Aotea-based Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café has made history by securing third place in the 15th annual Burger Wellington festival with their flavourful creation, Celebration of Spices. This marks the first time a Porirua business has placed in the top three of the competition, which saw nearly 200 burgers competing.
The winning entry, Celebration of Spices, also earned the title of regional winner for Porirua. With a rich blend of aromatic spices, the burger impressed both judges and festival-goers, showcasing the talent of the small but passionate team at Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen. Chef Sushil and his team were humbled by the overwhelming community support, as customers turned out in droves to try their creation.
“To place third overall and win for Porirua is a dream come true,” says Sushil. “We’re a small café, but our passion for food and community drives us every day. It’s incredible to compete against some of New Zealand’s top chefs and restaurants and come out on top.”
Judges praised the Celebration of Spices for its complexity and bold flavours, noting how it brought a unique twist to the competition. One judge remarked, “The depth of flavour in the burger was phenomenal. You could really taste the thought and expertise that went into balancing the spices.”
Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café is fully booked for burger nights throughout September as the café continues to serve their award-winning burger, with takeaways available subject to demand.
Additional Awards and Winners
- First Place: Nawabi Galouti, One80 Restaurant
- Second Place: A Frankenstein Adventure, Zephyr Cafe
Regional Winners
- Kāpiti: Cluckin’ Good Chilli Crisp, Hey Coastie
- Porirua: Celebration of Spices, Sushil’s Musclechef Kitchen and Café
- Hutt City: Stack Attack, Baylands Brewery
- Upper Hutt: Gimme A Coal, Keihei Chicken
- Wairarapa: Fowl Play, The White Swan Country Hotel
Other Festival Awards
- Best Use of Theme (Burger): A Frankenstein Adventure, Zephyr Cafe
- Best Use of Theme (Event): Clay with Your Food, Karla Marie Ceramics and Chef Ben Mac
- Most Innovative (Burger): Construct-a-burg, The Inn Keeper
- Most Innovative (Event): Maumahara, Kasey and Kārena Bird with Kitchen Takeover