A chef says balance and eatability are keys to a good toasted sandwich.

Mount Maunganui's Freeport with Cleaver and Co has won top prize at the Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover.

This winning entry features smoked lamb pastrami, prawns, mozzarella, smoked cheddar sauce, and sweet and spicy pickles on sourdough.

Chef de Partie Brooke Moore says toasties shouldn't fall apart when picked up.

"Definitely a nice crisp exterior, so when you bite into it, it's nice and crisp. It can't be too rich too, adding some light pickles to balance it out is also really nice."

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