New Zealanders like fish and on the west coast one of their favorite types is called Whitebait.  Whitebait is featured in many restaurants and cafes throughout the region.  It’s not adult fish, because it is harvested in the November when it is still smelt.  We had to try this local delicacy and once [... Fishing for Whitebait]]]>

A Whitebait patty

New Zealanders like fish and on the west coast one of their favorite types is called Whitebait.  Whitebait is featured in many restaurants and cafes throughout the region.  It’s not adult fish, because it is harvested in the November when it is still smelt.  We had to try this local delicacy and once again I would categorize it as a “once in a lifetime” experience.  

Even though we saw sign after sign advertising this local delicacy, we had a hard time finding it on the menu.  As we were turning off of Highway 6 to go inland, we figured that we’d better have it before we left the area from which it became famous. 

At high noon, we were driving down the road and saw a sign so we careened through the sharp turn and drove down a driveway to a house.  Not a good sign.  By the time we actually arrived, we’d figured out that it was probably a fisherman’s house and he was selling raw whitebait, which of course wouldn’t do since we had no cooking facilities and had no idea how to cook them. 

Now, not only are we hungry, but we’re getting a little frantic that we might miss out on this opportunity, so we stopped at the very next café which did have whitebait on the menu.  I have to say, it sounded a bit pretentious, though, as it was featured on a fancy salad.  We passed. 

Our next and final try, we drove into Haast where there was exactly one open café.  The only whitebait on the menu was a sandwich which cost an astronomical amount of $15.  So, we asked the lady if there was any other way to try it and luckily she said yes.  For only $6 per patty, we could try one to see if we liked it. 

We didn’t. 

When the waitress brought it, we were beginning to get skeptical.  Basically an omelet filled with whitebait and garnished with a slice of lemon.  I like eggs.  I like fish.  I have decided, though, that I don’t like whitebait. 

 Yes, we ate it.  Yes you should try it.  I always try the local foods and especially ones that they are so proud of, so….check!