Spa City Noodle Bar

Spa City Noodle Bar, located in the heart of Rotorua, is a vibrant and modern eatery specialising in Sichuan-inspired noodle dishes. With its cosy atmosphere and commitment to serving authentic Asian flavours, the noodle bar has quickly become a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The inviting space is designed for quick and affordable lunches and dinners, perfect for those working nearby or visitors exploring the city’s attractions. Spa City Noodle Bar offers more than just food - it’s an experience that introduces customers to a rich array of Asian culinary traditions.

The idea behind Spa City Noodle Bar was born out of the owner, Victor, having a passion for authentic Chinese cuisine. A trained chef, with a background that saw him graduate from Le Cordon Bleu, Victor sought to bring the flavours of China to Rotorua. After spotting an empty shop in mid-2023, which had previously housed an electric bike store, a vision took shape. The space underwent extensive renovations, backed by a favourable long-term lease deal, and within months, Spa City Noodle Bar came to life. Victor’s eye for detail is immediately obvious: from the clever colourways to the stylish storage above and behind the bar and each table’s tidy assortment of condiments, labelled for ease.

The menu highlights the chef’s focus on homemade dumplings and noodles, featuring popular dishes such as the spicy and sour beef noodle soup with a hearty slice of beef brisket and the ever-popular Dan Dan noodles. Alongside the dumplings, other carefully curated entrees inspired by other Asian cuisines include their signature chicken bites, marinated in a Japanese style and finished with a Korean glaze, as well as the calamari, paired with a Mexican-inspired Mojo sauce, has also become a favourite. Future plans include expanding from cocktails and Asian beers into bubble tea, further showcasing those exotic flavours. 

Spa City Noodle Bar isn’t just here to serve noodles, it’s here to change the game. The vision extends beyond food; Victor aims to reshape the local perception of Chinese cuisine, ditching the tired takeaway stereotype. By setting a new expectation for Chinese cuisine and restaurant design, Spa City hopes to inspire fellow restaurateurs to step up their game. At Spa City Noodle Bar, they’re not just feeding Rotorua - they’re raising the standard for its entire food scene, one delicious bowl at a time.