Halal-friendly eateries
Wellington's culinary scene celebrates all cultures and cuisines. You don't have to venture far to find halal-friendly eateries in fact, we've compiled a list for you to make it even easier.
Istana Malaysia
1 Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Head to Istana Malaysia to experience traditional Malaysian cuisine. Meals are cooked to order using fresh and authentic ingredients. Owner and chef, Danny Arulandu has over 25 years of experience in Malaysian cuisine and imports his spices directly from Malaysia. From spicy satay and invigorating soups to indulgent banquets, Istana Malaysia's menu reflects the full spectrum of the Malay kitchen.
Monsoon Poon
12 Blair Street, Te Aro, Wellington
A vibrant Southeast Asian restaurant, Monsoon Poon serves up the flavours of India, South China, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia - all on one menu.
A favourite in the capital since it opened in 2001, the restaurant’s chilli-hot firecracker chicken is legendary. The restaurant has a fun, bustling atmosphere with the chefs doing their thing in the open kitchen in full view of the diners. The kitchen stays open until 10pm which makes Monsoon Poon a popular late-night dining option.
Tulsi
135 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Tulsi is an old favourite Indian eatery amongst locals and regular visitors to Wellington. The first restaurant was opened on Cuba Street in 1999 and followed by more restaurants around Wellington and a line of take home ready-meals.
Owner Monty Patel puts the success of Tulsi down to an approach of both “quality and quantity”, which has kept people coming back time and time again. Tulsi is a great place for a casual or celebratory dinner and the BYO license means you can take along your favourite bottle of Martinborough pinot noir to enjoy with your meal.
Aunty Mena's Vegetarian
167 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Aunty Mena's Vegetarian Café is a much-loved, classic staple in any local vegetarian’s diet. In a prime Cuba Street location, Aunty Mena’s provides a simple dining experience in humble space with a graffiti mural on the wall.
The menu features a huge array of affordable Asian-inspired dishes packed with a generous serving of fresh vegetables and there’s a variety of mock-meat dishes that may have you double-checking it’s not the real thing. Comforting and nourishing food that feeds the soul – Aunty Mena’s is not to be missed by vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Masala Cafe & Bar
12 Allen Street, Te Aro, Wellington
A busy Indian restaurant in the heart of the Courtenay Place party precinct, Masala is a popular place to begin a night out.
The restaurant has a colourful and warm vibe and is a great place for a get together. The friendly staff are adept at handling large groups, but bookings are recommended. Take along a bottle of wine to enjoy with your dinner and order up your favourite curry (the butter chicken is very good here) or try something new.
Charley Noble
1 Post Office Square, Wellington
Showcasing wood-fired cooking, local ingredients, organic wine and craft beer, Charley Noble is the perfect place to experience Wellington on a plate.
Their Zesti wood-fired chargrill and rotisserie is the first of its kind in New Zealand from which the delicious smoky flavour details meats and vegetables throughout their menu.
Also a haven for lovers of seafood, Charley Noble features freshly shucked oysters, fire-grilled line-caught market fish and a wine to match every dish. Charley Noble has won awards for both their food and drinks menus.
Marrakech cafe
305 Evans Bay Parade, Hataitai , Wellington
Take your partner, family or friends to Marrakech cafe and dine in a truly Moroccan atmosphere. You'll find an array of Moroccan dishes created using local ingredients by head chef Abdel. Born in Marrakech, with an Arabic and Berber background, Abdel began cooking in the famous Jamal El Fana market after learning from his mother in the family kitchen. Go in and experience authentic Moroccan cuisine for yourself.
PappaRich
3B/1 Grey Street, Wellington CBD
PappaRich is a modern take on the traditional coffee shops in Malaysia. Their food reflects the balance and harmony of the different cultures that have combined to give the unique taste of Malaysian cuisine. PappaRich uses an authentic mix of herbs, spices, fresh produce and traditional recipes. Generally spicy and always flavourful, taste the fragrant combination of flavours for yourself.
Garuda truck and eatery
12 Majoribanks Street, Mt Victoria , Welligton
Garuda serves mouth-watering and authentic Indonesian food. Owner Bee, is his happiest when sharing his family's cuisine with Wellington. Known for their tasty dishes and generous portion sizes, the mie goreng, nasi goreng are particularly crowd favourites. Dine in at their Mount Victoria restaurant or find their food truck at various markets around the city.
Rātā
53 Waiapu Road, Karori , Wellington
Rātā is the perfect spot to relax for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon bite, or anything in between. Located in the Zealandia Eco Santuary, all proceeds contribute to the conservation work that is done. Here you can enjoy stunning views over the valley, birdsong and native wildlife at your doorstep. Rātā's menu consists of modern New Zealand cuisine that is not only delicious, but gives back to the earth. If ingredients cannot be grown in their on-site vegetable garden they search locally for organic, free-range and sustainable sources.
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