More than 200 eateries from all over New Zealand will compete in The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover this year.

The nationwide celebration of the tastiest, cheesiest, most inventive and outrageous toasted sandwiches in the nation, which kicked off June 25, has attracted 208 participants this year, the largest number ever.

Eateries as far north as Whangārei and as far south as Te Anau have created special dishes in their quest to be crowned supreme winner.

At Surf Shack in Waihī Beach, smoked eel, maasdam and mozzarella cheeses, McClure’s pickle, horopito mayo, crispy kawakawa, kina butter, watercress and preserved lemon are combined for an umami bomb of a sando.

At Johnny Crema in Queenstown, mac ‘n’ cheese is paired with McClure’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles and crispy bacon bits for a hearty, delicious option.

At other restaurants around the motu, prawns, beef birria, duck confit and Korean bulgogi all make an appearance between toasted bread.

There’s even a sandwich from Tolkien’s Shire on the menu at Hobbiton’s cafe.

“This year we’ve had a record number of entrants, making this the biggest Toastie Takeover ever,” said Nick Brown, co-founder of the Toastie Takeover and co-owner of Cook & Nelson.

“They include hospitality legends, long-time toastie contenders and first-time entrants and we’re so excited to travel the country sampling the brilliant toasties they’ve cooked up.”

Okere Falls in Rotorua was named the supreme winner in 2024 with its “Figgy in the Middle” toastie, featuring Swiss cheese, pickle cheesecake mix, walnuts, figs, streaky bacon, rocket, chilli honey, blue cheese and McClure’s Pickles, sandwiched between buttered sourdough bread, topped with parmesan.

Okere Falls Store's 2025 entry in the Great NZ Toastie Takeover 2024, chef Rich Johns' ‘Figgy In The Middle’. Photo / Supplied

“We’re pretty sure we’ll exceed last year, when more than 100,000 toasties were served during the competition,” said Brown.

“We hope Kiwis will get out for lunch or dinner and try these new and really original dishes this winter. It’s a great, affordable way to support their local restaurants.”

Each toastie will be available from June 25 to August 5.

While Kiwis enjoy them, members of a team of judges, overseen by food critic Kerry Tyack, will be on the road taste-testing every dish in the competition too.

On August 6, 12 finalists will be announced. Judging then begins for the supreme winner, announced August 20.

To be eligible, cafes, restaurants, bars, food trucks and pop-ups come up with a toastie that must feature two slices of bread, cheese (or a vegan substitute), McClure’s Pickles and must be able to be eaten by hand.