Travel bites: On the hunt for New Zealand’s best brownie – Stuff.co.nz

Natural wonders, human-made monuments and cultural experiences typically serve as the headline points of interest when venturing beyond borders and hopping over oceans. For some, it's local delicacies that rise up like Michaelangelo's David and make the journey entirely worth it.

France has its fries, Belgium has its biscuits and Australia has its dark brown yeast spread, but in this series we'll be highlighting food worth travelling around New Zealand for. Stamp these culinary delights in your passport just don't expect pineapple-flavoured lumps.

Hello, chocolate lovers. A warning: what you're about to read could lead to uncontrollable drool.

If you're passionate about food, you naturally know it doesn't get much better than Wellington which is the country's foodie capital.

But, figuring out where to eat can be challenging so let me help you: head straight to one of the citys best laneways.

READ MORE:* Travel bites: Motueka, Toad Hall's real fruit ice cream is the ultimate summer treat* Travel bites: The salted caramel cookie from Leeds Street Bakery is a Wellington icon* Hannahs Laneway, Wellington: Is New Zealand home to the world's best foodie laneway?

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Lashings is brownie heaven.

With pizzas, pies, cookies, a chocolate factory, fine dining, a peanut butter caf, and a brownie bar, Hannahs Laneway (also known as Leeds Street) is a shrine to delicious treats, and those who choose to worship will be richly rewarded.

If you have a soft spot for chocolate brownies, your first stop is a place called Lashings. Hidden upstairs at the northern end of the laneway is a giant cabinet filled with brownies. But not just any brownies. Think Vegemite brownie, peanut butter and jelly brownie, and even a vegan brownie.

Pastry chef Jackie Lee Morrison created her sweet treat paradise after her brownies proved hugely popular at the local market.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

The Vegemite brownie is surprisingly good.

The secret is making everything by hand, which gives a fudge-like texture, alongside using single-origin chocolate crafted in Wellington.

There's a "pimp your brownie" menu that gives you the option to add toppings like caramelised cornflakes, pretzel milk ice cream and salted toffee popcorn. It's hard to buy a brownie elsewhere after eating here they'll never be as good.

You can also get delicious treats like homemade sausage rolls, cinnamon rolls, or "life-changing" caramel slice perhaps it will change your life because you'll need dialysis afterwards. But in all seriousness, it's beyond delicious.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

There are too many sweet treats to choose from.

The next time you're feeling like a sweet treat, let your taste buds get a lashing at Lashings. It'll have you planning your next trip to Wellington in search of your next fix.

Where to eat: Brownies at Lashings start from $5. The ice cream brownie bar where you can create your own treat starts from $15.90. See: lashingsfood.com

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. For the latest travel rules, see covid19.govt.nz.

Do you have a favourite snack worth travelling for? Email us at travel@stuff.co.nz or let us know in the comments.

Brook Sabin/Stuff

Lashings is open late most nights, ready for that late-night sugar rush.

Read this article:

Travel bites: On the hunt for New Zealand's best brownie - Stuff.co.nz