New Zealand’s dessert named for a ballerina
I love culinary controversy, and the question of who can claim to the invention of Pavlova is a good one.
Pavlova origin story
Anna Pavlova was a world-famous Russian ballerina who performed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1926. While staying at a Wellington hotel, the chef there created a dish for her and the Pavlova was born.
But, not so fast. Australia also claims Pavlova provenance because of a recipe that supposedly appeared in an Aussie cookbook earlier in the same year.
Others say Pavlova was not a invention of a single person but a so-called multiple discovery.
So, whose origin story of Pavlova is correct? Turns out, it’s an American dish. Researchers Dr. Andrew Paul Wood and Annabelle Utrecht have traced the Pavlova to a German torte which was modified in America to most closely resemble the current Pavlova.
Where to get Pavlova in Auckland
No matter who gets credit for inventing the Pavlova, there’s no denying the dessert’s popularity in New Zealand.
There’s lots of variations on the Pavlova, especially when it comes to the toppings. I like the Pavlova at Cibo Restaurant where you can choose from three different kinds, including a salted caramel and peanut brittle Pavlova. $14US for dessert might seem steep, but these folks know their Pavlova.
Euro also makes a mean Pavlova which they top with sorbet. And you can’t beat the atmosphere on the waterfront.
Brent Petersen is the Editor in Chief at Destination Eat Drink, the travel website and podcast for foodies. He is the author of the novel Truffle Hunt (Eckhartz Press) and the short story collection That Bird.
He has also written Foodie Travel Guides to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Napier, New Zealand.
Destination Eat Drink podcast episodes on New Zealand include Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Originally published at https://destinationeatdrink.com on May 16, 2020.
