Guide to noodle fun
Enjoy award-winning pork skewers, cashless dining, and a sunset on the water, writes Janan Jay.
The Night Noodle Markets return to Wellington for the second time after a two-year absence, bringing an explosion of Asian flavours to the city.
A showcase of cuisine from all over the continent, you can sample Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Cambodian – with a healthy dose of Western fusion.
Running for five nights from today, April 18-22, the event finds a new home at Frank Kitts Park, set right on the waterfront.
Can’t wait to get stuck in, but have no idea where to start? Here’s our insider’s guide to help you make the most of the markets.
Sunset over the water
Take a few moments to watch the sunset while warming yourself with a piping hot chai tea from Chaiwalla, or jump on the rare chance to get a treat from Auckland’s Lalele Organic Gelato.
It offers a lineup of creative flavours, including vegan options, and ‘‘popolato’’, which is gelato on a stick.
Cash-free noshing
Bring your cards instead, as the whole event is cash-free. Which is good news for your friend (everyone has one) who always forgets, without fail, to stop off at an ATM before heading out. It also means no fiddling with change, and no pesky tokens or wristbands. Just tap, and tuck in.
There’s also an option to buy gift cards from the information desk that can be used at the stalls.
Award-winning skewers
The skewers at Hoy Pinoy, pork belly served with banana ketchup, and soy-glazed chicken, were voted the people’s favourite last time they were in town earning themselves the Top Chopsticks Award. The Melbourne-based street food hawkers cook the meaty morsels on an open grill, the smell and plumes of smoke drawing in the crowds.
Puffle waffles
More exciting bites from Australia as Sydneysiders Puffle and Poklol will be making their way to Wellington for the very first time.
Expect comfort food with a cheeky Korean twist, with Puffle’s fried chicken-stuffed cheese waffles and Poklol’s signature crunchy beer battered fries topped with bulgogi beef.
Saucy new menu
Hip hotspot Hot Sauce, a restaurant at the QT Museum Wellington Hotel, has just rolled out a new menu, and will be showcasing hot snacks at the markets. Chow down on kimchi tofu bao buns and hoisin pork skewers.
Take your time
The capital is full of gastronomes and bustling restaurants, so it’s no surprise that when the markets last hit town in 2016, over 100,000 Wellingtonians turned up.
Needless to say, it’s going to be pretty busy, but there’s no need to rush in early, eat and go.
Keep your mates company in the queues, take some snaps for your Instagram, and soak in the vibes of a city that truly celebrates great food.
Post-work hang-out
Take a stroll down to the park, grab a cold beer at the Tiger Bar and unwind with colleagues.
Alternatively, finally get to know that Tinder match while slurping smoothies out of pineapples or eating coconut poke bowls from Mango Madness.
There’s also no shame in stopping by for an exotic dinnerfor-one during the week – especially as there are only five days to try everything.
Plan, plan, plan
With 100 dishes from 22 vendors, it’s not going to be easy to choose. The best plan of action is to go online ahead of your visit, check out the stalls and make a hit list.
If there’s a group of you - divide and conquer. Split up, get your snacks, and reconvene at one of the three designated seating areas. Then share everything, tapas-style.
Love the buzz of crowds, and some friendly banter with strangers? Come early when the markets open at 4pm if you want to avoid the dinnertime rush, and turn up a little later (after the kids are tired out) if you’re looking for a slightly calmer experience. Just be sure to get there at least 30 minutes before it closes at 10pm (or 9pm on April 22).
Take some snaps for your Instagram, and soak in the vibes of a city that truly celebrates great food.
Minimise your waste
In 2016 the Night Noodle Markets got through 8000 single-use disposable plastic cups. This year not one will be used. That’s because parched patrons will be able to buy a polypropylene cup for $3, which you can keep as a souvenir or return for a partial $1 refund.