Family Connections

Food is how many of us show love, through celebration, comfort, care, or simply feeding the people we love. Recipes are often passed down like heirlooms, tucked into treasured cookbooks, yellowing newspaper clippings, scribbled notes, or shared quietly at the elbow of a parent or grandparent in the kitchen. So when it came to this year’s theme, Food is Love, it’s no surprise that many chefs turned to their whānau and whakapapa for inspiration. Here’s a list of all the burgers that celebrate that connection to family and culture, a delicious tribute to the people and places that made us.

Family Connections

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Frankie's Bar + Eatery
$28

Aama Knows Best

DVB beer match

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
VV
Vegan Possible
NF
Nut-Free Possible
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Grilled sambal chicken with crumbed Scotty’s bacon, kiwifruit salsa, lettuce, Swiss cheese, sambal mayo and sambal embe in a Brezelmania brioche bun, with vegetable roasties and Japanese curry sauce. Aama means "mother", a tribute to the role mothers play in our lives, across cultures, the act of cooking is one of the most profound ways mothers express their care. The burger bun includes hidden vegetables subtly delivering flavour and nourishment that would make any mother proud. The sambal featured in this burger is a cherished family recipe from one of the chefs’ mothers—a dish he grew up with. Vegan alternative: Grilled sambal tempeh with sautéed shiitake mushrooms

Beer Match:

Hard Case (Cider)

$38

Burger & Beer

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One80 Restaurant
$37

Curry Rice Papad Project

DVB beer match

V
Vegetarian Possible
Burger 1: Harringtons beef cafreal patty, with salad, housemade pickles, cheese, potato salli and Chef Chetan’s mum’s Goan cafreal curry sauce in a Clareville Bakery basmati rice kanji bun. Burger 2: Yellow Brick Road fish, with housemade pickles, Little Green Garage micro coriander, potato salli and Chef Chetan’s dad’s Karwari coconut onion curry sauce in a Clareville Bakery basmati rice kanji bun. Both served with poppadum-spiced fries and pickle aioli. A twin burger tribute to Chef Chetan’s parents, with each one inspired by their hometowns: Karwar’s coastal seafood traditions and Goa’s iconic green Cafreal masala. It’s a heartfelt celebration of Chetan's family, heritage and a lifelong love of Indian cuisine. Vegetarian alternative: Beef patty and fish replaced with a vegetable patty

Beer Match:

Thirst Crush (Peach IPA)

$49

Burger & Beer

Selling fast

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Union Square
$130

Detroit meets Martinborough

Multiple dates

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Join Adam Cruz (General Manager, Union Square Bistro in Martinborough) for the second round of his 'Meets Martinborough' series. After delving into the vibrant flavours and stories of Charleston in 2024, this time Adam takes you on a journey to 1980s Detroit. Step back in time to explore the rich history of Detroit during this iconic decade, filled with fascinating stories and cultural shifts. As you immerse yourself in the era, indulge in six expertly crafted Detroit street foods from the 1980s, each paired perfectly with Rock & Rye as well as local Martinborough wine, gin, and beer. Let the soulful sounds of Motown and local rock legends set the mood for an unforgettable evening. It’s not just a meal, it’s a full sensory experience that transports you to the heart of Detroit’s culinary and musical legacy.
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Loretta
Free Entry

DILLI-24

Fri 22 Aug — Sat 23 Aug, 5pm - 10pm

V
Vegetarian
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
A North Indian feast crafted by long-time Loretta head chef Chandrika Khullar. Named after her hometown of Delhi and her home postcode, this special menu is a deeply personal tribute to her upbringing and a childhood immersed in the rich culinary traditions of North India. Chandrika brings the heart and soul of Delhi to Wellington with a generous, share-style multi-course menu featuring bountiful vegetarian plates and an exceptional lamb raan. Expect an explosion of flavour, with exotic spice blends, saffron, citrus and native berries woven into every dish. In North India, condiment is king, and this feast will be served with a vibrant array of chutneys, pickles and relishes. To complete the experience, Chandrika has also designed a beautifully curated drinks menu to complement the bold and fragrant dishes.
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Dirty Burger Upper Hutt
$19

Dip & Drip

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Conscious Valley beef patty with American cheese, mozzarella, Harringtons streaky bacon and Rose’s Chili Crisp mayo in a brioche bun, with beef fat garlic fries and Alex's mum 's homestyle gravy. Born from owner Alex’s love and appreciation for his mum...and her homestyle gravy. A burger built to honour it, it's comforting, nostalgic and full of heart, it’s a family favourite reimagined.
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Bellamys
$28

Halloumi & the Beast

DVB beer match

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
VV
Vegan Possible
NF
Nut-Free Possible
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with tzatziki, sesame-crumbed Zany Zeus halloumi, chilli honey, pickled red onion, cos lettuce, coriander and parsley in a toasted rosemary Shelly Bay potato bun, with triple-cooked fries and chilli seasoning. Nikos draws on his Greek heritage to share a heartfelt tribute to the flavours of his country's cuisine. Vegan/Vegetarian alternative: Chickpea falafel

Beer Match:

The Classic (Lager)

$38

Burger & Beer

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Sushil's Musclechef Kitchen and Café
$32

Gran's Table

DVB beer match

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
VV
Vegan Possible
NF
Nut-Free Possible
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Chennai-style vellai chicken kurma, with masala omelette, kachumber salad, Kāpiti Kānuka Smoked Havarti, mint coconut chutney and spiced green banana crisps in a Pōneke Bakery coconut milk bun, with karam podi fries and mango ooruga mayo. This burger is a heartfelt tribute to Chef Sushil’s gran, whose table was always filled with love, comfort and connection. Inspired by the meals she lovingly prepared, it honours her belief that the most important ingredient in any dish is love. Vegan/vegetarian alternative: Chicken replaced with cauliflower

Beer Match:

Thirst Crush (Peach IPA)

$44

Burger & Beer

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Crooked Dagger
$24

Home Is Where the Heart Is

DVB beer match

V
Vegetarian Possible
NF
Nut-Free
Slow-cooked vindaloo-spiced pulled lamb with sweet mango chutney and lettuce in a locally sourced Arobake charcoal brioche bun, with garlic naan strips and potato and tamarind chutney When Crooked Dagger opened without a chef, the team (two siblings and a best mate) turned to the one person who had always been there — Papa Ji. After years away from the kitchen, he has returned to help create something truly special with his family. Vegetarian alternative: Vindaloo jackfruit replaces lamb

Beer Match:

Thirst Crush (Peach IPA)

$34

Burger & Beer

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Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen
$169

I-Sarn Thai KanTok

Multiple dates

V
Vegetarian Possible
Join Daeng from Tuk Tuk Thai for a deeply personal culinary journey to the heart of E-Sarn, the north-eastern region of Thailand she once called home. This one-night-only event celebrates the traditional Kan-Tok style of dining – a communal meal served on handwoven bamboo trays and shared amongst family and friends. This event is made to be shared, the ticket price is for a shared menu for two. Growing up in the small town of Tha Bo near the Mekong Delta, Daeng’s childhood was filled with stories of rice farming, village generosity, and dishes cooked from what the garden offered. In E-Sarn, meals were acts of love, shared daily around the Kan-Tok with laughter, music, and warmth. Now, Daeng invites you to gather at her table and experience the flavours of her upbringing. You’ll be served nine traditional dishes on a beautifully crafted bamboo tray, designed for sharing, just as they are in her village. On the Kan-Tok: Hor Mok Salmon – Steamed salmon in banana leaves, marinated with herbs, spices, and coconut milk Mok Nor Mai with Pork Belly – Pork belly steamed with bamboo shoots Larb Gai – A celebratory chicken mince salad with fresh herbs and toasted rice E-Sarn Sausages – House-made, spiced and fermented in true north-eastern style Nam Prik Tomato – Roasted tomato dipping sauce with chillies, garlic, and shallots Som Tum – Green papaya salad with a sweet, sour, spicy kick Sticky Rice – Soaked overnight and steamed in traditional bamboo baskets Fresh and Steamed Seasonal Vegetables – To enjoy with sauces and mains Dessert: Kanom Chan – Thai layered jelly cake Kanom Mun – Tapioca and coconut pudding Pull up a seat at Daeng’s table and discover the stories, flavours, and traditions that shaped her childhood. Single tickets or odd numbers unable to be catered to.
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Twenty Eight
$26

Kasundi Patty Melt

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
NF
Nut-Free Possible
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Beef patty, with kasundi and chorizo mayo, sherry caramelized onions, cheese, sweet and spicy pickles in toasted Dough Bakery brioche, with with Paprika fries and Bloody Mary dipping sauce. Chef Josh’s first taste of proper Indian food came through a kasundi recipe passed down to Logan Brown from the Dayal family (Cuba Fruit Mart). That moment sparked a lasting love for the cuisine, now honoured in this burger with their own adapted kasundi replacing traditional tomato sauce. Vegetarian alternative: Cauliflower and green pea fritter
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Macha,Jom Tapau!
$25

Laksa Lover’s Affair

DVB beer match

DF
Dairy-Free
V
Vegetarian Possible
VV
Vegan Possible
NF
Nut-Free
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Lemongrass-ginger chicken patty with pickled cucumber, bean sprouts, coriander, crispy noodles, fried shallots and laksa coconut mayo in a toasted Uncle Leo’s Bakery coconut bun, with curry fries. Inspired by childhood memories, this burger is a tribute to Chef Muthu’s weekly laksa ritual shared with school friends. A playful nod to his younger self who once dipped toast into laksa broth, has now sparked the idea for this nostalgic creation. Vegan alternative: Lemongrass-ginger marinated tofu patty

Beer Match:

Tinyken (Non-Alc Hazy IPA)

$30

Burger & Beer

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Taco Addicts @ tasteHQ
$60—100

Lazy Susan Tacos

Multiple dates

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
VV
Vegan Possible
NF
Nut-Free
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Join Taco Addicts at their production headquarters for a shared taco dining experience. You and your friends, chosen family and/or whānau will create your own delicious tacos from baskets of hand-crafted tortillas, bowls of fillings and toppings. Taco Addicts premises were previously a Chinese Restaurant so they will be serving your taco delights on a 'Lazy Susan', so you'll be able to spin, pass, create and enjoy this family style shared dining experience. Taco Addicts owner Amber has fond childhood memories of such family taco nights in Austin, Texas and has designed this event to share them with you. Local wine and beer will be available for purchase. You'll enjoy a complimentary non-alcoholic drink to pair with your meal, and a sweet treat to finish. Lazy Susans work best with more people, therefore bookings of two will be seated with another booking of 2 or 3 with similar dietary requirements. Please advise if you want to be seated with your friends when you book. The whole table will leave with something to taco 'bout for days to come.
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The Residence Bar
$26

Love of Land & Sea

DVB beer match

DF
Dairy-Free
NF
Nut-Free
Beef patty, with aioli, iceberg lettuce, oka-style coconut prawn salad, locally foraged watercress and horopito salsa, and taro crisps in a housemade Paroa parai (fried bread) bun, with shoestring fries and kina mayo. The Residence team come from Maori and Pacific Island backgrounds where gathering over food is a essential part of life. Let them bring this warmth of culture to your table. It's an offering of care, a gesture of hospitality and a way to say "you are welcome here."

Beer Match:

Mouth Party (Hazy IPA)

$36

Burger & Beer

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Kelburn Village Pub
$23

Nahua Romance

DVB beer match

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Pulled pork with Pickle & Pie pickles, pickled onion and housemade Aztec molé made with Wellington Chocolate Factory dark chocolate in an Arobake charcoal bun. Owner Isaac, a descendant of the Aztec people, honours his heritage with a family molé recipe at the heart of this creation. A burger inspired by the ancient Aztec love story of the Nahua Romance, a tale of devotion, sacrifice and eternal love. Like the volcanoes Popocatépetl, which still send smoke into the sky, this burger is a reminder that true love leaves a lasting mark.

Beer Match:

Repeat Offender (NZ Pilsner)

$35

Burger & Beer

Selling fast

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Le Ciel Bakery
$98

Nyumbani: A Taste of Tanzania

Multiple dates

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
NF
Nut-Free Possible
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Journey through the heart of Tanzania with dishes that feel like home - comforting, bold, and full of love. This special five-course degustation is created by Chef Shuchi Bhardwaj, a baker who grew up in Tanzania and carries its flavours, traditions, and warmth in her heart. Whether it’s the warm embrace of coconut-infused stews, smoky grilled meats, or fragrant spiced rice, each course is a reminder of how food connects us. This menu brings authentic East African flavours to the table, reimagined in a modern way that feels like home. Each course is matched with a carefully selected wine to enhance the flavours of the dish. Expect generous hospitality and a setting that feels like stepping into a Tanzanian family gathering.
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Strathmore Local Restaurant & Bar
$29

Porkalicious

DVB beer match

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Primestar braised pulled pork, with sage and onion stuffing, fried potato, brined cabbage and red wine gravy in a housemade frybread bun, with kumara fries. Strathmore's General Manager grew up in a large Māori family, this burger draws on the warm, generous spirit of these family gatherings, where food is central to every celebration. Inspired by traditional meals like hāngī and boil-ups, it’s a playful, hearty creation that brings the comfort of home to every bite.

Beer Match:

The Classic (Lager)

$36

Burger & Beer

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Chapman Taylor's Cafe & Inn
$27

Rendang Royale

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
V
Vegetarian Possible
VV
Vegan Possible
NF
Nut-Free
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Slow-cooked beef brisket with housemade rendang sauce, chilli aioli, lettuce, tomato, fried egg, pickled cucumber, green chilli sambal and onion rings in a lightly toasted Arobake brioche bun, with thick-cut fries. Chef Meyka and Chef Jimmy were both born and trained in Indonesia, this is their love letter to their culinary heritage
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Saigon Taste
$26

Saigon Snuggle

DVB beer match

NF
Nut-Free
Phở-spiced Wagyu beef patty, with lettuce, basil, cucumber, coriander, chilli, pickled garlic, pickled carrot and daikon, black bean sauce and chilli mayo in a Dough Bakery brioche bun, with a bowl of phở broth and fried doughnuts. This burger is a heartfelt fusion of Vietnamese and Kiwi culture, blending the spices of home with the comfort of a classic New Zealand burger. Served with a warm bowl of phở and heart-shaped doughnuts, it’s a love letter to Wellington, that we can all share in the warmth, memory and connection that food has brought to the Saigon Taste family since arriving in Aotearoa.

Beer Match:

Thirst Crush (Peach IPA)

$36

Burger & Beer

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Lazy Juan
$22

Sisig-La Lambing Bago Loving

DVB beer match

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Smashed beef patty with pork sisig, chicharrón, Zany Zeus cheese pimiento, onions and fried garlic aioli in an Arobake brioche bun, with an onion haystack. This burger is a tribute to Chef Archie's wife and draws inspiration from his love language of cooking. Sisig-La means to become energetic, a transformation into something more delightful. Sisig is an iconic Filipino dish born from passion and creativity, transforming humble pork cuts into a beloved staple.

Beer Match:

Repeat Offender (NZ Pilsner)

$32

Burger & Beer

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Thistle Inn
$30

She'll Be Right

DVB beer match

V
Vegetarian Possible
GF
Gluten-Free Possible
Coarse ground pork and Primestar beef patty, with American cheddar, Aunties pickled onions and housemade foraged watercress chimichurri, marmite butter and Kaitaia fire ranch dressing in a Poneke bakery potato bun, with horopito seasoned fries. Chef Zane’s burger is a heartfelt tribute to the flavours of his childhood, inspired by memories of foraging watercress and helping his Grandma with boil up. Rooted in Aotearoa’s landscapes and family kitchens, it’s a love letter to the simple joys that sparked his passion for food. Vegetarian alternative: Beef patty substituted with a vegetarian patty

Beer Match:

Thirst Crush (Peach IPA)

$42

Burger & Beer

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Cable Top Eatery
$30

Te Māmā

DVB beer match

V
Vegetarian Possible
NF
Nut-Free
Roast chicken with herbed stuffing, roast vege fritter, kawakawa mayo, rocket, feta, and locally foraged kawakawa slaw in housemade fry bread, with a side of rocket salad and Māmā’s signature gravy. This burger is a tribute to the mums, aunties, nans and friends who nourished us with care, wisdom and full lunchboxes. It honours the quiet heroes who stretched roasts across a week, stocked freezers and always made sure we were fed. With 5% of proceeds going to Pēpe Ora to support young mothers and pregnant women, and each burger will be served with a handwritten note from “Mum,” it’s a heartfelt celebration of the love that shows up, meal after meal. Vegetarian alternative: Chicken replaced with a second golden vege fritter

Beer Match:

Chillax (XPA)

$42

Burger & Beer

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Passo Pizza Pasta Caffe`
$33

The Lovestruck Boar

DVB beer match

DF
Dairy-Free Possible
NF
Nut-Free
Waikanae Butcher wild boar and pork patty, with melted provolone, parmesan, fennel and rocket, and Bond Store spicy vodka tomato sauce in a housemade brioche bun, with panelle. This burger is a soulful tribute to the chef Michele’s Sicilian roots. It’s inspired by childhood memories of foraging wild vegetables, chasing rabbits, picking snails after the rain, and hearing stories from Michele's father about wild boar hunts in the Monti Sicani.

Beer Match:

Naughty Hopper (IPA)

$46

Burger & Beer

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The Regal Shortbread Co
$26

Whoopie, Dessert First

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Whittaker’s 72% dark chocolate mousse “patty”, with dalgona candy “cheese” and pistachio “guacamole” in a vanilla whoopie-pie bun, with Pure Regal Shortbread chips and raspberry dipping sauce. When Anita Vogt’s mother turned 60, decided she’d no longer pretend dinner was about the main course. From then on, she proudly ordered dessert first. Known for her discipline and healthy habits, this became her delicious rebellion. Now 83, she still begins with something sweet and never rules out a second dessert. Anita speaks of her mother as a queen, and misses her every day. Pre-orders available. Please contact the venue to make arrangements.

Selling fast

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Boulcott Street Bistro
$250

Italian House Party

Sun 10 Aug, 12pm - 6pm

CC
cannot cater to dietary requirements
Get ready for an unforgettable Italian experience, join the Boulcott Street Bistro team at Plimmer House for a lively afternoon filled with indulgent flavours, history, and great company. From Midday, they'll be serving up a mouthwatering family-style shared Italian feast, featuring classic dishes and hearty flavours that celebrate the best of Italian cuisine. But that’s not all...experience the fascinating history of the great Italian cocktail - the Negroni - as they take you on a journey through its iconic evolution, offering you a chance to sip on different versions of this classic cocktail along the way. Pair it all with Italian wines, refreshing Limoncello, and other delicious Italian treats that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to Italy. So gather your friends for an afternoon of feasting, sipping, and celebrating. It’s the perfect way to embrace the Italian spirit, in true style, all while enjoying a great time together!

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