October is Taste of Takapuna month, a celebration of all the wonderful places to eat and drink in Takapuna. This year, we’re issuing a CHALLENGE: can you try all of these must-try dishes?
For every dish you try, we’re giving you the chance to WIN a $250 Takapuna dining voucher to help you try more of the delicious eateries our neighbourhood has to offer.
So what are you waiting for? On your marks … get set … EAT!
HOW IT WORKS:
Below is all of the Taste of Takapuna Must-Try Dishes, and a downloadable list that you can save to your device. Each time you try one of the dishes below, you get another chance to win!
How to enter …
- Download
the Taste of Takapuna: Must-Try Dishes list HERE (or follow along below) - Visit and order
from any of the Must-Try businesses during October 2025 - ENTER ONLINE
Take a picture of the dish, and upload it in our online entry form with your details
… and you’re in to WIN!
Each dish = one entry, so the more dishes you try in October, the more chances you have to win!
SPOT PRIZES: Share your photo on social media, and tag us ( @ilovetakapuna ) AND the business, and you’ll ALSO be in the draw to win a weekly $50 dining voucher!
T’s and C’s apply. Entries open from 1-31 October 2025 only.
MEET THE MUST-TRY DISHES OF 2025:
Kumamoto Tonkotsu pork broth served with Samurai Katsu Skewers, tamago, kikurange, and our house-crafted ramen.
Stacked with a juicy smashed Angus beef patty, crispy bacon, golden chips, gooey mozzarella, and smothered in rich, savoury gravy, mustard mayo and crunchy onion rings for the ultimate sweet-meets-smoky bite. Big, bold, and unapologetically indulgent.
Your choice of RecSogalbi-Jjim-Braised beef ribs, Bulgogi-Marinated beef, Yangnyeom Chicken-sweet & spicy crispy fried chicken, Jang-eo-grilled eel with teriyaki sauce, or Chicken Katsu Curry-Breaded chicken cutlet served with curry sauce.
Soft, golden roti filled with your choice of slow-cooked beef, BBQ pork, crispy chicken or teriyaki tofu, topped with fresh vegetables, pickles, onion, coriander and a touch of sriracha mayo — a perfect harmony of fresh, vibrant, delicious flavours.
BB fried chicken thigh, bacon jam, Buffalo sauce, Swiss cheese, slaw, BB pickles & herb mayo.
Perfect for the whole family! One whole bird of our secret-recipe Nashville Fried Chicken with your choice of two heat levels (we recommend Hot—the way it was designed to be enjoyed) and four sides of your choice. (Gluten Free upon request!)
Tender pork ribs marinated in our signature passionfruit-infused BBQ sauce, then slow-cooked to perfection.
Served with a side, sauce and salad.
A hearty corn pie – Chile on a plate! Traditionally, it features a flavorful mix of seasoned beef, onions, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, sometimes with juicy chicken pieces, baked under a creamy purée of fresh corn until golden and slightly caramelized on top.
Crispy spring roll pastry filled with feta, spinach, and drizzled with sweet-tart pomegranate molasses.
Braised lamb, cheese, onions, coriander, Green sauce, Lamb consomme and lemon on the side.
Chargrilled Beef wrapped in Betal leaves, served with fine vermicelli noodles, salad and pickled veggies, and dipping fish sauce.
Belgian waffle, Southern-Style fried chicken, bacon, Sriracha maple syrup.
Get up close & personal with our Fried Chicken Waffle.
Handcrafted with pork loin, this crispy KING katsu impresses with its size and satisfies with its hearty flavor.
Poached eggs served on Greek yogurt, lentils, Bean hummus, rye sourdough, spicy zatar mix, chilli butter, fresh parsley and dill garnishing.
Traditional Brazilian cheese bread—gluten-free. It’s cheesy, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and made with tapioca flour.
Available in: classic cheese, sweet-filled (guava paste or dulce de leche) or large cheese with sausage!
High Tea is back! Includes 90 mins of unlimited tea, coffee, and matcha alongside Luna’s high tea treats.
Spaces are limited each weekend only (10am / 12.30pm / 3pm) with a min. 2 per table booking.
Enjoy two of our most iconic creations, the dishes that first put Nanam Takapuna on the map.
Wagyu Beef “Longganisa” – Wagyu Beef and Lemongrass Sausage Taco / herbs / peanuts / pickles.
Pork “Lechon” – Apple & artichoke sarsa / cucumber / truffle oil.
Foveaux Paua Arancini / parmesan custard / dashi / black rice / paired with Bluff Gin.
Our best-selling dish at Renkon. Fresh salmon marinated in our signature house-made teriyaki sauce, served over rice and stir-fried vegetables. A perfect balance of flavour, comfort, and tradition in each bowl.
One of OG dishes – the famous MONSTER NACHOS available with Birria Beef, Adobo Chicken or Chili Braised Jackfruit. Topped with chilli con queso, melted colby jack cheese, pico de gallo, pink onion, coriander, avocado crema, salsa roja, chipotle mayo & jalapeños.
House-smoked Big Glory Bay smoked salmon on kumara rosti, being popular in our proudly local cafe for over 29 years.
Best Weekday Lunch Deal In Takapuna: Your choice of – one snack, main, and coffee, tea, juice or soft drink.
Available Tuesday to Friday, 11:30am-3pm
LCHF Blueberry Protein Pancakes – Our famous LCHF Blueberry Protein Pancake is light, fluffy and packed with goodness to keep you fueled all day. A low-carb treat that’s super filling and absolutely delicious, so you can savour every bite.
Whole-wheat & buckwheat noodles, rich in fibre and flavour. Customise your bowl with toppings, enjoy authentic Japanese solo booths and nature-inspired dining. A bowl that lightens your heavy soul.
Bibimbap served in a sizzling hot stone pot. The crispy rice at the bottom, mixed with various toppings and gochujang, remains piping hot until the end of the meal.
House-made waffle with bacon, fried chicken, fresh seasonal fruit and organic Canadian maple syrup.
Can YOU try them all? 🤩😋
Check out all the other fantastic places to eat and drink around Takapuna in our full directory here, and don’t forget to VOTE for your favourite Hospo buinesses this month in our Taste of Takapuna People’s Choice Awards!