Garuda

Overview

Finally, the absolute staple of Wellington markets has a deserved permanent place in the city. The Garuda food truck has supplied hungry Wellingtonians with mie goreng for years — and not to worry, they haven't pumped the breaks. Alongside the truck rolling through our markets, Garuda has just also moved in on Mount Victoria. This time, there's an extended menu showcasing even more Indonesian delights. While still ideal for al fresco takeaway on the waterfront, the dine-in service is a treat with great generosity and a lovely atmosphere.

While minimal, open and modern, the restaurant still maintains the cosy comfort their food brings to our bellies. Very conveniently, this pairs well with its location, as it's right next door to the Embassy Theatre. This pairing is just asking for locals to spend a night out with mie goreng and a movie. For the Courtney Place and Cambridge Terrace residents and workers, this also means an easy decision for a cheeky lunch or night in with noodles.

Now, for the important part, that extended menu. For those who haven't indulged in Garuda's mie or nasi goreng, their reputation precedes them. For around $14 (depending on your choice of protein) you get a huge bowl full of flavour. The new opening now offers two deep-fried sides: lumpia (Indonesian spring rolls) and pastel (pastry stuffed with veggies), both served with sweet chilli sauce. Try not to overindulge in these — as good as they are, they're belly-fillers by themselves, so make sure you come with a number of friends to share.

Some lighter options include the chicken and vegetarian gado gado salads (blanched vegetables, rice cake and boiled egg) swimming in a peanut sauce. As these salads are flavoursome, they are rich. Among the lighter bites, they have also introduced burgers and wraps complete with fresh salad toppings and dripping chilli mayo. For a dinner feast we recommend the satay skewers, the ayam penyet (fried chicken with sambal) and rendang daging (slow-cooked beef) served with rice, salad, and mild sambal sauce ($16 each). Vegans aren't left out either with the balado tempeh dan tahu bakar (grilled tempeh and tofu). Most of the menu can be changed up to suit dietary needs.

Whether it be a night in with some nasi goreng, or a big feast with friends, Garuda will continue to serve great comfort food wherever you need.