Dine Around the World in Porirua

Forged out of a former factory, Kai Tahi is an ambitious food, retail, and community precinct, unlike anything New Zealand’s youngest city has seen before. The ground floor market hall is spacious with a range of eateries inspired from all corners of the globe, from authentic Japanese cuisine at Tempurasushi, Vietnamese meals from Pho Sho, Chinese and Korean dishes at Kokos Kitchen, Korean fried chicken by Chicken Man or delicious Indonesian flavours don’t miss Indo Plus.

Let’s face it - when it comes to comforting soul food, does it get much better than fried chicken? The Karaage Kid gets it, and you’ll find plenty of Asian-inspired fried goodness at this spot on the busy Parumoana Street. There’s no messing about here, and the menu is fairly straightforward - chunky fried chicken burgers and rice bowls dominate, all drizzled in plenty of sauce, fillings, and toppings. Wash it all down with a big, dirty milkshake.

A classy restaurant located in the heart of Porirua, Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen is a fantastic choice for your next South East Asian meal. The space is decked out from ceiling to floor, from corner to corner in all manner of Thai designs and trinkets - perfect for those looking for some Instagram snaps with a difference. The food itself is a sight to behold too, with all your Thai favourites, from warming curries to noodles, salads, and more - all beautifully prepared and presented.

You won’t find a heck of a lot of Polish restaurants in New Zealand, so it’s no wonder Plimmerton’s Topor Bistro remains a popular spot for the gastronomically curious. Curl up in this cosy seaside eatery and feast on all the pierogi, golabki, and Polish treats you can handle - from hearty yet intricately plated meat dishes to exquisite desserts, and everything in between. Of course, no Polish meal is complete without a healthy dose of vodka, and you’ll find plenty of varieties here for a nightcap or two.

An assuming spot crammed in amongst a row of shops and eateries, Diwan is nonetheless one of Porirua’s most underrated restaurants. Look past the no-nonsense entrance and fitout and you’ll discover a sensationally comprehensive menu filled with Syrian delights. The huge shawarma platters are undoubtedly the drawcard here, with the kebabs and meat-on-rice dishes equally impressive as well. A wide selection of roast and fried chicken, as well as Syrian desserts, round out the ultimate dining experience.

A culinary trip around the world isn’t complete without that perennial Kiwi classic: fish and chips. And for some of the best in the Wellington region, look no further than Plimmerton Fish Supply. Conveniently located right by the beach, you can stop here for all your summer picnic needs, from fish and chip meals to other goods including burgers, toasties, spring rolls, and even deep-fried desserts - churros with chocolate sauce, anyone? A true one-stop shop for adults and kids alike.

You can tell a good, authentic Vietnamese restaurant simply by looking in the window - the more sparse and utilitarian it looks inside, the more effort you know they’re putting into the food itself. Saigon Xin Chao is one such place, and one sip of their rich pho broth tells you all you need to know. There’s only one rule: you can’t leave without trying at least one of their desserts, as they do a sensational taro pudding.