Fermented Bar & Eatery

Fermented, fused and flippin' fantastic, this eatery in Upper Hutt is unique in more ways than one. Bringing together Asian, South African and Kiwi flavours to astounding effect, Fermented, as the name suggests, pairs soulful plates with some of the capital's best craft beers.

No surprises, then, that it's a regular watering hole for locals and visitors alike who fall in love with Fermented's relaxed and communal setup. With a mighty (and let's not forget clumsy!) Kererū adorning the wall to commemorate the mighty Kererū brewery, diners are welcomed into a homely dining room, complete with cosy tables that can easily accommodate larger groups who don't mind being squished together. Outside, the fun never stops in their buzzing courtyard, and their colourful bar is always kept busy by thirsty customers...

So, what does this culinary fusion look like? Let's start with the burgers where you can find all the classics, as well as the falafel, Mexican and Boerie burgers, all brimming with crunchy salad and heaps of scrummy sauces and dips. The mains are also equally diverse, offering up marinated kebab skewers, beef burritos, BBQ pork ribs and New Zealand's own ale-battered fish and chips. Pizza also gets a look in with toppings inspired by Spain, Mexico and beyond.

For drinks, there's only one answer. You'll always find great pilsners, XPAs and APAs on permeant tap whilst the seasonal taps offer something more special. Simply ask the bartender about their selection! If you simply can't decide, opt for a beer tower, tasting paddle or whichever bottled beer looks the prettiest. Seriously, each sip is better than the last and there's nothing stopping you trying a bit of everything.