Now that you have time in your hand during the semester break, try travelling around to places outside of the city to eat.
There is so much out there to be explored out there (and right here in the city) and given that holidays are long and at times boring, catching up with your friends for some good food may seem a good idea. This is of course, unless you’re going back home to Malaysia to have the greatest feast *is jealous*.
A trip to Pakuranga Night Market
- courtesy of umsa committee
When it comes to food, there are many choices at the Pakuranga Night Market; Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese, American, Italian, Russian…… and last but not least: MALAYSIAN cuisines.
Once you enter the night market, you will experience that familiar ‘pasar malam’ atmosphere and see stalls with flags or symbols that show the type of food they are offering.
There are actually two Malaysian stalls at the market; one specialises in soup noodles such as curry laksa and fish ball noodle soup. The other stall sells satay and chinese lobak kuih among others.
You can find them quite easily as both stalls are located at the end of the two corners. For those homesick or pasar-malam-sick students, you now have an opportunity to enjoy a moment of New Zealand pasar malam here. If you live in the city and wish to take a bus to Pakuranga, just catch one of these buses at the Symonds St bus stops: buses 50, 51, 680 or 681. Do bring some cash with you as not all stalls have eftpos machines.
Chicken Fried Rice
Alright, so fried rice is very common. But Flying Horse’s fried rice and takeaways are to die for. At least to me since I’m willing to drive out 20 minutes to Takapuna just to get one.
They serve other typical Chinese takeaway stuff of which my next favourite is Egg Fu Yong. So why is this Chicken Fried Rice so awesome? I have no idea. When asked, the person who introduced this to me said “its because they use sunflower oil to cook them”. I don’t know to what extend this is true, but what I do know is that they are committed in using polyUNsaturated oil in cooking your stuff so you know it is as healthy as it can get.
There are two branches in Auckland, but Birkenhead branch’s rice tends to be on the drier side compared to Takapuna’s moist, rich in flavour fried rice. The quantity that they give for an $11.50 box can definitely fit four bowls of normal rice scooping.
Opens 7 days until 11pm. Accepts credit card and phone orders. Also while you’re in the vicinity of the Takapuna’s branch, check out some other places to eat right around the corner!
Malaysian Halal Indian Food
Technically, they are more Malaysian then they are Indian. This is because the owner is from Malaysia and has lived in New Zealand for more than 10 years. Named after their daughter, I feel Santhiya doesn’t get enough credit for the food they serve although they have been one of the major caterers for events a few years back.
Located on the far end of Dominion Road, they serve awesome curry (even fish curry), papadom and much more that will remind you of home. At a relatively quiet location, Santhiya is famous around its community. I know this because when I went there to dine, I see many families and people who live around that area coming in to “tapau” food. Given that these customers didn’t even need to explicitly tell their orders, I know that they have been here many times for such relationship to be formed.
I guess what made the experience sweeter for me is that I was doing some club’s official business that time, and the officer in charge shouted us dinner.
Opens Tuesday to Sunday, 11.30am – 9pm @ 1270 Dominion Road, Mt Roskill.
Murder Burgers
The trend now on burgers are moving towards gourmet burgers. Given the popularity of Burger Fuel, its safe to say that they are truly different from our ordinary burgers from McDonalds or BurgerKing. This below discusses of another great gourmet burger place.
- courtesy of umsa committee
You are hungry. No, wait, you are very, very hungry and you want your food now. You have had enough of McDonalds, Wendy’s and Domino’s for that instant quick fix. You want something different; something bigger, juicier, fresher and softer. Your stomach is calling out to you. You know you need something satisfying. Where would you go?
If that sounds like you, drop by Murder Burger. Located in the heart of Ponsonby, it serves one of the best burgers in Auckland. Enter the shop and you know you are in the hands of the best burger diners ever. Its eclectic, quirky and definitely unique interior tells you that you are in for the most creative menu ever.
There is no wrong in choosing its burger. The buns are soft, the patties are juicy, the veggies are fresh and the here comes the best part; the portion is huge! Girls, do bring your girlfriends along to share… Murder Burger also offers Monkey Fist, which is the smaller version of its usual burger.
If unsure, The Standard will be your safest bet. With beef, cheese, egg and beetroot, this is for all who are Kiwi at heart.
If you are feeling adventurous, try the Double Beef & Wild Board Bacon. At $14.90, you would be coming back for more. Remember the soft buns, the juicy patties, the fresh veggies? Now add in the crispiest bacon. Absolutely divine.
The prices are reasonable and range from $7.90 to $16.50.
Monday to Thursday, Sunday: 1100am to 1000pm
Friday to Saturday: 1100am to 1100pm
@ 128 Ponsonby Road
Tel : (09) 550 5500
Giapo Gelato Ice Cream
Last but not light, we have to finish up with the best dessert located right at the heart of the city. Giapo. Some of you might be familiar with it, some of you not. One thing definitely that Giapo did was stick to its promise of the love of food. They use organic stuff, and the type of milk that is good for you. They go to the extend of buying of small growers like you and me to ensure that it is organic. They come up with odd flavours from Saffron during the Diwali Festival to seaweed flavour (did I just hear a “yuck” from you?) They support causes that you are passionate about. They fundraise for Christchurch, sending water, money and all sorts.
- courtesy of umsa committee
When I first walked along Queen St, I didn’t really give the crowded little purple cafe a second glance. But it has been a bit of a trend and my friends in Auckland keep talking about it. What’s so great about gelato? Well, after having some myself, I can certainly see why. It’s all about using organic ingredients and sharing their passion for gelato by giving you awesome flavours and fantastic service. Giapo offers nearly two dozen different gelatos and ice creams. I remember there were Bananisnap, Boys n Berries, Macadamia, Dark chocolate and the list goes on and on. Not to forget; Tiramisu and Strawberry with Balsamic Vinegar (very unique!) I looked at the prices and cringed a little at first, but then paid in the name of Organic Gelato. To my surprise, the cone was huge – too large to finish, but certainly worth the price!