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

Take your tastebuds on a whirlwind tour through Asia from the comfort of our compact capital city.
Words by: John Son
Photos by: Anna Briggs & Supplied
As one of the most fascinating continents on the planet, Asia is an eclectic melting pot of cultures, people, languages - and undeniably fantastic food.
If a foodie tour through Asia is on your bucket list but you’re not quite ready to take the leap, Wellington is a great place to do a practice run. There are some outstanding Asian restaurants in every corner of town, serving up dishes to rival those from their home countries. So leave the passport at home, round up your friends and take a local journey through the flavours of Asia.
Dragon’s (China)
25 Tory Street, Te Aro
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.

Little Penang (Malaysia)
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.

K-Chicken Bistro (South Korea)
60 Hobart Street, Miramar
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.
Photo: Stock image

Kazaguruma (Japan)
272 Cuba Street, Te Aro
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.
Photo: Stock image

Saigon Taste (Vietnam)
17 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria
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.
Photo: Stock image

Indian Alley (India)
3/290 Wakefield Street, Te Aro
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.

The Original Thai Restaurant (Thailand)
155 The Parade, Island Bay
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.
Photo: Stock image

Lazy Juan (Philippines)
155 The Terrace, Wellington Central
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.
Photo: Stock image
Kisa (Middle East)
195 Cuba St, Te Aro, Wellington
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.
Neat Wellington Places
Cicio Cacio

You might try Cicio Cacio before a gig next door but the food in itself is worth a quick 10-minute bus trip or Uber from the city.
Shelly Bay Baker on Leeds Street

When the call of carbs rings out loudly in Wellington, follow the scent of freshly baked bread down Leeds Street and through the door of Shelly Bay Baker.
The Library

Hidden behind an unassuming ground floor entrance, The Library is another well-known establishment that overlooks the go-go crowd of Courtenay Place.
Montfoort

Montfoort has a simple yet exciting mission: to showcase the very best of sweet Dutch street food.
Zelati

From the texture to the rich, bright flavours, their range of sorbet and gelato offerings are impressive on the palate and pleasing to the eye.