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Whitebait Fritter — traditional dish from West Coast, New Zealand
Snack Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥150kcal
💪15gProtein
🌾1gCarbs
🥑10gFat
🌿—Fibre
⚖️100 gServing

* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.

Allergens

🥚 Eggs

Whitebait Fritter

How to order / say it
Say it Whitebait Fritter — [WYTE-bait FRIT-ter]
Order I'd like the Whitebait Fritter, please.
Say locally

A small delicate fritter made with tiny whitebait fish.

Why try it?

The Whitebait Fritter is a distinctively regional delicacy in New Zealand, especially prized in the South Island. It is a seasonal treat often enjoyed in Spring and reflects the Kiwi love for simple, unadulterated flavors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

How it tastes

The fritters are tender with a subtle flavor of fish that is mild and slightly sweet. The texture is light and fluffy, often enhanced with a dash of lemon or a scoop of seaside seasoning, making them a refreshing snack.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

With its origins rooted in Maori tradition, whitebaiting has been a part of New Zealand's culinary scene since European settlement in the 19th century. Over time, the whitebait fritter became a beloved national treasure, embodying the spring season and the country's pristine waterways.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🐟 200 g whitebait
  • 🥚 3 eggs
  • 🧂 to taste salt
  • 🧂 to taste pepper
  • 🍋 1, for serving lemon
  • 🥛 50 g, for frying butter

Method

  1. 1 Mix whitebait, eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. 2 Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
  3. 3 Pour mixture into the pan, forming fritters.
  4. 4 Cook until golden brown on both sides and serve with lemon.

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