Explore Guides
Local food map
Wellington (New Zealand)
Hotels in area
Starter
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
430kcal
31gProtein
25gCarbs
23gFat
2gFibre
220 gServing
* Per serving · 220 g. May vary.
Allergens
🦐 Shellfish
🌾 Gluten
🥚 Eggs
Also served in
Pāua Fritters
How to order / say it
Say it
Pāua Fritters — [POW-ah FRIT-uhz]
Order
Could I have two pāua fritters, please?
Say locally
Fritter made from pāua, a native New Zealand shellfish, mixed with batter.
Why try it?
Pāua fritters showcase the unique seafood treasures of New Zealand, representing the nation's reliance on oceanic bounty. It's a nostalgic dish for locals, often shared in familial and festive settings.
How it tastes
Pāua fritters have a chewy texture and a distinct marine flavor balanced by crispy batter. The combination is rich and savory, occasionally paired with a fresh squeeze of lemon or tartar sauce.
Origin & History — first documented: 1900
Pāua shellfish have been harvested by the Māori for centuries. The fritter form became popular in the 20th century as a way to enjoy pāua, making it accessible and palatable for more people.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🦐 250 g Pāua meat
- 🥚 1 large Egg
- 🌾 60 g Breadcrumbs
- 🧄 60 g Onion
- 🌿 15 g Parsley
- 🍋 15 ml Lemon juice
- 🥛 20 g Butter
- 🧂 1 g Black pepper
Method
- 1 Mince the pāua finely and combine it with egg, breadcrumbs, onion, parsley, lemon juice and pepper.
- 2 Rest the mixture for 10 minutes, then shape it into four small patties.
- 3 Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- 4 Fry the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through; serve with lemon.
More from Wellington
© Wikimedia Commons
Soup
Fish & Seafood
Wellington Seafood Chowder
WEL-ing-tun SEE-food CHOW-der
A creamy harbour-style soup combining local fish, shellfish, potatoes and aromatics.
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegetarian
Wellington Chocolate Fish
WEL-ing-tun CHOK-lit fish
A fish-shaped marshmallow sweet dipped in chocolate and associated with Wellington confectionery culture.
Snack
Meat
Wellington Mince Pie
WEL-ing-tun MINSS pie
A handheld pastry pie filled with richly seasoned minced beef and onion gravy.
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Kaimoana
kye-MAW-nah
Traditional Māori seafood dishes, encompassing various coastal delicacies like paua, kina, and mussels.
🐟
Snack
Fish & Seafood
Kina
KEE-nah
Spiky sea urchin with a creamy interior, eaten raw.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Lolly Cake
lah-lee kayk
A no-bake cake with crushed biscuits and colorful confectionery.
🥩
Main course
Meat
Wanaka Venison Stew
wan-ah-ka ven-ih-sin stew
A comforting stew made with venison and local herbs.
🌱
Sauce
Vegan
Central Otago Pinot Noir Sauce
sen-tral o-ta-go pee-noh-nwaar sauce
A sophisticated sauce featuring Central Otago's signature Pinot Noir.
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Lake Wanaka Trout
lake wan-ah-ka trout
Trout roasted with local herbs and vegetables.
© Wikimedia Commons
Snack
Meat
Mince Pie
MINS pie
A savory pie filled with minced beef, seasoned with various herbs.