A record total of 208 eateries from as far north as Whangārei and as far south as Te Anau have created special dishes in their quest to be crowned supreme winner of the 2025 Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover.
The nationwide search for the tastiest, cheesiest, most inventive and outrageous toasted sandwiches in New Zealand, which kicks off on June 25, has attracted wild flavours and innovative combinations.
At Surf Shack in Waihi, smoked eel, maasdam and mozzarella cheeses, McClure’s pickle, horopito mayo, crispy kawakawa, kina butter, watercress and preserved lemon are combined for an umami bomb of a sando.
For Johnny Crema’s in Queenstown, mac ‘n’ cheese is paired with McClure’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles and crispy bacon bits for a hearty, delicious option.
At other restaurants , prawns, beef birria, duck confit and Korean bulgogi all make an appearance between toasted bread. There’s even a sandwich from Tolkein’s Shire on the menu at Hobbiton’s cafe.
“This year we’ve had a record number of entrants, making this the biggest Toastie Takeover ever,” says Nick Brown, co-founder of the Toastie Takeover and co-owner of Cook & Nelson. “They include hospitality legends, long-time toastie contenders and first-time entrants and we’re so excited to travel the country sampling the brilliant toasties they’ve cooked up.”
Team Of Judges Select Twelve Finalists
Each toastie will be available from 25 June to 5 August. While Kiwis enjoy them, members of a team of judges, overseen by food critic Kerry Tyack, will also be on the road taste-testing every dish in the competition.
On August 6, twelve finalists will be announced. Judging then begins for the supreme winner to be announced on August 20. To be eligible, cafés, restaurants, bars, food trucks and pop-ups come up with a toastie that must feature two slices of bread, cheese (or a vegan substitute), McClure’s Pickles and must be able to be eaten by hand.
Okere Falls in Rotorua was named the supreme winner in 2024 with its ‘Figgy in the Middle’ toastie, featuring Swiss cheese, pickle cheesecake mix, walnuts, figs, streaky bacon, rocket, chilli honey, blue cheese and McClure’s Pickles, sandwiched between buttered sourdough bread, topped with parmesan.
“We’re pretty sure we’ll exceed last year, when more than 100,000 toasties were served during the competition,” says Brown. “We hope Kiwis will get out for lunch or dinner and try these new and really original dishes this winter. It’s a great, affordable way to support their local restaurants.”