Zoe RocheLet’s face it, there’s something magical about Chinese takeaway that makes any night instantly better. Maybe it’s the crispy dumplings that disappear faster than you’d like, or that spicy noodle dish that has you sweating but still coming back for more.
Whatever it is, Auckland’s takeaway scene is packed with gems, and we’ve dug deep (read: eaten a lot) to bring you the absolute best.
Prepare for hand-pulled noodles that might just ruin all other noodles for you, and dumplings that’ll have you questioning why you ever bothered with cooking. Trust us, these spots are more than just takeaways—they’re your next food obsession waiting to happen.
Ghost Street
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Address: 27 Galway St, Britomart
Contact details: +64 9 373 9999
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 12PM-9PM
Pricing: $$
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Menu
Located in the moody, atmospheric 1885 basement in Britomart, this hidden gem feels like you’ve stepped into a chic underground haven. The menu is a celebration of rustic, seasonal Chinese dishes with a special focus on the bold and spicy flavours of Chengdu and Xi’an.
.Each dish comes with that unmistakable kick of Sichuan peppercorns that leaves you wanting more. But don’t worry, if spicy isn’t your thing, there are plenty of milder options too.
What really sets Ghost Street apart is how they’ve seamlessly blended these authentic Asian flavours with a Western-style drinks menu. Yes, you can pair that spicy beef noodle soup with a crisp Kiwi wine or an ice-cold craft beer.
| Pro tip: For the perfect balance of flavours, grab the crispy wontons. They’ve got the crunch you need alongside all that spice. |
Grand Harbour
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Address: Cnr Customs Street West and, Pakenham Street East
Contact details: +64 9 357 6889
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $$
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Menu
If there’s one place in Auckland that needs no introduction, it’s Grand Harbour. For over two decades, it’s been the place for yum cha, and it’s no wonder why – this spot has mastered the art of dim sum.
We’re talking about over 80 varieties of the little steamed wonders, all prepared fresh and served piping hot. But dim sum is just the start at Grand Harbour.
They’ve become a bit of an institution in the city’s Chinese community, known for their roast duck and wide range of seafood. If you’re in the mood for a feast, go for the lobster or crab – it’s the kind of stuff that makes a takeaway meal feel like a banquet.
| Pro tip: The weekend-only dim sum is not to be missed – perfect for an indulgent start to your day! |
Xi’An Food Bar
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Address: 11 Anzac Avenue
Contact details: +64 9 523 2208
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $
Website
Menu
When it comes to Xi’An Food Bar, we’ve got one word for you: noodles. But not just any noodles! These are hand-pulled, thick, chewy beauties!
Their number 37, the Xi’an-style braised pork noodles, is a bowl of pure comfort. Picture this: saucy, spicy pork layered over noodles with just the right amount of bite, all soaking up the rich, bold flavours.
Xi’An Food Bar has a special knack for bringing the flavours of Shaanxi province to life. The spices are unapologetically bold, the portions are generous, and the prices? Let’s just say your wallet will thank you.
If noodles aren’t your thing (hard to imagine, but fair enough), their lamb skewers are an absolute must-try.
| Pro tip: The lamb skewers pack a punch, order a side of noodles to balance out the spice. Trust us, you’ll want to get the full experience. |
Wang Wang Spring Pancake
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Address: 704 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden
Contact details: +64 9 629 2268
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $
Wang Wang Spring Pancake is one of those hidden gems along Dominion Road, the kind of place you only discover through word of mouth – but once you do, you won’t be able to get enough.
Their specialty is, of course, the spring pancake, a soft, thin wrap not unlike those used for Peking duck. The difference here? You get to stuff it with whatever fillings your heart desires, from cumin lamb to shredded potato – an absolute game-changer.
You could go simple with their top-selling pancake wraps (10 pieces for just $8) or go all in with the shredded pork in Peking sauce – a flavour explosion. And while you’re at it, do yourself a favour and grab some chicken and corn dumplings.
| Pro tip: The cumin lamb and shredded potato combo is a winner , you’ll be hooked! |
Empress Garden Chinese Restaurant
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Address: 227 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
Contact details: +64 9 376 5550
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re on the hunt for the best Peking duck in town, look no further than Empress Garden. Nestled in the heart of Herne Bay, this local favourite takes Peking duck to new heights, from the first crunch of that crispy skin to the rich, succulent duck meat that follows.
It’s a masterclass in indulgence and one you simply can’t skip if you’re serious about your takeaway game. But duck isn’t all they do well. Their Yeung Chow fried rice is another standout, a delicious medley of pork and shrimp woven through fluffy rice.
| Pro tip: The Peking duck is legendary, but don’t sleep on the Yeung Chow fried rice, it’s the perfect sidekick to any main. |
GoGo Music Cafe
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Address: 559 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden
Contact details: +64 9 620 5988
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-10PM
Pricing: $
GoGo Music Cafe is one of those places that feels like home, especially when you’re tucking into their signature Xinjiang-style spicy chicken casserole. This isn’t just your standard takeaway – the portion sizes here are massive, enough to feed your entire crew and then some.
The spicy chicken casserole comes with hand-pulled noodles that are the perfect accompaniment to the rich, flavorful broth, and the combination will have you coming back time and again.
The menu is filled with other delights too, particularly their skewers, which pair beautifully with a chilled Tsingtao beer.
| Pro tip: The spicy chicken casserole is perfect for sharing, but don’t forget to order some skewers, they’re the ideal snack while you wait. |
Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle House
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Address: 636 Dominion Rd, Balmoral
Contact details: +64 9 638 9883
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $
Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle House has earned a solid reputation for its hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, and let me tell you, they live up to the hype. But there’s one dish here that stands out even among the noodles – the sautéed eggplant in spicy garlic.
This is one of those dishes that’ll have you coming back again and again, all thanks to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the eggplant paired with a rich, sticky sauce.
The garlic-infused glaze brings a subtle sweetness to the dish that’s perfect when spooned over fluffy steamed rice. Of course, if you’re here for the noodles, you’ll find plenty to love too.
The texture and chewiness of Shaolin Kung Fu’s hand-pulled noodles are second to none, and their dumplings are equally delicious.
| Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the sautéed eggplant in spicy garlic—it’s a must-try, even if you think you’re just here for the noodles. |
Pearl Garden
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Address: 1 Teed St, Newmarket
Contact details: +64 9 524 3000
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
Pearl Garden is nothing short of a Newmarket institution, and with 45 years of experience, they’ve perfected the art of Chinese cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the history and expertise that has made them a favourite for generations.
Prawn toast, prawn and chive dumplings, steamed pork buns – the savoury selections here are always on point. But let’s talk about their golden custard buns, because these little treasures have a cult following for a reason.
The gooey, creamy custard filling is indulgent without being overly sweet, making it the perfect bite to round off any meal.
It’s not just about the food though – the friendly service and casual vibe make this a go-to spot for families, solo diners, and everyone in between.
| Pro tip: Make sure to order the golden custard buns, they’re worth the trip alone, especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth! |
Tianze Dumpling House
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Address: 731 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham
Contact details: +64 9 815 3348
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $
Tucked away in a quiet little corner of Sandringham, Tianze Dumpling House may not boast the flashiest decor, but what it lacks in frills. This is the spot you go to when you’re after a proper, no-nonsense meal with friends—where the food does all the talking.
The fried dumplings here are the stuff of legend, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely packed with flavour. But it doesn’t stop at dumplings.
Their mapo tofu and green beans are excellent choices for vegetarians (or anyone, really) and can be made to suit your dietary needs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the jellyfish and Chinese cabbage salad – it’s an unexpected hit of cool, vinegary goodness that pairs beautifully with their hotter, saltier mains.
| Pro tip: Bring a group so you can try everything! The crispy fried chicken in hot chilli sauce is perfect for sharing. |
Basu Lounge
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Address: 43 Apollo Dr, Rosedale
Contact details: +64 9 478 2236
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking to experience dan dan noodles like never before, Basu Lounge on the North Shore is where you need to be. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill dan dan noodles.
Oh no, Basu takes it to another level with a thick, creamy peanut sauce that perfectly balances the spicy kick. Imagine that smooth, nutty flavour swirling into the chilli and noodles – it’s comfort food, but with a bit of a fiery edge.
Dumplings are also a specialty at Basu, and they don’t disappoint. Whether you’re going for their famous Dumplings with Spicy Sauce or keeping it classic with a pork-filled dumpling, each bite is packed with flavour.
| Pro tip: The dan dan noodles with peanut sauce are a must-try, but don’t forget to grab a side of dumplings with spicy sauce, it’s the perfect pairing. |
Eden Noodles
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Address: 105 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden
Contact details: +64 9 630 1899
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun 11AM-9PM
Pricing: $
Eden Noodles is one of those places that’s woven into the very fabric of Auckland’s food scene. With locations at Commercial Bay and the bustling city end of Dominion Road, this spot is an absolute institution.
In fact, it’s so beloved that it snagged the 2022 Hospo Heroes award in the Cheap & Cheerful category. And with good reason – their hand-pulled noodles and famous dumplings are practically legendary across town.
Pair them with their noodles, and you’re in for a meal that’s both satisfying and wallet-friendly. If you’ve never been to Eden Noodles, consider this your sign to give it a try – you’ll see why it’s become a household name.
| Pro tip: Try their signature hand-pulled noodles with a side of dumplings for the full Eden Noodles experience. |
