Diners are being invited to taste their way across the coastal Bay of Plenty, as 20 eateries go head-to-head in the 2026 Plates of Plenty Challenge.

The challenge runs from April 1 to May 3, showcasing the creativity of the region’s chefs, each tasked with creating a standout dish using a mystery box of locally produced ingredients.

To enter, every dish must feature at least three of the eight locally sourced ingredients supplied, sparking inventive combinations and bold new flavours.

From tacos and schnitzels to pizzas and decadent desserts, this year’s line-up reflected the diversity of the coastal Bay’s food scene.

Among the dishes vying for votes were Cadera’s “Chipotle Maple Pulled Pork Taco” with caramelised onions and fried cheddar cheese curds; Master Kong’s “Fire & Rice” featuring kawakawa and chilli grilled chicken thigh with puffed black rice; and Surf Road’s “Golden Breaker” pizza with kawakawa pizza dough, basil pesto cream cheese, chipotle maple chicken and date balsamic pickled apple.

The Brownie Bar's ‘Kawakawa Raspberry Rapture’. Photo / Supplied

Those with a sweet tooth could opt for The Brownie Bar’s “Kawakawa Raspberry Rapture”, a layered kawakawa brownie and blondie with raspberry, white chocolate and balsamic notes.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said the challenge continued to play an important role in connecting the region’s growers and producers with its hospitality sector.

“What makes the Plates of Plenty Challenge special is the way it brings our local producers and eateries together. It’s a chance to support emerging producers, showcase their ingredients, and build connections that can continue well beyond the festival.

“It also gave visitors another reason to come to the Bay – to explore new venues, try new flavours, and taste locally inspired dishes that reflect the depth of our food scene.”

Surf Road's ‘Golden Breaker’. Photo / Supplied

Festival director Rae Baker said the quality and creativity of dishes continued to impress year after year.

“Each year we see chefs push themselves further, and 2026 is no exception. It’s incredible to see how a mystery box of ingredients can result in such a wide range of unique and delicious dishes.”

Diners were encouraged to vote for their favourite dishes throughout the challenge, with every vote going into the draw to win one of three $100 vouchers.

Returning sponsor Southern Hospitality is again supporting both the Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.

Cadera’s ‘Chipotle Maple Pulled Pork Taco’. Photo / Supplied

The participating eateries and their dishes:

-Cadera (Ōhope): Chipotle Maple Pulled Pork Taco

-Café Awa (Whakatāne): Classic Canadian Poutine

-Goode Brothers (Bethlehem): Osole Ravioli

-Henry & Ted café (Pāpāmoa East): Ka Pai

-Latitude 37 (Mount Maunganui): Croquetas

-Macau (Tauranga city centre): Smoky Maple Chicken Roulade

-Master Kong (Mount Maunganui): Fire & Rice

-Pablo (Pāpāmoa East): El Dorado Asado Baguette

-Pearl Kitchen (Pāpāmoa Beach): Heritage Kawakawa Schnitzel

-Rain Bar & Restaurant (Pāpāmoa): Spicy Bird with Kawakawa & Curds

-RIKARIKA Express (Tauranga city centre): Aji Tama and Hot Maple Chicken Sando

-Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina (Mount Maunganui): Te Pai Kai Chicken Taco & Kawakawa Strawberry Sour

-Saltwater (Mount Maunganui): Plates of Plenty Challenge dish

-Somethin’ Somethin’ (Mount Maunganui): Somethin’ Clucky

-Surf Road (Omanu): Golden Breaker

Talisman Restaurant (Katikati): Hot’N’Cheeky

-Tauriko Pub Co. (Tauriko): Katoa Chicken with Golden Cheese Bites

-The Brownie Bar (Whakatāne): Kawakawa Raspberry Rapture

-The Daily Café (Te Puke): Kawakawa Chicken Milanese

-The Good Home Coast (Pāpāmoa Beach): Crumbed Chicken Roulade

The mystery box of ingredients includes:

-Cheddar Cheese Curds (Curds First, Tauriko)

-Chipotle Maple - Hot Maple (The Flavorsmith, Tauranga)

-Fork’n Good Rice Lager (Lumberjack Brewery, Pukehina)

-Kaimai Eggs (Kaimai Eggs, Kaimai Ranges)

-Ka Pai – Basil Pesto (Aroha Kai, Welcome Bay)

-Kawakawa Latte & Kawakawa leaf powder concentrate (Native Tree Farm, Whakatāne)

-Sweet Rapture - Date Balsamic Treacle (Lady Alchemy, Tauranga)

-Waitoa Free Range Chicken Thighs (Waitoa Fresh Chicken, Mount Maunganui)