There was something different, something exciting in the air on what would be a typically mundane Tuesday in Wellington. This day, 28 April 2020, was the first day that Kiwi’s were released from Level 4 Lockdown, easing into Level 3.
I haven’t written much about the impact of COVID 19 on me during New Zealand’s lockdown, primarily because I haven’t had much to say over the past four weeks. Despite popular belief, sometimes saying nothing is completely fine. I’ve spent most of my time lightly occupied by doing the odd bit of baking, watching Masterclass, revisiting old films like Gone With the Wind and Doctor Zhivago, and taking plenty of walks. I’ve also developed an addiction to jacket potatoes.
Today, our first at the new Government enforced standard - continuing social-distancing, but allowing takeaway - was like New Year’s Eve. After five weeks at Level 4, the world had become restless (if none of this makes any sense, see New Zealand’s website all about coronavirus - COVID19.govt.nz). People hovered near all kinds of eateries, walking along Oriental Parade at sunset, and there was crackling energy. We're blessed with stunning late Autumn sunshine after a somewhat miserable Summer. It is lovely to see the local people of Wellington strolling around in the sunlight, smiles beaming across their faces. Sanity has been restored for the Wellingtonian, knowing that he or she can get a ‘proper’ coffee now (provided that they don’t mind queuing for 30 minutes while remaining two meters apart from one another).
Which leads me to the question: what am I personally most excited about re-opening - takeaway-wise - during this new holy period? Reader, I must inform you that I am a creature of habit, and what I will admit to being excited about re-opening is no new-fangled food trend. For me, it’s all about the classics, done well. I have eaten takeaways in Wellington over many years now, and I know the places I like to go to over and over. I feel that being able to trust what is dished up consistently is part of the joy. Please allow me to share with you my five favourite takeaway joints and what makes them my tried-and-true-ride-or-dies.
1. Curry - Taste of India (Runner-up: Saffron Haveli)
Introduced to me by my best friends Maria Moran and Hayley Sproull as a teenager, for me, there is no other curry I’ve ever tasted anywhere in the world which tops Taste of India on Cambridge Terrace. We used to order masses of it and eat until our stomachs ached, and we were drunk on flavour. Little has changed. A somewhat grubby hole in the wall joint, nowadays Matt and I swear by their butter chicken, garlic naan, and lamb saagwala. In 2018 we went to Brick Lane in London and were sorely disappointed. It wasn’t a patch on Taste of India. The hot smoldering kitchen lures people from all over Wellington. They don’t need a restaurant; they don’t need a website; they’ll make you wait 40 minutes; heck - sometimes you get rough and ready service on the phone. It doesn’t matter. This takeaway is the real deal. Hot, smokey, delicious. A must-try. You can’t compare.
2. Thai - PhuThai Esarn
Maria Moran and I have had many happy dates eating spicy tofu and Nam Tok beef. The lime infused, fresh flavours of PhuThai Esarn have made it my go-to again and again. While some Thai restaurants can be greasy and busy with large sloppy BYO’s, PhuThai Esarn has a quiet, refined simplicity and a robust and consistent menu. I am somewhat obsessed with their veggie-tofu mix. In my opinion, the best Thai in Wellington and always reliable.
3. Fish & Chips - Wellington Trawling Fish & Chips (Wellington Seamarket)
I hate greasy fish and chips. I’ve been to plenty of chippies around Wellington, which sadly have left me disappointed and with a sore tum. For traditional fish and chips which deliver, Wellington Seamarket is the best. Crumbed or battered, their portions are fair and not over oily. Their fries are a square, extended cut, and they offer the necessary crab sticks and deep-fried pineapple that is synonymous with Kiwi’ fush n’ chups.’ If you enjoy the classic done the way you remember as a kid, this is the place to go. Fish is always delicate and fresh, and while I’d prefer that they sold Heinz, there is still a reliable stock of Watties on hand at the counter.
4. Pizza - Pizza Pomodoro (Runner-up: Mediterranean Foods)
A thin crispy base. Dancing ingredients. Sparkling fragrant herbs. If you want authentic Italian style pizza, Pizza Pomodoro is your best bet in the city. Famous for their hand-rolled Neapolitan pizza, Pizza Pomodoro pizza’s are baked fresh in their wood-fired oven and certified by Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana. My favorites are their Quattro Formaggio, Inferno, and - arguably boring but my must adored staple - the classic Margherita. Close your eyes and think of Napoli!
5. Burgers and Meat - The Greek Food Truck (Runner-up: Burger Fuel & Burger Wisconsin)
I am loyal to the core when it comes to The Greek Food Truck. If it’s good enough to eat at my wedding, its good enough for Level 3 lockdown. George and Sophie are the masters at combining fresh, locally sourced ingredients and playing with the taste of greek food. Their lamb souvlaki has rave reviews and the halloumi burger must be tasted to be truly appreciated. I am so excited to get my jaws around one of those flavoursome Gyros, stuffed with lamb, tzatziki, onions, tomato, salad, and garlic. Once you go greek, you’ll never want to go back.
Honorable mentions go to the humble burger, made glam-rock by Burger Fuel, and the burger of my childhood, Burger Wisconsin. I will forever love your Chicken, Cranberry, and Camembert burger.