The incredible mix of Asian restaurants Auckland city centre has diners spoiled for choice. From fine-dining Japanese to Korean fried chicken delights, we’ve put together a selection of some of the must trys to start you off on your journey.

Pocha

Korean fried chicken from Pocha | 50 Kitchener St 

Our obsession with fried chicken is understandably ubiquitous, though you may not have noticed that Korean style fried chicken is slowly taking over. Pocha offers Korean style fried chicken in 9 different variations – from almond coated, to a curry sauced chicken topped with Grana Padano cheese. With so many variations of the classic it’s no wonder Pocha’s chicken has become a favourite among chicken connoisseurs city wide. 

Japanese sashimi from Moshi Moshi | 39 Jellicoe St

Set on Auckland's beautiful waterfront, Moshi Moshi offers authentic Japanese cuisine. Fish is a central element to Japanese food and with Auckland Fish Market just a walk away Moshi Moshi is always supplied with the freshest ingredients in the city. Try their traditionally prepared sashimi. The smooth mild flavour of the fish will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.

Chamate

Chinese hand-pulled noodles from Chamate | 17 Swanson St

Hidden away on Swanson Street, Chamate is one of the most exciting Chinese restaurants Auckland city centre has on its map. From their modern decor to exceptional staff service, a meal had here will be one to remember. Hand-pulled noodles are a must-try if given the option at any Chinese restaurant due to their freshness and uniqueness to the restaurant. Try Chamate’s Xinjiang Styled Handmade Noodles with lamb, tomatoes, capsicums, cabbage and more. 

Cafe Hanoi

Cafe Hanoi for fresh Vietnamese flavours | Cnr Galway & Commerce St 

Easily one of the most popular Asian restaurants Auckland has to offer, this popular Vietnamese restaurant is inspired by the street food of Hanoi’s Old Quarter though imbued with a modern perspective. Try a roast duck rice paper roll, or their delicious crispy soft-shell crab with hot & sour tamarind. Their extensive dinner menu is inspired by northern Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes including a classic Stir fried chicken. It also offers dishes you won't find anywhere else. 

Ichiban

Ramen from Ichiban Japanese Restaurant | 17 Albert St 

Sit up at the bar at Ichiban and you’ll be treated to a classic Japenese ramen experience. The polite service and generous direction will have you discovering your new favorite ramen variation in no time. Their most popular offering is currently the Ichiban Chashu Ramen – a rich miso based noodle with homemade pork. This ramen is a great introductions for first timers and a bit of an addiction for the connoisseur.

Food

MASU for award-winning, world class Japanese | 90 Federal Street

This is an award-winning, top-rating Asian restaurant Auckland CBD is extremely proud to have. Japanese food is celebrated on Federal Street with Masu, a Japanese robata restaurant and bar in the Federal Street dining precinct run by celebrated New Zealand chef Nic Watt. Robata is contemporary Japanese cuisine cooked over a charcoal grill where theatre and ambience are as much of the process as the eating. Diners can view the chefs at the robata cooking hearth, creating food-laden skewers and slowly rotating them over hot coals.

Thai Street

A taste of Thailand from Thai Street | 3/12 Jellicoe St 

Wynyard Quarter's resident traditional Thai restaurant, Thai Street brings the flavours and excitement  of Bangkok’s bustling streets to Auckland. Here you’ll find hearty soups & wok fried curries along with Issaan grills and salads. Authentic is definitely the way to go when experiencing Thai food – and Thai street offers a depth of flavour that will transport you to the heart of Bangkok and back again. 

White + Wongs

White + Wongs for a mix of Asian cuisine | 149 Quay St 

This fun and fanciful eatery serving up Asian fusion in Auckland’s viaduct. This is the perfect place to celebrate with friends and family regardless of the occasion. With a huge menu spanning curries, barbeque roast meats, dumplings, buns and raw and cold cuts there is truly something to please everyone. 

Plate of food

Ebisu for a sophisticated twist of traditional Japanese | 116-118 Quay Street 

Occupying a historic building in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, Ebisu serves up contemporary Japanese fare and has long been a consumer favourite, honoured with many awards and accolades in its short lifespan. If you're a fan of Ebisu you'll also want to try out their little brother restaurant Fukoku, a small but perfectly formed addition to Auckland's eating and drinking scene, serving up delicious bowls as well as solid range of sake, Japanese whisky, plum wines and the usual beer and wine suspects.

Hot & Spicy Pot

Hot & spicy pot | 44-46 Lorne Street

The second installment of this classic Mount Eden institution now lives on Lorne Street fittingly amongst some Auckland's best Asian restaurants. A central part to Korean culture, hot pot is a fun and social way to cook raw meat and vegetables to your preference. This serve yourself restaurant lets you enjoy the thrill of being the chef without the hassle of the clean up. 

Last updated: 19 February 2020

Next