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An Auckland cafe has been named the home of New Zealand’s best toasted sandwich with a unique combination of chicken, bacon and pickles.
Newmarket’s Toast on the Green has been crowned tops in this year’s Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover.
The first-time entrant in the annual competition claimed the honour for its “McChickle & Bacon” toastie, made with shredded chicken, bacon, burger sauce, American cheddar, pickle pesto and McClure’s Bread & Butter Pickles.
“We are elated with our win,” Toast on the Green chef Mike Schank told the Herald.
“Being a new cafe opening up in April, it shows that we are on the right track. I am super proud of our team and what we have accomplished so far.”
Head judge Kerry Tyack described the cafe’s entry as “a knockout punch of flavour and deliciousness”.
“There is heaps going on here but the creators have nailed it,” he said.
Toast on the Green's "McChickle & Bacon" has been named Aotearoa's best toasted sandwich in this year's Great NZ Toastie Takeover. Photo / Babiche Martens
“The not-too-sweet burger sauce, the right cheese and of course the lashings of McClures pickles is a polyamorous marriage of fun flavours ... It’s an easy eat and great on the wallet.”
Now in its eighth year, the competition saw a record 208 entries from hospitality businesses nationwide, making 2025 the busiest year yet for the judging panel.
“We have been blown away with the inventiveness, incredible flavour combos and the love that cooks and chefs have poured into their toasties,” said competition co-founder Nick Brown.
Schank said the team wanted to have some fun with their entry, drawing on his Canadian roots to stir some creativity.
Toast on Green chef Mike Schank said the team is "elated" with their win. Photo / Babiche Martens
“When looking for inspiration I sometimes feel nostalgic, and did here.
“Using one of my favourite holidays, Thanksgiving, I created this toastie basing it off what I would make with the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner.”
Toast on the Green’s win marks the first time an Auckland establishment has claimed the national title. The winning toastie will remain on the cafe’s menu for the next month.
“[The win] means a lot to the business,” Schank said.
“It’s still a very tough time here for us in hospitality, more due to the cost of living right now.
“We understand to some, eating out can be a luxury ... We are going to use this energy and continue to have great offerings for people.
“This win makes the long shifts in the kitchen worthwhile. Ngā mihi New Zealand.”
Despite believing their 2024 entry was “too polarising” to have a chance, chef Rich Johns' “Figgy In The Middle” championed over the 169 other entries.
