• Hawker Roll and Beer
  • Duck salad
  • Banquet
  • Beef Rendang and Nasi lemak

Turbocharging the gastronomic rejuvenation of Takapuna

By now I am sure most will have heard the buzz about the new Madam Woo restaurant in Takapuna. Auckland's version of the popular Queenstown eatery is now open and it’s pumping. The neat thing for Takapuna is it appears that it’s not just locals enjoying the place – the new entry is drawing in people from wide and far.

The success Josh Emett and Fleur Caulton have had with their Queenstown eatery since opening in late 2013 has clearly set great foundations for the entry of Madam Woo to Auckland. This was probably best summed up in the recent Herald review, saying "Now Madam Woo will turbocharge the gastronomic rejuvenation of Takapuna”.

Before going to the Takapuna restaurant I was a Madam Woo virgin. The restaurant opened on Lake Road (beside the Anzac Street Carpark) in mid-July, and by the end of July I had been three times – twice for dinner and once for lunch. It’s fair to say I am hooked on the “big, fresh flavours inspired by traditional Malaysian hawker food” and can endorse the fact that Josh and Fleur have created a "vibrant, fun and modern setting”.

In fact it is hard to imagine that only a month or two ago the space was the neglected former home of a discount retail chain that apart from the odd ‘pop-up’ had been empty for some years. What they have done with the space is sensational. Customers are clearly loving it.

The food is a great fit for ‘beachy’ Takapuna. The menu caters for both lunch and dinner with most dishes to share.

The day a group of us went along for lunch we chose to share the smaller items such as the Pork and Lup Cheong Wontons; Tiger Prawn Dumplings; Pork and Prawn Sui Mai; Suker Spiced Sticky Chicken; Grilled Satay’s. All delish.

The four of us also shared four of the Roti Canai Style Hawker Rolls – Pulled Sticky Pork; Percik Chicken; Soy, Sesame Eggplant; Sweet and Sour Fish. These are super crisp and tasty, with the roti being similar in taste to a croissant, yum!

There is really something for everyone on the menu, but I can see the smaller eats (Xiao Chi) being popular for lunch. Very good value with most items priced at no more than $14.
The main dishes on the menu are split into two sections – 'Woo Family Favourites' and dishes they call 'Big Flavours’. Most are to be shared.

During our two dinner visits we managed to taste most of them. Four dishes make up the Woo Family Favourites – Prawn and Pork Fried Rice Noodles; Chicken Curry; Beef Rendang; Market Fish Curry. Tasty dishes to share accompanied by rice, roti, dahl or a Woo salad.

There are eight Big Flavour dishes – Laksa Soup; Duck and Cabbage Salad; Prawns; Pork Spare Ribs; Squid; Pork Belly; Tofu; Market Fish.
The setting and food makes Madam Woo an easy choice for both large and small groups. Ordering for large groups can be made easy by choosing the ‘Woo Banquet’ menus that are available. It’s not expensive.

Naughtily we’ve been ‘Woo’ed’ by the sweets at the end of all our visits. First visit I was told I had to try the Portugese Custard Tarts accompanied by some Vietnamese Drip Coffee. Second time it was the Crispy Fried Banana/Ginger Ice Cream which was very special. Third time I couldn’t resist another try of the Portugese Tarts – equally as delicious this time round! Others dining with me raved about the hand-churned ice cream (Toasted Black Sesame and Chilli or Salted Coconut and Mango).

The interesting drinks menu adds to the experience at Madam Woo. Cocktails include a Ginger Mojito and a Singapore Sling; the changing wine selection is good by the glass or bottle; the beer is from Hallertau and includes their special ‘Woo Brew’ Lager that I am rather partial to; the non-alcohol drinks include Blushing Dragon, Crouching Tiger and the must-try Vietnamese Drip Coffee.
If you haven’t been – you should. Don’t be put off if you have to wait. Relax, enjoy a drink or two at the bar before you go on through to take part in the 'gastronomic rejuvenation of Takapuna’.

- Aidan Bennett


Madam Woo – 486 Lake Rd, Takapuna. Open 7 Days for Lunch and Dinner.  
To book online visit: www.madamwoo.co.nz