Natural wonders, man-made monuments, and cultural experiences are usually the main points of interest as you venture beyond borders and leap over oceans. For some, it’s the local specialties that pop up like Michelangelo’s David and that are worth it.

France has its fries, Belgium has its cookies, and Australia has its dark brown yeast spread, but in this series we will be highlighting foods that are worth traveling to New Zealand. Stamp these culinary delights on your passport – don’t expect pineapple-flavored chunks.

Hello, chocolate lover. A warning: what you’re about to read can lead to uncontrollable drooling.

If you are passionate about food, of course you know that there is nothing better than Wellington, which is the gastronomic capital of the country.

But, finding where to eat can be tricky – so let me help you out: Head straight to one of the best alleys in town.

READ MORE:
* Travel Bites: Motueka, Toad Hall’s real fruit ice cream is the ultimate summer treat
* Travel Bites: Leeds Street Bakery’s Salted Caramel Cookie is a Wellington icon
* Hannahs Laneway, Wellington: Is New Zealand home to the best food alley in the world?

With pizza, pies, cookies, a chocolate factory, fine dining, peanut butter cafe and a brownie bar, Hannahs Laneway (also known as Leeds Street) is a sanctuary of delicious treats, and those who choose to worship will be richly rewarded.

If you have a soft spot for chocolate brownies, your first stop is a place called Lashings. Hidden upstairs at the north end of the aisle is a giant cabinet full of brownies. But not just any brownie. Think vegemite brownie, peanut butter and jelly brownie, and even a vegan brownie.

Pastry chef Jackie Lee Morrison created her sweet treats paradise after her brownies proved hugely popular in the local market.

The secret is to do everything by hand, resulting in a fudge-like texture, in addition to using single-origin chocolate made in Wellington.

There is a “Pimp your brownie” menu that gives you the option to add toppings such as caramelized cornflakes, pretzel milk ice cream, and salted caramel popcorn. It’s hard to buy a brownie anywhere else after eating here – they’ll never taste so good.

You can also get delicious treats like homemade sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls, or a “life-changing” slice of caramel – this may be life changing as you will need dialysis afterwards. But more seriously, it’s beyond delicious.

The next time you feel like a sweet treat, let your taste buds let off steam at Lashings. This will allow you to plan your next trip to Wellington in search of your next solution.

Information sheet

Where to eat: Brownies at Lashings start from $ 5. The ice cream brownie bar where you can make your own treat starts from $ 15.90. See: lashingsfood.com

Stay Safe: New Zealand is currently subject to restrictions related to Covid-19. For the latest travel rules, see covid19.govt.nz.

Do you have a favorite snack worth traveling? Write to us at [email protected] or let us know in the comments.