I love a good culinary controversy, and the question of who can claim to have invented the Pavlova is a good one.
Pavlova origin story
Anna Pavlova was a world-famous Russian ballerina who performed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1926. While staying at a Wellington hotel the chef there created a dish for her and the Pavlova was born.
But, not so fast. Australia also claims Pavlova provenance because of a recipe that supposedly appeared in an Aussie cookbook earlier in the same year.
Others say Pavlova was not a invention of a single person but a so-called multiple discovery.
So, whose origin story of Pavlova is correct? Turns out, it’s an American dish. Researchers Dr. Andrew Paul Wood and Annabelle Utrecht have traced the Pavlova to a German torte which was modified in America to most closely resemble the current Pavlova. Unsurprisingly, Kiwi fruit is one of the most popular Pavlova toppings.
Where to get Pavlova in Auckland
There’s lots of variations on the Pavlova, especially when it comes to the toppings. I like the Pavlova at Cibo where you can choose from three different kinds, including a salted caramel and peanut brittle Pavlova. $14US for dessert might seem steep, but these folks know their Pavlova. Euro on the waterfront also makes a mean Pavlova which they top with sorbet.
