Top picks for foodies in Tāmaki

Here are some great foodie places you definitely need to check out as soon as possible:

Peach’s Hot Chicken
1/100 Queens Road, Panmure

Originally a Food Truck, Peach’s has had a cult following for a long time - and that hasn’t slowed down any now they’ve opened their own diner. That Nashville-style goodness is pretty hard to beat and the chicken comes in mild, mild plus, medium, hot, or Holy Cluck. That last one is not for the faint hearted; don’t say you weren’t warned.
www.peachshotchicken.com

Marsic Bros
47 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes

Marsic Bros is a Glen Innes takeaway institution. Go with a chiller bag because when you buy your fish and chips to eat on the beach or in the park, you’re going to want to take some smoked or fresh fish, raw fish salad, smoked mussels or other delights home with you too.
www.marsicfishshop.business.site

Queen’s Kebab
133 Queens Road, Panmure

Hankering for some Middle Eastern flavours to go? Queen’s Kebab specialise in rotisserie-cooked meat served on pita bread, rice or salad. They also serve up moussaka, ararat (traditional lamb stew) and falafel and have kids meals and pizzas on the menu if any of your little ones aren’t sharing your cravings. And for those nights when you feel like staying in, you can order Queen’s Kebab through Uber Eats!
www.queenskebabs.co.nz

Melina’s Takeaway
139 Queens Road, Panmure

If you’re craving Lu Sipi, Lu Pulu Masima or other Tongan dishes but don’t have taro leaves - or two hours spare to cook them - go directly to Melina’s. It’s a tiny takeout that sells delicious home-cooked food but there are a couple of tables if you want to eat in. If you’ve never tried Pacific cuisine and want to, this is the place to go - Melema'u and Tina will give you great recommendations.
www.facebook.com/melinastakeaway

Beer Spot
71 Jellicoe Road, Panmure

Part of the wildly successful, and rapidly-growing, Beer Spot empire (Northcote, Huapai, Whangaparaoa, Morningside) this is a great place for lovers of a good local brew. With over 40 rotating taps you’re spoiled for choice. Take a load off and sample some of New Zealand’s finest; there’s a rotating cast of food trucks too, so follow their social media to see who’s there next.
www.thebeerspot.co.nz/#panmure

Hong Kong Kitchen
290 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes

People come from all over Auckland to this tiny takeaway for the Roast Duck, Crispy Pork and BBQ Pork (done proper Hong Kong Style). But that’s not all this kitchen turns out - there are plenty of other delicious dishes to sate your most umami of desires.

Chocola
185 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes

If you remember Maria and Jose from Mexican Specialities in Ellerslie you’ll be pleased to know they’ve popped up again, this time in Glen Innes with a place called Chocola. As the name would suggest, there’s Mexican chocolate involved - in solid and drink form - but also their legendary tacos, enchiladas and other utterly addictive dishes.

Spiceland
48, Queens Road, Panmure

If you’ve ever poked your head into Spiceland and met Ruban, the super friendly owner of this amazing grocery store packed with incredible ingredients from Sri Lanka, India and South Africa, you’ll be thrilled to know they’ve opened a restaurant next door. Be sure to drop by hungry and check out the fantastic Masala Dosa, Idli, marinated meats, veggie dishes and delicious curries. The $15 all you can eat buffet on the weekends is becoming very popular, so go early!
www.spicelandrestaurant.co.nz

Little and Kitchen
18 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes

Little and Kitchen is Korean at its base, but when they say ‘fusion’ they really mean it. You can get some standards like dumplings, Korean Fried Chicken, Bibimbap and Kimchi Fried Rice but you’ll also find twists of Jamaican, American and other flavours in there too. It may sound confusing but you won’t be confused when you taste it - and immediately start working out when you can come back next.
www.facebook.com/LittleandKitchenTakeaway

Hesari Bakery
16 Queens Road, Panmure

Hesari is a treasure trove of Middle Eastern products but they are best-known for their fresh pitas and flatbreads. You’ll find all kinds of familiar and new international grocery items. Make sure you leave some extra time for fossicking.