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There are plenty of reasons any visitor would want to explore Tā maki Makaurau – fascinating volcanic geology, wild west coastline, a thriving art scene, a million ways to get in (and on) the water, and fabulous shopping are just a few.
But one of the most exciting things about Aotearoa’s largest city is its vibrant and diverse food scene.
From multi-course high-end degustations to budget-friendly dumpling house dinners, there are so many unique food experiences to be had in this multicultural destination. Here are a few not to be missed.
Visit a hidden chai lounge
Push open the unassuming doors of Satya Chai Lounge (in Sandringham or on Karangahape Rd), and you will feel like you have stepped into another world.
Casual, rustic decor with richly patterned rugs, long wooden tables, and seats made from crates with coffee sack cushions await, with hanging lamps and candlelight giving it a soft, cosy glow.
The menu is all about fun Indian street food served with an impressive array of craft beers and cocktails. It is hard not to feel like you have discovered something unknown, despite it being an Auckland favourite.
Shopping and dining
Opened in 2020, Commercial Bay is a retail space with exceptional dining options to suit all budgets and tastes. There is a fancy foodcourt with everything from pho to oysters, hot dogs to empanadas, and Korean fried chicken to fresh pasta.
There are seated-service, licensed, casual restaurants such as Brothers Beer and Juke Joint BBQ, and the legendary Gochu, which serves some of New Zealand’s finest modern Korean.
More upmarket options include Ahi and The Lodge. With chefs such as Ben Bayly and Matt Lambert behind them, this is some of the best New Zealand has to offer.
Book the Elemental Eats package and secure two nights at
Fable Auckland, including daily breakfast and three-course dinner at Cooke’s Restaurant, plus entry to the Fried Chicken Festival. From $439; redeem until July 21. Visit travel.stuff.co.nz/elemental.
New Zealand’s first food embassy
It is hard to know what to expect when you hear the words ‘‘food embassy’’, but when you know Peter Gordon – the godfather of fusion cuisine – is at the helm, you know it will be good (full disclosure, I am biased as I work there part-time).
After 30 years owning and consulting on restaurants in London, Auckland, Istanbul, New York and Dubai, he and his partner, Alastair Carruthers, have opened Homeland.
It is a restaurant, cooking school and retail space that also holds regular community days teaching groups to cook for koha.
The theme that runs through it all is promoting New Zealand and Pacific producers – on the menu, in classes and on the shelves, so if you are interested in local kai, this is the place.
Global travel without leaving the city
One of the most attractive things about eating out in Tā maki Makaurau is the diversity. So many migrant populations have made Auckland their home, bringing with them the cuisine of their homelands.
Probably the two best-known places to get a taste of this are Dominion Rd (for its noodle houses and dumpling joints but it is also home to many other authentic international cuisines – including the wildly popular Eden Noodles and Carmel Israeli Street Food in nearby Eden Tce), and Sandringham where if you close your eyes and inhale, you might just think you have been transported to the streets of India or Pakistan.
There are other great pockets in Panmure, Albany and Northcote and, if you are staying in South Auckland, ask the locals where you can get good Pacific food.
Wine on an island
Many places in New Zealand have world-class wine offerings, such as Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough. But Waiheke’s cellar doors are unique, given their island location.