Travel bites: The decadent Wellington cake based on New Zealand’s favourite biscuit – Stuff.co.nz

Between the theatre, arts and live music scenes, alongside the lingering political presence and catastrophic winds, our capital is a city like no other. But where Wellington truly shines is its hospitality scene.

Its something that foodies travel the country for; a weekend in Wellington just to eat around the city and suburbs. Restaurants in the city come and go. What was there one week may have disappeared the next, but there are a few that have seemingly been standing since the beginning of time. And one of those is Fidels.

Maarten Holl/Stuff

Fidel's has been a Cuba Street favourite since 1996.

Born in 1996, Fidels politically curious name pays homage to the history of Wellington and the iconic Cuba Street. Since then, the caf has inspired much of the food scene surrounding it.

Owners Roger Young and Potti Wagstaff banded together to open up nearby Havana Bar, a backstreet haunt with some of the best tapas and wines in town, and the coffee served at the caf comes fresh from the Havana Coffee Works, just a few blocks away.

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Any Wellingtonian knows that Fidel's is the place to be for a coffee and scone on the go, or Sunday brunch. But the best thing about Fidels is it doesnt discriminate; youll find uni students wedged between politicians and touring musicians and thats part of what makes the space so endearing.

The real secret thats hidden at Fidels isnt the company, and its not the famous Snickers thick shakes either (which have been around since before freak shakes were even a thing). Youll find it by the slice in the cabinet, and youll want to grab more than just one.

The Tim Tam cake is their ode to a treat youll only find in this corner of the world: the much-loved chocolate biccie of the same name, comprising two malt biscuits and cream filling.

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Fidel's Tim Tam cake is an oversized version of the popular biscuit.

Here, two wedges of gooey chocolate cake are separated by a layer of house-made dulce de leche, and topped with rich chocolate ganache. It doesnt get much better than this. The cake is gluten-free, but unlike other friands or lemon and poppy seed slices around the city, it doesnt taste like it.

The cake recipe even featured in Cuba Street: A Cookbook, a collaborative effort by restaurants in the centre of the city to share some of Wellingtons most famous dishes. So, you can try to make it yourself, but nothing tastes as good as a slice from the source itself.

The ultimate way to enjoy the treat is to ask for your slice to be warmed up for about 20 seconds, with a dollop of cream or yoghurt on the side. Its the citys secret indulgence, and youd be mad not to try it the next time youre in town.

Maarten Holl/Stuff

The spot for coffee and cake or a full sit-down breakfast.

Where to eat: Fidel's Tim Tam cake is $7 per slice. Find the caf at 234 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington. See: fidelscafe.com.

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on all flights and public transport. Proof of vaccination and vaccine exemption may be required in some venues under the traffic light system. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.

Do you have a favourite snack worth travelling for? Email us at travel@stuff.co.nz or let us know in the comments.

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Travel bites: The decadent Wellington cake based on New Zealand's favourite biscuit - Stuff.co.nz