Dominion Road Eats

Dominion Road doesn’t look flashy, but it’s easily Auckland’s most exciting place to eat. Over a few kilometres you can travel through multiple regions of China, detour to Nepal, Malaysia, or Korea – often for less than the price of a single city-centre meal. This is a short guide to my favourites but you really can’t go wrong with any picks on this road.

The Dumpling & Noodle Heavyweights

Barilla Dumpling – The unofficial heart of Dominion Road. Fast, noisy, brilliant.

Order: pork & chive dumplings (fried or steamed)
Best for: a cheap, quick, first-timer classic

Eden Noodles – Famous Sichuan bowls with a loyal following.

Order: dan dan noodles (choose your spice carefully)
Best for: chilli lovers who want to feel something

Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle – Hand-pulled noodles made in the window.

Order: cleaver sliced beef noodles
Best for: variety - their menu is extensive

Regional Chinese You Shouldn’t Miss

Xi’an Food Bar – Big flavours from western China.

Order: spicy beef noodles or cumin lamb ‘burger’
Vibe: casual, filling, slightly addictive

New Flavour – Big taste no fuss

Order: sizzling plates and seasonal veg
Best for: adventurous groups

GoGo Music Cafe – Skewers and classics

Order: cumin lamb skewer and Stir fry chicken
Social BBQ style dinner

Not Just Chinese: The Rest of the World

Pho Yen – A fast paced and authentic Pho find

Order: beef pho
Best for: a weeknight no-fuss noodle fix

Just Momo – Great Nepalese momos and curries.

Order: chicken momos + chatpate
Best for: casual food truck dining

Soju Soju – Late-night Korean hero.

Order: korean fried chicken
Best for: crazy comfort food

Udonworks – A low-key authentic Japanese spot

Order: warm of cole udon
Best for: authentic tastes with large portions

Dessert Decisions

CHA+ – made to order boba tea
Meet fresh – delicate shaved ice after a spicy meal

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Buses 25, 25L, 25B run constantly from Queen Street (Downtown)
Driving is also easy but parking can be tricky at peak times – use side streets rather than Dominion Road itself

How it works

Many places are order-at-the-counter
Photos on menus are your friend
Cash is handy though everywhere tends to take card
Don’t stress about queues – turnover is usually fast

Best times

Peak: 6–8pm (expect moderate waits)
Easier: before 6 or after 8:30
Great late-night options around Balmoral end

Budget guide

Most mains $15–22 NZD
Dumplings often $12–16
Desserts $8–14