Ahead of its long-awaited opening, IKEA New Zealand's opening will include its famous foodcourt featuring local favourites.
IKEA New Zealand has unveiled its in-store food menu ahead of the Sylvia Park opening on 4 December, and it’s kicking off with a showstopping pavlova created exclusively for New Zealand.
Launching in time for the summer festive season, the Lingonberry Pavlova (NZD 4.00) celebrates the Kiwi Christmas tradition and will be sold only in New Zealand, not Australia: this one’s ours. The Lingonberry Pavlova pairs crisp, cloudlight meringue with soft fresh cream and lingonberry jam, honouring IKEA’s Swedish heritage while creating a distinctly Kiwi moment.
IKEA is serving up a menu that blends global favourites with a distinctly local twist. At the Swedish Restaurant, alongside the iconic pavlova, customers can enjoy a NZ Fish and Chips (NZD 14.00) made with sustainably sourced New Zealand hoki, served with peas, lemon and tartare sauce. Over at the Bistro, a hearty NZ Lamb Pie (NZD 6.50), filled with tender New Zealand lamb and vegetables, including kumara, is perfect for a quick bite on the go. These homegrown additions sit alongside Swedish staples and select imported products to create a menu that’s familiar, fun and locally relevant.
“We conducted 500 home visits across Aotearoa to understand what life at home is like for everyday New Zealanders. During these visits we asked people to name one local dish that represents New Zealand; Fish and Chips and the Pie topped the list, so we knew we had to include them on our menu,” said Daniel Souza, Food Manager, IKEA New Zealand.
“Food is central to the IKEA experience and a huge part of our success in New Zealand. As our founder Ingvar Kamprad said, ‘hungry customers buy less,’ so our food offering is designed to welcome people, extend their visit and make the store a place to gather for a great day out with friends and family. We can’t wait for New Zealanders to get their teeth into the menu, taste our global favourites and try the exclusive Kiwi dishes we have created just for them.”
Other New Zealand exclusive dishes include the Poke Bowl with Salmon, Thai Beef Salad, and Pumpkin Salad with Hummus. The Poke Bowl was inspired by Kiwi love of fresh, seafood-led fusion dishes and features salmon as a nod to both Swedish and local tastes. The salads highlight New Zealand’s high-quality produce with bright, fresh flavours.
IKEA is debuting another world-first for its New Zealand opening, the Eatball Medley. The Eatball Medley offers customers a tasting-style experience of the three varieties of the famous IKEA meatball offered in New Zealand, served with mash, cream sauce and lingonberry jam, so customers can discover their favourite Eatball from day one.
The IKEA food menu features beloved classics that customers recognise around the world, from warm Swedish meatballs and plant balls to crisp cinnamon buns, fresh salmon dishes and moreish hot dogs.
There are three places in store at IKEA Sylvia Park where customers can have a taste of the IKEA food offering. The full menu is available at the sit-down IKEA Swedish Restaurant. Located after the checkouts, the Bistro will serve grab-and-go favourites like hot dogs, cinnamon buns and soft serve ice creams. The Swedish Food Market is an in-store marketplace where customers can purchase a variety of food and beverage products to take home such as Swedish lollies and frozen meatballs, so they can recreate their favourite IKEA Swedish Restaurant meals at home.
As one of the world’s largest food providers, IKEA Food places sustainability at its core, committing to making healthy and sustainable food more affordable and desirable to the many people. Plant-based options will be available for customers in our Restaurant, Bistro and Swedish Food Market.
Auckland-based Bidfood is IKEA New Zealand’s local distribution partner, helping source high-quality, sustainable New Zealand produce for the restaurant and bistro.
“We’re excited to partner with IKEA New Zealand to source sustainable, high-quality ingredients from New Zealand suppliers,” said Gareth McCulloch, General Manager National Accounts at Bidfood.
“Together we’ll ensure the menu reflects local flavours and supports regional producers, while also tasting delicious.”
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