Travel the flavours of Asia in Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

A homely ‘eat and drink shop’ steeped in local history, Mabel’s has firmly put Burmese cuisine on the Wellington map. Stop over at Mabel’s to introduce yourself to the unique cuisine of this part of Asia, where rich, hearty curries and noodles go hand-in-hand with refreshing salads. The la phet thoke, a salad made from fermented tea leaves, is a specialty not to be missed.

When it comes to iconic Asian eating experiences, few come close to the popularity of yum cha. Dragons is one of Wellington's go-to yum cha spots, serving trollies filled with an evolving, innovative selection of dishes to packed tables every weekend. The dinner offering is exceptional too, making Dragon’s an ideal spot for a Chinese meal for any occasion.

One of Wellington’s favourite Malaysian outfits, Little Penang is a bustling lunch spot that has been feeding busy city workers for years. A shop at each end of town means you don’t have to travel far for your fix of pad thai, char koay teow, or nasi goreng. The daily specials are a superb line-up, and the roti and curry combo is one of the best value lunches you’ll find in Wellington.

If there’s one thing better than fried chicken, it’s Korean fried chicken. Fortunately, Wellington is home to one of the country’s best Korean fried chicken joints, with K-Chicken Bistro adding a Miramar store to its legendary Paraparaumu home. Grab a pack of crispy chicken drenched in a wide range of sauces, or try one of the hearty burgers with a side of fries.

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Housed in a beautiful little shop on upper Cuba Street, the dishes at Kazaguruma are as neatly presented as the fitout. Here you’ll find some of the best contemporary Japanese cuisine in Wellington, with a comprehensive menu allowing you to choose from sashimi, sushi, tempura, teriyaki, and more, along with desserts and Japanese herbal tea and spirits. 

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Make the trip to Majoribanks Street, just beyond Courtenay Place, and treat yourself to the superb Vietnamese fare at Saigon Taste. The compact restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu serving no-nonsense classics packed with flavour - think hearty pho bowls, vermicelli salads, pan-fried meats on rice, and arguably the best spring rolls you’ll find in town.

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Among the many excellent Indian restaurants in Wellington, Indian Alley stands out as one of the finest. Here you’ll find not only the tried and tested classic curries but also unique dishes introducing new aspects of Indian cuisine. Ordering the parda biryani - a biryani cooked with a roti layer on top, an Indian Alley specialty - is a must.

Hidden in the sleepy suburb of Island Bay is The Original Thai Restaurant, which serves up beautifully plated, authentic Thai food. Renowned for its cosy atmosphere and friendly service with a smile, the restaurant simply does great Thai cuisine that keeps people coming back for more, with the curries being a crowd favourite.

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Filipino food can be hard to come by in Wellington, but a trip to Lazy Juan is all you need to sate your cravings. The lively cafe serves generous portions of the Filipino staples, such as adobo, tapsilog, and sisig. The impressive cabinet, serving a range of salads and baked goods, is also commendable.

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For a truly all-encompassing food tour of Asia, you simply can’t skip the cuisines of Western Asia and the Middle East. Kisa is the place to go to indulge in the flavours of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and beyond. The menu is designed for sharing, so take a large group and tuck into as many of the delectable offerings as you can, from mezze plates and vegetarian dishes to protein from the land and sea.