You know the one: the snack, sweet or drink that's all over your feed. People line up for it, because it usually sells out before noon. From buzzworthy new openings to classic favourites that've still got it, the food scene in central Tāmaki Makaurau is constantly changing but if there's one constant, it's hype.
If viral foods say something about our city, and your tastebuds, maybe they can also say something about hair? From that sweet almond bun with sassy blonde energy to a coffee that nails the art of deliberate regrowth, here's our guide to Auckland's tastiest hairdos.
*We know there are a few viral dishes missing here! But seriously, what style hair is a Bodega sandwich?!?
THE ALMOND SWEET BUN AT MOTHER = BUTTERY BLONDE
Auckland's current social media golden girl, this pastry from the Grey Lynn deli, bakery and soon to be wine bar is made by Butter Butter's Petra Galler and her team.
Like Sabrina Carpenter's buttery blonde locks, this look reads effortless but involves religiously scheduled salon visits, Olaplex in bulk and a blowout budget that rivals rent. She collects designer hair clips, loves pilates and a curated city farmers' market and has a still-perfect Mason Pearson hairbrush in ivory, of course.
THE VIENNA AT JUNO = DELIBERATE REGROWTH
Specialty coffee is all the rage, and this creamy signature option at the Ponsonby cafe owned by John Yip and Jamie Yeon is all about balancing the sweet with the slightly bitter.
This Vienna is not here to please everyone, and neither is she. Florence Pugh's dark roots with blonde ends isn't a mistake, it's a manifesto (your other icon is Kristen Stewart getting married with regrowth on full display). This confident queen is a little intimidating but has a heart of gold. She loves a texture spray, relies on her matte ceramic straightener, pulls off socks with loafers and will tell it to you straight, whether you asked or not.
THE PINK BUN AT BEABEA'S BAKERY = PLAYFUL PINK STREAKS
There are always queues outside of this Westmere bakery owned by Ben Eyres and Sarah Tabak, which specialises in updated versions of nostalgic Kiwi classics - like the much-loved vintage-style pink bun stacked with coconut-y icing.
This cheeky friend is romantic and a little chaotic; all part of their charm. They'll turn up in a leather jacket over a pastel dress, have a hairdryer they've owned for years but barely use (air-drying is ideal), and always know the best gossip.
PIES AT PIE ROLLA'S = PARISIAN COPPER
There are now 'pie holes' owned by Lewis Mazza-Carson all over the city, but the original is one of our locals: just across the road from the colleen salon, where we can track the queues and the sold out sign most afternoons.
Like their pies with the flaky golden pastry, and Leighton Meester's soft 'Parisian copper' red, this reliable friend is like a comforting, warm hug. She's the one you lean on for sensible advice and deep and meaningfuls over coffee. But while she may initially seem low-key and a bit basic, you'll quickly learn that she is actually fancy as f*ck: an expert at getting the right amount of texture from a blow-wave, ordering for the table and keeping up with viral news and trends.
THE BABY BRUCE CAKE BY BABY BUCK = BRUNETTE WITH DEPTH
If you're a fan of frothy, vintage-style cakes, you'll know all about Baby Buck. Run by Victoria Roebuck, with an appointment only cake shop in Newmarket, these playful and girly cakes are all over Instagram - as are her 'Baby Bruce' in the red box, inspired by the gooey cake that Bruce Bogtrogger gorged on in Matilda.
Like the layered treat, this girl is rich and unapologetically indulgent. She is all about self-care and treating herself, and will encourage her loved ones to do the same. Regular sound baths? Yes! Trip to a tropical island? She deserves it. A brand new designer handbag? Done. She only wears neutrals, knows most of the Ponsonby shop girls by name and is always one of the first to try any new opening.
