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.

This year, the Challenge gets an early start, running from 1 April to 3 May, giving diners more time to travel around the region and taste their way through all 20 dishes before and during the Flavours of Plenty Festival.

The culinary competition showcases 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 reflects the diversity of the coastal Bay's food scene.

Among the dishes vying for votes are 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.

Those with a sweet tooth can 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, says the Challenge continues 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 gives 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.”

Festival Director, Rae Baker, says the quality and creativity of dishes continues 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 are encouraged to vote for their favourite dishes throughout the Challenge, with every vote going in 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.

The Plates of Plenty Challenge runs from 1 April to 3 May, while the Flavours of Plenty Festival takes place from 16 April to 3 May 2026.

For more information on the Flavours of Plenty Festival visit: flavoursofplentyfestival.com