Overview
Get ready to introduce another cheap, cheerful and unexpectedly upmarket Chinese eatery to your Dominion Road dinner rotation. The owners have a handful of restaurants back in China and Mr Hao is their first foray into the New Zealand restaurant scene.
Mr Hao BBQ Skewer Restaurant and Bar is exactly that. This new addition to the varied Asian cuisine of Dominion Road specialises in fresh and juicy barbecue skewers matched with a range of beer, wine and affordable cocktails on tap. Patrons can order by the skewer, with prices starting from just $1. We proceeded to eat our way through the menu starting with potato ($1), pork belly, mushroom, cauliflower and chicken skewers ($2 each). Most items are doused with a generous coating of Sichuan seasoning, they must go through that stuff by the bucket load. The clear skewer standouts are the Taiwanese sausage which is tender and flavoursome, and the grilled Chinese buns ($2). These little puffs of dough are sweet yet salty, with a crispy outer and a light and fluffy inner.
If you're game, order the dandan noodles ($4.50). These come topped with mincemeat and hot spices galore. Now that your mouth is on fire, keep the burn going with the spicy pork dumplings ($7). These are an absolute must-try and are so succulent — they fall apart in your mouth (if you manage to get them on your chopsticks first). A great way to show off your newly acquired chopstick skills is to order the deep fried peanuts ($6). They're oily, salty and delish.
The drinks list is extensive, with a number of local and foreign beers, including their own brand, on offer. If you find yourself tingling for a tipple, Mr Hao's tea cocktails on tap are your first point of call. Mrs Lychee combines the sweet flavours of lychee tea and liqueur with vodka and lime for a dangerously enticing $8.
Mr Hao is situated at the quiet end of Dominion Road in the former location of upscale Italian restaurant Monzu (previously Merediths). If you head there after rush hour, there is a high chance that you'll get lucky and nab a park right outside. The sharing menu is designed to order up large, then mix and match. Mr Hao's is the perfect place to catch up with your friends for a quick and cheap after work dinner. Complete with cosy décor and personable staff, at Mr Hao's you're on to a winner.