Since it opened just over a year ago, NZ Tang, located on Takapuna’s Hurstmere Road, has quickly developed a reputation as a place to go for authentic Chinese cuisine in a stylish setting. We find out what drives the team at NZ Tang…
Derek Ng, owner and creator of the distinctive two-storey restaurant, says, “The environment you eat in is important. We have endeavoured to create a space where you can relax and enjoy real Chinese food, at a realistically affordable cost and in a stress-free atmosphere.
“However, we also wanted to make it relatable to people who are not Chinese and we want our guests to be able to try something different, so we have incorporated different elements that run right through the building’s design. Everything you see in the restaurant is tailor-made.
“All the calligraphies on the wall come from our concept to mix western and Chinese: East meets West. Our music is a mix of English, French and Mandarin sounds, all aimed at complementing the dining experience; not overwhelming it."
Downstairs, NZ Tang has a small stage where Derek places a guitar and microphone. He says, “Some of our customers do like to play the guitar from time to time. They are welcome to sing a song but of course, they must sound good."
NZ Tang’s fish tank is the first thing you see as you make your way to the upstairs lounge. Lining the opposite wall, numerous Chinese artists paint brushes evoke a feeling of the Orient meeting the Occident. Derek says, “The brushes are authentic but, like the other features in the restaurant it is not a Chinese design but a design with Chinese elements.
“People are always looking for value for money, but we still need to deliver quality, so we use only the best ingredients in our meals, all locally sourced. New Zealand has great produce, meat and exceptional seafood. When we combine these ingredients with Chinese seasoning and culinary expertise, we create a magical dining experience. Also, we never sit still; we constantly fine tune our meals, which are based on traditional Chinese cuisine.”
Derek takes pride in offering value for money. He says, “Weekdays, we do a $10 lunch where you can get a decent basic working lunch. From Tuesday to Thursday, one of our most popular promotions is our one-dollar oysters. Our evening main meals range from $23 to $39 and our chef, who comes from Fuzhou in China, puts an enormous effort into these dishes.
“We offer a number of Chinese favourites such as Gua Bao Rou, a North Eastern style crispy pork dish. Others include Shuizhu Niurou, which features Angus beef with Sichuan pepper; Gongpao Jiding, where we spice free range chicken thighs with chili, ginger and garlic; and Zhenjiang Spare Ribs, slow braised pork ribs with black vinegar and white sesame seeds. Our extensive beverage range features special cocktails and mocktails, plus beer on tap. We also serve flower teas from China."
Derek has worked in hospitality his entire life and has operated restaurants across Asia, the USA and in Australia. He says, “I have always enjoyed working in this industry and this is my first restaurant in New Zealand. I grew up in Hong Kong and I have lived in New Zealand for two years."
Derek loves living and working on the North Shore. He says, “This is one of the most beautiful places in the world and the people are so friendly. That is just as well because this industry takes a lot of energy. It is a tough market and that makes us more determined to provide a quality dining experience at a great price and maybe just a little bit of mystery.
“Most of our regular customers live nearby. Our Facebook page has 2000 friends and we are a presence on Instagram. We hire the restaurant for events. Tomorrow, we have an event for 40 people upstairs. The restaurant can seat 80 people.
“Some customers just want somewhere quiet to come to enjoy their meal. We want that but we also want the food to exceed their expectation. This is what we want to deliver.”
NZ Tang Bar & Restaurant, 152 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Contact 09 930 0999 www.epicureanml.co.nz
Open seven days, 11.30-3pm; 5-10pm
