Best on Bread: 7 Carby Delights to Eat Your Way Across Christchurch

There’s no denying the name Grizzly is synonymous with bagels in Christchurch. Stacked fresh in the cabinet before the morning rush, you’ll find the classics such as plain and poppy seed bagels, alongside in-house speciality, the Everything Bagel. With chilli flakes included in the topping, this popular bagel is not for the faint-hearted. Each day, there is a selection of bagel sandwiches on offer with an array of delicious fillings. Pre-made and ready for grab and go, or served in-house and toasted — the choice is yours (although it will be hard to resist taking a seat in the colourful booths at The Welder when time allows!).

An aesthetically-pleasing workspace, a convenient catch up with friends, or just to get your local caffeine fix, Allpress, Montreal Street has a sandwich that complements all reasons for a swing-by: the sell-out Rueben sandwich. 

The Allpress Rueben sandwich has been winning over the regulars since day one. Staying true to the roots of a Rueben sandwich, corned beef is the hero, while the classic Russian dressing is swapped for a sensational mustard mayo.  Sauerkraut and Swiss cheese are the other ingredients, all stacked generously between toasted-to-perfection slices of rye bread. The tonal tiles and muted interior within Allpress really do make the Rueben sandwich disappear—all too easily.

This conspicuously cobalt-blue, neighbourhood-feel café tucked just inside the southern edge of the central city has made a name for itself thanks to its sunny, cute space, excellent coffee, and, you guessed it, memorable sandwiches.

Made fresh each morning from the daily delivery of Grizzly Baked Goods loaves and buns, some of the sandwiches’ filling combos will appear familiar, but in reality, nothing between bread created within these walls is in the realm of the ordinary. The paper-wrapped goods are a little different from day to day, and the eponymous Tom’s genius touch is that all of these bundles carry simple but punchy flavours, an interesting, often housemade, ingredient or two within the stack.

Tom’s personal favourite sando is one of their vegan stalwarts: (South Island) Bay Rd peanut butter, pickled celery, sprouts, Kaitaia Fire chili pepper sauce and vegan mayo. Intrigued? Leave sad supermarket sandwiches on their shelves and go to Tom’s to discover new flavour territories!

Not only will the interior setting of Dispense Espresso leave you feeling cool and calm, but their local sell-out Cheesemongers Sandwich is pretty darn delicious. 

Served fresh or toasted, the ‘Cheesemongers Sandwich’ has a generous portion of Meyer Aged Gouda, which is sourced locally from Canterbury Cheesemongers.  Well-balanced fillings include cream cheese, walnuts, avocados and a few greens, all topped with beetroot relish, which not only packs a punch of flavour but also colour. 

A hidden gem as most would say, tucked away from the bustling Ferrymead shoppers. You’d better be sure not to miss Dispense Espresso and the Cheesemonger Sammy for your soon-to-be (if not already!) regular ‘lunchtime grazing’ spot. 

The Tannery’s Bellbird Bakery is well-known among locals for its ever-popular Tempeh Sandwich. With the bakery’s tranquil open-kitchen aesthetic, it’s no wonder people are streaming in to get their quality sammy fix at 9am. 

This vegan delight makes use of Ōtautahi’s freshest seasonal produce. Layer upon layer of goodies, this sandwich is not shy of bold flavours — in-house vegan aioli, marinated tempeh (from Indo Tempeh House), pickled daikon and a great portion of coriander are all ‘sandwiched’ together by Bellbird’s own bread. 

If the array of colours doesn’t lure you in, the balance of crunchy pickled vegetables in contrast to the soft cloud-like bread will surely win your tastebuds over. Bellbird Bakery also makes a seasonal variation of vegan sandwiches each week, but they are well aware that the Tempeh is a crowd favourite—in other words, the Tempeh is here to stay!

Situated across the road from Merivale Mall, Six Ounces has become a wholesome hot-spot for coffee, sandwiches, cakes, top-notch service and in-house pooch Brixton. You’ll feel right at home nestled among the plants and wooden interiors. 

All about supporting small and local, the bread is delivered fresh each morning from Le Panier. Co-owner Avi makes his signature, finger-licking red onion jam which he’s been crafting since before his partner Lois met him. 

Flavours are thoughtfully curated, and adjusted with the seasons. While there's no favourite among locals, the goat’s cheese, red onion jam and rocket is a popular contender. If your go-to has sold out by the time you get there, the team will happily make one up. 

As the name suggests, Posh Porridge is known for its porridge but don’t let this distract you from delving into the mouth-watering toast options on your next visit. 

Born from the idea of showcasing that Posh’s sauces and toppings are delicious on more than just porridge, Posh Toast does just that. It is made using bread from Grizzly Baked Goods (a great start in itself), seasonal fruits and handmade toppings. Flavours usually change from week to week, with a sweet option always on offer. Examples include poached rhubarb, raspberry compote and lemon curd sitting on whipped ricotta with sprinkles of pistachio crumble. Or, there's been banana with Fix and Fogg almond butter, vegan coconut caramel sauce, cacao nibs, almonds and freeze dried blueberries. For when you simply can’t choose between sweet and savoury, go for half of each—the perfect happy medium!

Only one warning: you’ll probably love this so much that you end up going home with a jar (or two) of the signature toppings sold at the shop and online. The best way to recreate a Posh breakfast, every day of the week!