A humble food truck at the bottom of the country has taken out the top spot in the Burger Nation competition.

Peake’s Kitchen is run by a husband-wife duo, Tom and Nicole Peake, in the tiny c.oastal town of Papatowai in the Catlins.

Their winning burger features hand-ground Hereford steak patties, house-made P.eake relish, and pinot noir-pickled beetroot.

The team were ecstatic when they heard the news.”It’s just been a really great vibe all around today, that’s for sure.”

The burger is a classic American-New Zealand hybrid to reflect Kiwi Tom and Nicole’s heritage, Tom said.

“We start with a buttermilk bun that we get specially made for us. We have a hand-ground patty that we use two types of beef, we use a couple of different techniques to get it right the consistency.”

The burger has American and New Zealand cheese, he said.

“Then we have our two types of cheese. We use an American cheese and New Zealand cheese to sort of bring Nicole and my heritage together.”

The burger is finished with Pinot Noir pickled beetroot they make themselves, McClure’s pickles and “a few of our own secret sauces”.

The two met in working hospo in Dunedin and came to Papatowai, population 40, to take on contract work.

They fell in love with the place, Tom said.

“And end up falling in love with the place. We end up buying a little house here, and just starting our own business and our dream.”

The burger has resonated because it’s a classic done well, Nicole said.

“What this burger really captures, is the craftsmanship, the technique, the passion and dedication that goes into every single component to make this burger what it is. It’s just a really delicious, juicy cheeseburger.”