Sen Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar

SEN, meaning lotus flower, is an authentic Vietnamese kitchen and bar that has long been a mainstay in Mount Eden. Housed in a historical building that was once occupied by the Colonial Ammunition Company, the restaurant resembles the classic style of restaurants frequently found back in Vietnam. The name SEN is symbolic, as the lotus blossom signifies purity and the potential for enlightenment. 

Many moons ago, the team who founded SEN surveyed the local landscape and observed a noticeable lack of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Prompted by the desire to enlighten Aucklanders to the mouth watering flavours and assortment of colours found in the hectic streets and bustling alleyways of Vietnam, the idea for SEN blossomed and in time, flowered. 

The vision at SEN is to take its patrons on a journey through the vibrancy of Vietnam, using natural and fresh ingredients from Mother Nature to create aesthetically pleasing and delicious dishes. The food is light, healthy, and hopefully nostalgic for anyone who has travelled to Vietnam and experienced its delicious food. For those who have never been: it’ll make you want to go!

Each dish is prepared just as it would be in Vietnam, with traditional techniques and everyday ingredients, to ensure the flavour profiles match those that locals would expect. The menu harmoniously blends together the five elements of taste: sweet (earth), salty (water), sour (wood), spicy (metal) and bitter (fire). Expect ingredients such as lemongrass, fish sauce, shrimp paste and plenty of fresh herbs - especially coriander and Vietnamese mint. It’s hard to go past the pho (be transported to Hanoi with a single whiff!), the buncha (Hanoi style grilled pork paired with chilli sauce and rice noodles) and of course, the banh mi. 

Vietnamese food is a journey for the senses and SEN is no exception.