, i.e. lamb, beef and seafood, aromatic wines and vodkas, the best in the world avocado oils and kiwi fruits and the phenomenal mānuka honeys. Polish people can enjoy these truly exceptional quality products, and, by the way, they will perhaps appreciate their own, organic farming production. The book is not only dedicated for cooking, but also for reading. Each dish is provided with a background information about the culture, agriculture, lifestyles of New Zealanders, their favourite food products and local attractions. All this information will help you plan your own trip aross New Zealand.
It is worth adding that The Cuisine of New Zealand was created with the help of Polish people living in New Zealand, who often baked the Pavlova cake and roasted lamb for me, shared their cookbooks and checked recipes, and who also took me to the favourite places of New Zealanders. Thanks to these Poles I ate the best ice creams of New Zealand, and I have even seen a cattle farm. Twenty-two thousand kilometres away from their homeland they prepare pierogi, cook bigos and bake apple pies, being great ambassadors of Polans and Polish cuisine. Thanks to this book, Polish people have the chance to get to know and like New Zealanders and their cuisine.
The next meeting will take place on May 22, 2013 at 6 pm at the Asia and Pacific Museum, Asian Gallery, St. Freta 5 in Warsaw. The meeting will be participated by Wendy Hinton, Ambassador of New Zealand to Poland, and Beata Stoczyńska, Ambassador of Poland in New Zealand.
The book you can buy on author’s blog: www.winebread.blogspot.com
Kuchnia Nowej Zelandii (Cuisine of New Zealand), Ilona Zdziech, Wydawnictwo Nowy Świat (publisher), Warsaw 2013, pp. 272.
Photos: The book cover. /Ms.Wendy Hinton, Ambassador of New Zealand to Poland with the author of book – Ilona Zdziech.