WellingtonEat & Drink
Four young adults enjoy drinks and food in a booth table under a large window inside Chow, on Tory Street.

Chow

  • Location

    45 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington

  • Website
    Chow

Upstairs on Tory Street, you'll find a restaurant famous for Asian fusion feasts and inventing a cocktail.

Tasty Asian cuisine designed to share is Chow's objective. Cantonese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian influences populate the Tory Street restaurant’s menu. Since opening in 2001, the offering has evolved further. Indian flavours have crept in, and the menu is now roughly one-third plant-based.

Despite its central location, there’s an air of mystery about Chow. An enticing balcony is the only thing visible from street level. When you climb the staircase, you’ll find yourself in a chic, vibrant dining area. It’s a large space, yet Chow feels warm and intimate.

Four friends enjoy Asian fusion dishes at Chow in Wellington.
A spread of Asian fusion dishes and cocktails on a table.
Four friends sit in a booth by a window, enjoying food and drinks at Chow in Wellington.
A variety of Asian fusion dishes at Chow in Wellington.

The restaurant is broken up into snug areas using a series of partition walls and different floor levels. This set-up makes for a versatile space. You'll find cosy corners that make a romantic spot for two, or open spaces for large groups or celebrations. Between the booths and tables, Chow can seat 170. While it's always best to book ahead, the large capacity does mean you can drop in and get lucky.

Seasoned Wellingtonians have firm favourites on the menu that keep them coming back. Blue cheese and peanut wontons, Korean fried chicken, and pork bao buns are world-famous in Wellington. The restaurant also has special offers. Some are regular and offer affordable deals for two. Others are occasional, like the vegan takeovers where the chefs have fun creating 100% plant-based menus. You’ll need to check the website to see what’s coming up.

Another claim to fame is the rosebud cocktail. It’s a delectable mix of vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lemon, pineapple, and cranberry juices. It was created onsite at Chow. Co-owner Rob Scott is very proud of the invention’s fame. “Now you can go anywhere in New Zealand and ask for one.”

Vegetable spring rolls with cos lettuce and sweet chilli dipping sauce.
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