Selera

Fresh off my trip from Singapore and I was in the area so I walked in here to satisfy my brief hunger with not much expectation about its taste. Everyone was slurping on laksa and I was in a mood for rice dish so I ordered the hinanese chicken rice. They served boneless dark meat and I was immediately impressed by its taste overall. The chilli sauce was well seasoned and the chicken was steamed perfectly. The service was polite and I got my food without much wait. I’ll be back.

If you are after good, honest, authentic Malaysian cuisine, then you are in for a treat at Selera! They do a damn fine chow kueh teow — the best I have had so far. Their Laksa is however my favourite. It really is top-​notch. The broth was simply perfect; the right combination of coconut milk, heat and the aroma of sambal. I love watching people at nearby tables slurping up the warm, spicy soup out of the giant bowls they come dished up in. At just $ 15 a bowl, it makes for a hearty meal — more like 3 hearty meals! So, if you can’t finish your meal, just ask for a large container (80 cts) and take the leftovers home. I’m planning on enjoying every last drop of my Laksa later on!

The best laksa in Auckland? I think so! Wow ¹⁰⁄₁₀!!!
A friend and I shared a seafood laksa. The soup was delicately fragrant, with just enough chilli heat. Perfect! We could have stopped at the shared laksa since the servings are so large. However we added kung poa fish. This dish was a little spicier but also delicious. Both highly recommended. n
I look forward to returning to Selera to try some of the other items on their menu.

Congrats Selera you’ve gone and done it again and amazed me ! Good job guys .
I luurrve char tieu kewy (sorry can never spell it) the charred flat noodle with chicken, prawns, Chinese sausage and bean sprouts. It’s up there on my top 10 favourites list, probably at n#5
I think this one is better than KK? Any takers on that ?
It’s kinda serve yourself, but there was a man running taking orders and generally keeping chaos to a minimum .
Selera is great for anytime.

Wasn’t very sure about this place when i saw how small and cramped it was. But then I tried the spicy prawn curry and nothing else mattered. It was fantastic, I’m always disappointed when I go to restaurant and order a spicy dish because they are never actually spicy at all but this dish lived up to its name. It’s a great place to visit for a cheap but tasty eat. You may have to wait because it’s quite busy during dinner time but it’s worth it and the wait isn’t normally that long

Dinner for $ 17? Yes please!!!
After reading consistently great reviews about Selera, my sister and I finally decided to try it out, as it is also close to the cinemas on Broadway.
Selera is a very casual eatery, serving no alcohol and you order at the counter, despite been given menus when you sit down. At first, this was weird and confusing for us, but the food made up for it!
I ordered the Beef Rendang ($ 14) and Coconut Rice ($ 3). I had never tried coconut rice before, but fellow Unilocaler, Anastacia O, highly recommends it in her review, so I just knew I had to try it! The Beef Rendang — wow, what a huge portion! It was incredibly tasty — full of flavour with just the right amount of spice and the best thing about it was that I had it for lunch the next day! The coconut rice was just as delicious and I would highly recommend it.
My sister ordered the Kon Low Mee ($ 13.50) consisting of pork, noodles and a yummy sauce. It was also a huge portion and bursting with flavour. She had enough for leftovers the next day too!
We visited again a few weekends’ ago and while I wanted to be a bit more adventurous, I couldn’t go past ordering the Beef Rendang and Coconut Rice combo that I enjoyed so much the first time. My sister however went with the fried rice with prawns (so good) and guess what?! — we both had leftovers for the next day! We also ordered a side of their Fried Buns (6 pieces for $ 7) for dessert — served with a condensed milk and sweet purée sauce. Perfect way to end the night!
As well as serving tasty meals, they also have a ‘help yourself’ tea station. Jugs of hot tea to accompany your meal and you can have as many cups of it as you like. Canned cold drinks (some don’t have English names which we tried) and a water cooler are also available.
Service both times has been quick and efficient and you do not have to wait long for your meals. There is always a short wait for a table (you cannot book), but I ensure you that once you try a meal at Selera’s, waiting for a table won’t even matter.

I’ll start off by saying I can’t speak to the Laksa, which I’ve heard is spectacular. I had it maybe 3 years ago and don’t remember how I felt about it. This time I wasn’t feeling like spice, so I ordered the shredded chicken with noodle (which from experience at other places is a bit like rolling the die). It was EXACTLY as advertised. Like scarily so. It looked just like the photo, and there was no surprise seafoody taste. The broth was yummy, the chicken very good quality and the noodles perfectly cooked. The décor may dissuade the passer-​by but the crowds inside say it all. I will happily be coming back to sample the Laksa. And maybe everything else, too.

I am a huge laksa fan and Selera has one of the best laksas in Auckland (I can’t decide between Selera, Mamak and KK…). Their laksa is a massive bowl of delicious hot, creamy, spicy soup filled with noddles, crunchy vegetables, tofu and a boiled egg (this is the vege laksa). It is an extremely large portion and I have found sharing a bowl with two of their tasty, fluffy roti is more than enough for two people. Unfortunately more than once I have gone in and been disappointed as they have run out of laksa (I tried really hard not to cry).
I’ve also had the Beef Rendang which is not as dry as other places and has a bit of sauce to it. It isn’t too spicy (on the mild side even) and has a lovely mix of spice flavours. The Mee Goreng is tasty and had the perfect amount of sauce so the noodles aren’t too dry however it is a bit on the spicy side. The roti is unbelievably good, light, flaky and delicious and only $ 2.50 a piece (bargain).

Best Chicken Curry Laksa noodles I’ve ever had
$ 14 for a reasonably large bowl and well worth tthe price
The wooden walls and furniture give off a vintage atmosphere
But the tables are a little sticky…

Their noodle dishes are definitely one of the best in Auckland, highly recommend their Chicken and Seafood Laska. Fried noodle is also nice. The rice dishes, on the other hand, quite average and not recommended.

Let me begin by saying, that I have been coming to Selera for a good part of 3 years now– if not longer and over that period the service, quality of food and dining experience has not wavered from its 5 star rating at all. It is truly a Newmarket staple that I will happily return to and bring friends to for lunch or dinner.
You cannot go past the Laksa — such a decent sized bowl– filled with noodles, egg, a few greens the most flavoursome coconut broth you will ever taste– topped with your choice of meat (chicken, seafood or vege) and some crispy dried onions. Lunch time special has this delight at $ 9.90, and the normal menu price it at $ 14.90. Regardless of what time of day you come– the laksa definitely promises bang for your buck. Be wary if you’re not a fan of spice or chili — you may need to ask them to make it a little more mild for you– its definitely a medium spiced dish !
If you have never tried coconut rice– Selera is the place to do it. I’m not sure how they make it exactly– but its a traditional secret that I would love to steal for my own kitchen. The rice tastes creamy but savoury at the same time– and is the perfect side dish for any of their meals. We always switch out our plain rice for coconut rice (or order it as an extra on the side).
Other side dishes you cant go past are the fried prawn wontons/​dumplings and the veges in oyster sauce. The smaller dishes you can order to share across the table (One dish will be enough for 2 – 4 people depending on whether your party are vege fanatics or not). The greens are never overcooked or soggy– they leave them with the perfect amount of crunch to match with the saltiness of the oyster sauces (which I always ask for an extra dollop of !) making them the perfect addition to your shared platter table.
Please dont be fooled by the hours listed here — Selera is open from 11am-​10pm every day of the week. Should you visit here on a lunch break, you should be prepared to leave with a food baby or to at least start drifting to sleep on your desk with 3:30-itis– guaranteed to leave here with a happy tummy.
The staff do have some limited english problems, and whilst they wouldn’t win any points for their lack of friendly banter or shortness (not rude — just very to the point) — they do their job well, are attentive to ensuring you can promptly order and receive your food in a timely manner and always remember a familiar face. Selera also offers complimentary self service green tea and water — fantastic if you’re like me and love a warm tea before indulging.
Parking is best around the back where Lonestar is, as parking outside on Khyber Pass can be difficult. It is a Pay and Display area so if you are within walking distance I would recommend beating your feet– it will help move the food after you’ve finished as well before you head back to the office.
Overall, the food here at Selera can be relied upon to be delicious day in, day out. The chefs are true to their values, flavours and menu — offering a range of asian meals of which your whole party will be able to sift through to find something that tickles their tastes buds. There really is something for everyone. ⁵⁄₅ for the best laksa in town — and my favourite place to enjoy a succulent carb fave, coconut rice.

Hands down the best Laksa I’ve had in Auckland. Great price, size and flavour. Can’t rate this place highly enough. Have had a few other dishes as well and they’ve all been great. Chicken and Vege Laksa’s are the best (haven’t tried the seafood) and I love ordering them with the vermicelli noodles instead of the larger standard noodles.

Love coming here. We come here every now and then, and I always love their chicken and rice dish. My favorite dish ever and the milk tea is to die for. Although they do make you pay before you get your meal but the food is nice, so that makes up for the inconvenience.

What’s better than a steaming bowl of noodles in a warming, curry coconut broth on a cold wintery night. Not much, in my book.
The laksa at Selera is huuuuuge. I opted for the vegetarian version, which came with plenty of broccoli and fried tofu but I must admit, the seafood version look pretty good too.
As others have mentioned the décor leaves a lot to be desired and seating is limited but, for me the portion to prices ratio more than makes up for this. Plus they have complimentary tea.
With Winter well on it’s way, I am looking forward to many more nights slurping noodles at Selera in the not too distant future.

Selera is definitely a good place to be aware of. Located at the corner of Khyber Pass and Osborne Lane, it’s a perfect spot for a Malaysian lunch or dinner when in Newmarket.
Prices are reasonable and portions are generous, an unusual combination in this big little city!
I went for the veggie laksa ($ 14): a giant bowl brimming with broccoli, fried tofu and noodles soaking in a spicy mixture of coconut milk and Selera’s homemade chili sauce (the warmth and spice was JUST what the cold winter evening called for!). Other dining mates tried the pepper squid and spring rolls and there were smiles alllll around.
Service was quick, efficient and accommodating (i.e. allowing for shrimp only seafood laksa, extra chili sauce for «non kiwi spicy» etc). They also serve complimentary hot tea, which is much appreciated.
The décor/​space itself is pretty average and the seating area limited (although they do have some outdoor seating which is popular in the warmer months). Also, they have waiter/​waitress service yet you must pay directly after ordering which I found slightly awkward. Either order and pay at the till or have table service (just my humble opinion).
Good to know: No credit cards accepted (EFTPOS only).

Laksa has now been added to my culinary vocabulary! It shall be had and repeated often, thanks to the quality serving I received at Selera. Unassuming from the outside but jam packed on the inside. Boy if this place were in SF, there would easily be a 45 minute wait. Lucky you Auckland.
Having never sampled Malaysian cuisine, I hopped on the band-​wagon and ordered what everyone else was getting. It seemed to be the restaurants specialty as several people were eating laksa in the dining area. A bowl that looked like something out of Super Size Me, came out piping hot filled with thick noodles, plump shrimp, scallions, and bread crumbs all settled in a spicy coconut curry. It reminded me of Tom Yum. Yummy!
I ordered the seafood laksa, requesting only shrimp. Yes you can do that; one in our party ordered squid only. For you veggie folks they also have a vegetable option, which I must say looked AHmazing! For those who enjoy a milder flavor, go with the Auckland spicy. For those who enjoy a little heat proceed with the authentic spice, it’s aromatic, warming and coating on the pallet.
Spring rolls are a weakness of mine, so I couldn’t resist ordering. They come in a pair with a home made sweet & sour sauce. They are juicy vegetable roles, crunchy but not fried to a crisp and hot right out of the pan. The sauce was absolutely perfect! This turned out to be a scrumptious hot meal for under $ 20.00!
No real complaints here though they do need to fix the front door. It kept staying ajar and as winter has suddenly arrived here that cold breeze was not welcome.
They offer hot tea self service at the front counter. They also ask that you pay for your meal after ordering instead of after dining. I will most certainly return to try another laksa, along with other items on their menu. Everything smelled delicious and was ever so mouthwatering.

We went to Selera for a Sunday lunch. It is always packed so be prepared to wait or share a table with others.
It is really fast paced and has a somewhat traditional feel. We both had the laksa. One chicken and one seafood.
The laksa broth was well seasoned and tasty. A real depth of flavour and spicy. The chicken laksa had a good amount of chicken and noodles and the seafood laksa has squid, fish balls, crab nuggets and prawns.
Definitely one of the best laksa’s in Auckland.

Ordered the Mummy chicken and it was delicious. Sweet and sour pork was also good. Daughter ordered this. Broccoli steamed with soy sauce as veggie. Two drinks. Altogether $ 40 bucks. Place is a real Newmarket institution.
You will hear many dialects in this place. I think it is good because real Malaysians run it.

Selera is my favourite. And within selera salt and pepper squid is my favorite. It’s fantastic.

I once was an extra in this short film. It was a wedding scene and a Malaysian man was playing my father in the scene. In between takes I was asking him about the best Malaysian food in Auckland. He had three restaurants in mind, and one of them was Selera.
I’ve been there a couple of times and had the Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is one of my favourite things. It’s pretty good there. The chicken is tender and there are lots of bean sprouts and the sauce is light. I’ve also had the Char Kway Teow which is greasy as, but delicious. The décor is a bit average but it’s cheap and easy and quick.
They sell 1L bottles of Keri juice in the fridge, which I think is kind of funny. Economical, but kind of funny.