The Legendary BJ's Hawke's Bay Meatball
Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.It started in the 1970s on Heretaunga Street. European bakers at the iconic Lilac Bakery introduced their take on the traditional Dutch bitterballen, and Hawke's Bay was never the same.
Over the last 50 years, this unassuming, golden-crumbed sphere has achieved undisputed cult status. Unique to Hawke's Bay — and the absolute pride of Hastings — the local meatball is a nostalgic rite of passage.
Today, BJ's Bakery stands as the premier producer of this legendary delicacy, proudly keeping a half-century of tradition alive with every single bite.
Flavour & Texture Like No Other
Forget what you know about traditional Italian meatballs — this is a category all its own.
The Crunch
Crack through the crisp, perfectly fried, golden-crumbed shell to discover a rich, melt-in-your-mouth savoury filling. The contrast between the satisfying, audible crunch of the exterior and the luxurious, piping-hot savory paste inside makes it an utterly addictive textural masterpiece.
How It's Crafted
We start by creating a rich, deeply flavoured meat paste — blending premium minced meat into a carefully crafted roux. This mixture is chilled, meticulously hand-rolled into uniform spheres, generously coated in our signature golden crumb, and deep-fried to absolute perfection.
Hawke's Bay Meatballs - 50 Pack | BJ's Bakery Original Recipe
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We Don’t Just Make Meatballs. We Celebrate Them.
In Hastings, the meatball isn't just a snack; it’s a local obsession. As a centerpiece of the annual Hastings Meatball Festival, we join thousands of "meatball enthusiasts" to turn the city streets into a celebration of the perfect roll.
When 30,000 meatballs disappear in a single afternoon, you know you’re tasting something legendary. We don’t just follow a recipe; we honor a Hastings tradition.