Moving to or living in New Zealand as an Indian comes with exciting new experiences but food can often be one of the biggest adjustments. From hunting down your favorite masalas to decoding labels at the supermarket, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first.This guide is designed to help you confidently navigate New Zealand’s food culture while staying true to your Indian food habits whether you’re a student, a migrant, or a visitor. Here’s everything you need to know about what to do (and not do) when it comes to food in Aotearoa.
DOs: What to Embrace in New Zealand
Shop Smart – Find Indian Groceries Easily
Indian grocery stores like Apna Bazaar, Patel Brothers, Lotus Supermarket, and Bombay Bazaar are available in most cities. You’ll find essentials like atta, dal, masalas, paneer, and poha..
Explore Local Fresh Produce
Buy fresh veggies and fruits from supermarkets like Countdown, New World, and Pak’nSave or from weekend farmers’ markets. NZ-grown produce like avocados, kiwifruit, feijoa, and kumara are worth trying.
Read Food Labels Carefully
Always check labels for dietary symbols:
Vegetarian/Vegan
Halal certified
Avoid items with gelatin, rennet, or E-numbers if you follow dietary restrictions.
Cook at Home Often
Cooking at home saves money and allows you to control spices and flavors. Bring your pressure cooker and basic masalas. Buy a rice cooker locally it’s cheap and super useful.
Try New Foods (Carefully)
Explore Kiwi vegetarian options like plant-based pies, falafel wraps, tofu, or veggie burgers. Non-veg eaters can enjoy NZ lamb and seafood. Spice levels are mild so bring your own chili or achaar!
Pack Smart from India
Bring:
Dry masalas
Poha
Sealed lentils & snacks
Don’t bring:
Fresh fruits/veg
Dairy, ghee
Homemade pickles/chutneys
Always check MPI NZ customs before packing.
DON'Ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Bring Restricted Items
New Zealand has strict biosecurity laws. Fines are heavy for undeclared food—so always declare what you’re carrying.
Don’t Expect Indian-Level Spice
Local food is very mild. Even Indian restaurants may tone down the heat unless you request extra hot.
Don’t Assume "Veggie" = Vegetarian
“Veggie burger” may contain egg or cheese made with animal rennet. Always ask for vegetarian or vegan confirmation.
Don’t Rely Only on Indian Restaurants
They’re great—but costly. Learn basic cooking or batch-prep at home to save money.
Don’t Ignore Meal Planning
Meal kits like HelloFresh exist but are pricey and not always Indian-friendly. Weekly meal prep is your best friend.
Don’t Assume Halal or Jain Options Are Everywhere
Halal meat is fairly available. Jain food is rare—so rely on self-cooking or community networks.
Eating Out: Indian & Vegetarian Options
Indian Cuisine
Fine Dining: Cassia, Paradise, Oh Calcutta (Auckland)
Takeaways: Found in most neighborhoods and malls
Street Food Trucks: Biryani, chaats, Indo-Chinese at markets and festivals
Non-Indian, Desi-Friendly Options
Pita Pit – Falafel or paneer wraps
Tank – Smoothies and salads
Domino’s / Hell Pizza – Indian-style toppings
Lord of the Fries – Fully vegetarian fast food
Ingredient Swaps (Indian to Kiwi)
Community & Cultural Events
New Zealand has a vibrant Indian community. You’ll find:
Diwali & Holi celebrations with Indian food stalls
Onam, Eid, Navratri, Durga Puja potlucks and functions
Active groups like Gujarati Samaj, Tamil Sangam, etc.
Great places to find food, friends, and festive vibes!
Sample Weekly Indian Grocery List (NZ Edition)
Atta (5kg)
Basmati Rice (5kg)
Dal: Toor, Moong, Chana
Masalas: Jeera, Hing, Haldi, Garam Masala
Fresh Veg: Potatoes, Onions, Tomatoes, Spinach
Paneer or Tofu
Mustard/Olive Oil
Poha or Rice Flakes
Frozen: Parathas, Samosas
Snacks: Kurkure, Haldiram’s (optional)
Adapting to New Zealand's food culture as an Indian involves a delicious balance: leveraging smart grocery shopping (especially at ethnic stores) and basic cooking skills to maintain a steady rotation of budget-friendly, masala-filled favorites. This approach, mixed with the occasional indulgence in local treats, ensures you can both eat well and stay within budget without sacrificing the familiar taste of home.
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