The Twelve Best Southeast Asian Restaurants in Auckland

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The real flavours of Southeast Asia don't originate from chef schools, or crystal clean industrial kitchens. They are birthed in the lively, loud and smoky street corners of Singapore, Saigon, Penang, Bangkok and Vientiane, in black burnt woks and unassuming local kitchens. These flavours come from family, passed down through generations and influenced by each chef, each street corner and whatever ingredients are available, fresh and local.

In Auckland we're lucky enough to be blessed with several establishments which recognise the true nature of Southeast Asian cuisine, wok frying, roti rolling and dumpling wrapping, just as they do in the Orient. As part of Tiger Beer's Streets of Singapore series of events, we decided to dig a bit deeper into some local legends that provide a true taste of Southeast Asia; birthed on the streets and brought to our shores.

For further inspiration from Tiger Beer and information on their Streets of Singapore events, click here.

Mulan

The brian child of Malaysian culinary genius James Balakrishnan (from Penang, Malaysia, and formerly head chef of Madame Woo), Mulan is a local institute after only being open a few months. The kitchen here serves up an authentic fusion of Malay, Vietnamese, Singaporean and Thai cuisine, in unpretentious neighbourhood surroundings. Fancy a curry? This joint serves the best north of the bridge and perhaps the best in Auckland.

243 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead

Cafe Hanoi

The adventurers among us, will appreciate Cafe Hanoi's dedication to bringing an authentic Vietnamese experience to Auckland. From the beef pho which tastes almost identical to what you'd get on a bustling back street in Saigon, to the decor which is artfully run down in a style reminiscent of Hanoi's old quarter. Located behind a bright red door in central Britomart, this is the best of Vietnam right here in Auckland.

Excelsior Building Galway Street & Commerce Street, Britomart

Moo Chow Chow

Thai food has forever been recognised as flavourful, zesty, spicy and full bodied, but the popular indochine cuisine has never been accused of elegance. Moo Chow Chow has changed all that, serving beautifully presented, authentic Thai in the surrounds of a restored old villa down the end of Ponsonby Road. Their red curry with chargrilled beef cheek is the standout dish, in a menu full of phenomenal Thai.

23 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

Mekong Baby

Ever walked down the end of Ponsonby Road on a Monday or Tuesday and peered into Mekong Baby? You would have noticed it's forever full of happy diners and drinkers. There's a reason for that. This joint's fusion of Southeast Asian and traditional French cuisines, and inventive cocktail menu is perhaps the most comprehensive and unique in Auckland. Plus their famous pork belly dish will brighten your outlook on life after only a couple bites.

262 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

Selera

The best food in Malaysia is not served on pristine white tablecloths by uptight fellows in crisp dress shirts. No, it's found amongst huts on the beach, non-descript alleyways and in unassuming eateries run by local families. Selera adheres to that rule, and while it doesn't look like much, this Newmarket legend serves Malaysian food just like they do in Malaysia. Give the Nasi Lemak with beef rendang a try, it's profound deliciousness will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

487 Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket

Indochine Kitchen

After opening recently on the newly revived Fort Street, Indochine Kitchen has established itself as a bastion of authentic and reasonably priced Vietnamese cuisine. With a decor reminiscent of the lively back alleys of Hanoi, and a menu influenced by the city's historic old quarter, this wee hole in the wall whips up one of the best bahn mi's you'll find in our fair city.

42 Fort St, Auckland CBD

Bolaven

In the heart of Mt Eden you'll find a wee eatery, identifiable as Laotian, only through its hanging paper lanterns, rough brick walls and tempting yet strange menu. Lacing their menu with the flavours of this oft overlooked cuisine has been a massive success for Bolaven, with the breakfast menu particularly phenomenal for its amalgamation of Kiwi and Laotian cuisines. A standout for me was the near orgasmic brioche french toast with citrus salad, ginger syrup and coconut.

597 Mount Eden Rd, Mount Eden

Mix Moon

The most complete collection of authentic Southeast Asian and Indian dishes in Auckland can be found at, Mix Moon; a neighbourhood eatery renowned for its delicious curries. The Roti Channai is a curry/carb lover's dream and makes Mix Moon well worth the trip out west.

29 Totara Ave, New Lynn

Mamak

Luckily for shore dwellers Mamak has a two branches, one in the CBD's Chancery complex and one in the heart of Takapuna. The surroundings in both restaurants are modest, but the mainly Malaysian staff are uncommonly friendly and the food is impossibly delicious. Cooked using traditional Malay techniques and recipes, you'd struggle to find better prawn sambal or chicken laksa in Malaysia.

50 Kitchener Street CBD, Chancery or The Sentinel Building, 6 Huron Street, Takapuna

Saan

Helmed by the ex-head chef of Cafe Hanoi, Wichian Trirattanavatin (or Chef Lek), Saan is the most authentic iteration of Northern Thai cuisine that Auckland has ever seen. Born in Northern Thailand and trained in the country's most prestigious culinary institute, chef Lek sets himself apart from pretenders with his deep appreciation of Thai cuisine and recipes passed down through countless generations. This culminates in a menu unlike most Kiwis have tried before, flawless in its execution and true to its deep Northern Thai roots.

160 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby

Tok Tok

A one-minute walk from the serene shores of Takapuna beach and right in the bustling heart of Takapuna, you'll find Tok Tok; a new vision in Southeast Asian fusion from the minds behind Le Vietnamese Kitchen. Its interior is a clever fusion of recognisable Asian motifs, neon lights, open sacks of chilli and recycled window shutters, while the food is close to perfection; the popping prawns are perhaps the most phenomenal bar snack I've ever tasted.

129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

Monsoon Poon

Monsoon's quirky name and unique South Asian inspired interior beckon you off the streets of Auckland, to experience some of the best fusion cuisine our city has to offer. Exposed brick, and colourful lanterns characterise the space, while the words "Bloody Delicious" are most appropriate when describing the food.  Monsoon draws inspiration from Asia to populate it's huge menu with dishes that purvey a complete and authentic taste of the cuisines of the south orient.

Corner Custom St West and Lower Hobson Street, CBD