New Zealand's Toasted Sandwich Tour Is Back for 2019

The search is on for New Zealand's best toastie.

Landing for the first time last year, The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover invites eateries across the country to put their spin on the classic toasted sandwich. More than 50 have signed up for 2019, with toasted sandwich connoisseurs able to try different variations of the snack from Auckland to Cromwell until August 31. All toasties in the competition — which is presented by McClure's Pickles — must be sandwiched between two slices of bread, be able to be eaten by hand and contain cheese and pickles.

In Auckland, Fort Greene's toasted creation comes packed with house-smoked pastrami, melted cheese and whole sliced pickles, while Hamilton's Hayes Common is serving up smoked kahawai, mustard béchamel, vintage meyer cheese in toastie form. Visitors to Joe's Garage Riccarton can expect the combo of pulled lamb shoulder and havarti cheese, and Marlborough's Vines Village Café is pushing the boat out with slow-roasted duck with sour cherry.

The toasted sandwich celebration has introduced a competitive element for 2019, with participating eateries being judged on their creations in the quest to find the country's tastiest toastie. The judging will be split between six regions with two eateries from each area going through to the final. Joe McClure from McClure's Pickles will have the job of presenting the Best New Zealand Toastie title, with winner announced on Monday, August 26.

THE GREAT NEW ZEALAND TOASTIE TAKEOVER

Auckland

Al's Deli
Culprit
Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co.
Fantail & Turtle
Federal Delicatessen
Fort Greene
Foxtrot Parlour
Good George Craft House
Hero Sandwich House
Jack Tar
Jo Bros Burgers
Johnny Barr's American Restaurant
Longshot
Love Bucket
Lowbrow
Mission Eatery
Queen's Head Bar and Eatery
Sweat Shop Brew Kitchen
The Apothecary
The Butcher's Shop Cafe
The Grange
The Riverhead
Vevo Foodstore
Vondel

Wellington

Baker Gramercy
Goods Manufactory and Café
Park Kitchen
Ten O'Clock Cookie Bakery Café

Image: Babiche Martens.