Poppa’s Pizza Turns 50

Posted 9:35pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Stella Weston

Established in 1975 and born to an ex-Scarfie duo originally from Italy, Poppa’s Pizza is New Zealand’s oldest pizzeria at 50 years old – and for good reason. Critic Te Ārohi sat at the feet of the grandaddy pizzeria for a history lesson. It was two students who originally Read more...

The True Cost of Ethical Consumption: A Trial R

Posted 10:17pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Adam Stitely

Inspired by a rewatch of Food, Inc. (2009), the god-given right to shit on Nestlé, and an attempt to offset years of Fatty Lane-sponsored staff meals, Critic Te Ārohi spent five days living as an Ethical Consumer – cutting out anything even vaguely unethically sourced. Despite our Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: David vs. Cake-lioth

Posted 10:15pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Ruby Hudson

This week I was asked to partake in a battle akin to that of David and Goliath: Connor’s Critic Cake vs. the Tart Tin Celebration Cake.  The clear Goliath of this pairing is the Tart Tin. The Tart Tin is a boutique bakehouse that overlooks Queens Gardens, revered for their use of fresh Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Black Bean Enchiladas

Posted 10:05pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 1hr Serves: 5 Price: $$ This week we have a tasty dinner dish sure to please the whole flat: black bean enchiladas! We have probably all had a nacho night or two in the flat already, so this is a great way to spice things up that echoes a flatting classic. I will preface this recipe Read more...

The Critic Pie Review

Posted 8:14pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Adam Stitely

The pie. It’s simple, it’s working class. Like L&P and DIY, it’s in our DNA, and just like pavlova, Aussies just don't do it the same. The pie is the go-to meal from any petrol station, dairy or else any other place the marginally cooked food gives you a 50-50 chance of Read more...

Critic Te Ārohi’s Third Not-So-Annual Kebab Review

Posted 4:07pm Saturday 7th September 2024 by Critic Staff

2020 was a year of many firsts. The pandemic pushed the population to extremes – emotionally, yes, but also creatively, with many trying things they’d never thought to before. Sourdough starters were born, hair-cutting scissors were purchased, and Critic Te Ārohi published the Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Potato Leek Soup

Posted 5:01pm Saturday 7th September 2024 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 5 Time: 1 hr  Price: $ Difficult: 2/5 Attention all of you penny-pinching, budget conscious students! Winter vegetables are cheap as chips at the moment so we may as well make the most of it. Potato leek soup is a real winter warmer, making a delicious recipe for dinners or Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Chicken Katsu

Posted 4:55pm Saturday 17th August 2024 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 5 Time: 40 mins (max!) Price: $$ Difficulty: 1/5 (so easy yet so delicious!) Chicken katsu is such a simple and delicious meal that I guarantee will become a fan favourite. In my house we love any excuse to slather dinner in kewpie mayo, so this really is a winner all round. Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Braised Lentils

Posted 8:08pm Sunday 28th July 2024 by Ruby Hudson

This week's dish is a staple in my house! Made from pantry ingredients, this braised lentil and sausage recipe is hearty and delicious. An extra bonus is that there is wine involved in the cooking – enjoy a cheeky glass while you chef it up. The recipe below is a hefty one. It serves the Read more...

Pride and Pōhara: Māori cuisine or glorified struggle meals?

Posted 4:23pm Saturday 20th July 2024 by Heeni Koero Te Rerenoa (Sky)

Let’s cut the crap. Aotearoa New Zealand loves to brag about ‘authentic’ Māori cuisine like hāngī, boil-up, fried bread, and steamed pudding. But the uncomfortable truth is: these aren’t traditional, authentic Māori dishes. They’re struggle meals Read more...