The Blue Breeze Inn

Trendy place serving nouveau Chinese food. There is trendy loud music. The garlic fried «shell on» black tiger prawns was good. The hot and numbing ground wild boar with water chestnut was very good. Kai Kan was a bit tough. Steamed bun of of roast porky belly was also God. The steamed prawn and pork wonton were OK.

The cocktails are amazing — my wife had a delicious cocktail that had a real rose in it. She was happy about that. I had a pork bun and some dumplings. I’ll be back. Delicious.

Prior to landing in Auckland, I did a quick survey of some of the kiwis seated around me on the flight from LAX to get a feel for whether or not there was a must visit restaurant in the city. While some may have been influenced by the suggestions made prior to their own, four of six agreed that The Blue Breeze Inn was an absolute must visit, and I’m certainly glad I heeded their aggregate advice.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
Having heard that there can at times be a lengthy wait for seating even though there’s abundant space, I arrived at Blue Breeze Inn around midday on Sunday, and even then took note of the fact that the place was quite frequented already. I was seated immedietly and tended to by one of the friendliest gentlemen I’ve yet encountered, and I appreciated that he was up for a bit of banter as opposed to just going through the motions. I placed my order heeding a bit of his advice and found that I was served within roughly ten minutes, which was excellent.
The décor at Blue Breeze Inn threw me off a bit. Is it Asian fusion? Well, yes I suppose, but there’s also a bit of a South Pacific Island vibe as well? Things make a bit more sense if you look at the menu, which is exactly what you might call a blend of traditional Cantonese Asian and South Pacific Island. It’s interesting, but as you’ll see — it works. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
As others have stated, Blue Breeze Inn isn’t cheap, but they don’t skimp on the portions either. While I was initially taken aback a bit by a price tag of NZ$ 10.00 for a roasted pork belly bun, this was without a doubt the largest pork bao I’ve ever seen or consumed. The NZ$ 18.00 Bang Bang Chili Chicken was a truly massive portion of chicken, and on the recommendation of my waiter I had it with a complimentary heaping portion of steamed rice. The sticker shock may be a factor, but know that it’s well worth it. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
Both of these dishes were excellent. To start, the massive Pork Belly Bao was flavorful and unique given the roasted nature of the pork belly, which resulted in a very crispy exterior skin that paired with a fatty cut of meat and some flavorful pork. While it was a bit heavy on the cilantro in my opinion this was easily dealt with by removing a few pieces.
While Blue Breeze is known for their bao, it was the Chili Chicken dish that really surprised me. For starters, the dish is cool, but meshes exceptionally well with piping hot steamed white rice. There’s certainly a kick here given the chili peppers, but that kick was offset by the heaping portion of chicken and enhanced by the generous quantity of onions. Excellent. Dual Stars Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
My visit to The Blue Breeze Inn was among my best dining experiences in Auckland, and like those who sat around me on my flight from Los Angeles, I’d highly recommend it to anyone. Star Granted.

I’ve been to Blue Breeze before but didn’t take enough notice of the experience to write a review — I do remember it being very good.
I went again with a friend yesterday and it was just as good as I remember. We made a booking online which was easy and hassle free — and it’s a good idea to book here if you don’t want to wait for a table or sit at the bar. Thumbs up for an easy online booking system.
I’m sure the first time I came here the theme was modern Chinese fusion and it now seems to have some Hawaiian/​Pacific theme going on as well which just doesn’t work. But the service is acceptable and the food more than makes up for it. Plus they have awesome table set up and utensils.
We had a whole bunch of small appetisers as none of the bigger plates took our fancy. Steamed pork and shrimp wontons, steamed tiger prawn dumplings, bang bang chicken, wok fried brocolli. All of them were excellent. I didn’t find the spice level to be as hot as advertised but that would be the only gripe. The steamed wontons were amazing — far better than I expected. Oh and we had a pork bun each which is semi deconstructed and done really well.
The service was OK. Nothing to write home about. Our waiter was professional but not overly friendly or engaging — probably a French thing. The wine was good value (had a bottle of French red).

very authentic chinese food embodied in a posh western style presentation. the wonton, dumplings, chinese steamed bread, tofu, bangbang chicken, and roasted duck are recomended. plus the cable bay chardonnay.

The second you walk into the door you know its good. Great ambience. Has a bar to have casual drinks as well as multiple types of tables throughout the restaraunt. Ordered the famous steamed pork buns OMG amazing! The contrasting textures and flavours are to die for. Also had the half duck and it was delicious. Crispy skin and so tender. Ordered the spinach in sesame oil. Had a bit too much ginger I believe. Ginger is quite strong and it took over slightly. The waitress also recommended cocktails that were on special so we decided to go for it. They didn’t compliment the meal whatsoever. A rich coconut, espresso, chocolate type cocktail. We said we were not happy with them and she gave us a refund for the cocktails and she was very apologetic, apart from that she provided great service throughout. Highly recommend!

This night pales in comparison to the previous 4 times I have been here. Tonight the dumplings were soupy, the prawns covered in salty sambal and the bok choy really large and chewy. The only good thing on this night was the Tofu bun which was amazing. A very disappointing meal. I hope this is a one off or I’ll be going to Mee Kong Baby. The service was tentative and wine menu good and it was great to get to sit at the Chefs table and watch the Chefs. I took the opportunity also to chat to one of the Sous Chefs.

I must have tried 75% of the menu since they opened. Fantastic food that always consistent along with the service.
Bang bang chicken! You got to try it

Last night I experienced my first evening meal at the Blue Breeze. I arrived prior to my dinner companions. I was warmly welcomed, my coat was taken, and I was shown to my table. Thence forth I couldn’t fault anything relative to the food or the service.
BUT having agreed that we would all like to order dessert and coffee we were told we had to VACATE our table!
Now I know many restaurants observe the two sittings rule, but having made a prior reservation for 6.30pm we weren’t informed that we needed to be done and dusted in order to accommodate the «second sitting»!!!
So instead of ordering desserts, coffees (and had it not been a school night — quite possibly another bottle of wine!) we obediently vacated our table, paid and left the premises.
We were all quite unimpressed. I don’t think I’ll be heading back any time soon, just as a matter of principle!!!

Love love love this place
Amazing food. Super friendly staff.
It’s always busy but they still manage to keep it fun and friendly
Asian fusion — there’s are nice mix of traditional and modern

First long time I wanted to go there, but always queue, always full, so after more than 2 years leaving fifty meters away, finally decided to go. Was feeling pretty negative about the place don’t know why, just a feeling. And finally got a table, and then all the positives came out, the service was nice and smiley, and the choice of food it’s good. And actually very tasty. Small Asian fusion tapas, made fast and seems very fresh. Dumplings are a killer and the duck is just plain yummy. All surrounded with an awesome service. Just downside, I am so full now after the chocolate lava, that I am gonna explose so I need to. Stop writting :)) bottom line nice place to go.

I am obsessed with this restauant! I adore the décor, it’s done so well and you really feel like you’ve escaped Auckland and landed in Hawaii or a Pacific paradise of some form! Although quite loud inside, it adds to the atmosphere and general buzz of the restaurant.
As a tofu lover, I seriously appreciate the vegetarian options on the menu, which offers something for everyone! And the drinking coconuts are an absolute must to really top off your dining experience and ensure the feeling that you’ve escaped to somewhere that isn’t Ponsonby Road.
Been here a few times and will be returning many more, love it!

I have heard only great things about blue breeze, my experience had great company, beautiful food, a busy atmosphere and unfortunately the rudest service I have ever experienced. It’s such a shame when one individual lets down an entire team.
Regardless the food was beautiful, but I won’t be going back.

I am a big fan of Asian food but I was a bit disapontined by what we got. Pork and duck was good but not great. Drinks were well priced — especially the wine considering the quality. Maybe try again — pork buns where OK.

«Modern Pacific Chinese» reads the business card of newest eatery on the Ponsonby strip, The Blue Breeze Inn. The stylish abode has a Southern Asian interior mixed with a 50’s Pacifica charm. The quirky restaurant is bright and open with floor to ceiling windows and delicate lampshades hanging over every table.
Its fusion cuisine reflects a Pacifica theme mixed with Asian methods of cookery, flavour and ingredients. All the plates are designed for sharing. I like and I don’t like this place. Its fusion combinations don’t excite me as its not original by making your everyday shui mai and har gau dumplings.
It keeps with the Pacifica theme by using alternative meats and seafood not commonly used in Southern Asian cuisine such as boar, tua tua and lamb. The menu also caters to vegetarians with most dishes having the option to be altered.
The prices reflect the majority of the dishes based on the portion size and the clientele, which i find to fit the more corporate clientele, who have the money to spend at a place like this. However for an average diner, three dumplings for $ 9 and $ 8 for one pork or chicken bun is a tad costly.
This place will suit you if you don’t mind spending money on over priced items, when you can get better value for your money in most authentic Chinese restaurants.
Rating
Food: 7.5÷10
Service: ⁷⁄₁₀
Value for Money: Average
146 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Opening Hours: Mon-​Fri 12pm-​Late

To the person behind recruiting staff at Blue Breeze Inn, you nailed it! One does ofcourse demand a great service everywhere, but this was much more than that. It was a personalised experience.
We turned up at their doorsteps, three girls no reservation on a very busy cold Saturday night. We were seated at the bar promptly, which turned out to be really fun watching gorgeous drinks being mixed. The bartender (they normally look angry and deaf but not this one) walked us through food menu and made few suggestions, as he so casually continued whipping cocktails in coconuts. We ordered the non alcoholic coconut drink… mind blowing!
Then came the tiger prawns dumplings (a must have), bang bang chicken (most popular dish for a reason we ordered it again in the same sitting), the lamb was really tender (quite a rich brothy type dish) and finally we got the fried shell crab. The latter was sadly a disappointment, it was just oil seeping through every bite. We decided to tell the waitress our feedback, surprisingly she came back from the kitchen to offer us a replacement on the house since we didn’t enjoy this dish. Well done BBI.
I personally like the food, I appreciate them thinking outside the box pairing jelly fish with chicken (bang bang chicken) but i think it is an aquired taste. Go with someone who likes to experiment with food and believes that sour is the new savoury. You will not be disappointed.

Came here a few nights ago for a celebratory dinner– after hearing it was a good restaurant from a hospo-​in-​the-​know. Unfortunately we were running late on our end, and they had given away our reservation (fair enough) but fortunately they were able to find us a seat near the kitchen– which was not a bad spot. Loved looking into the woks and food being prepped.
Loved the décor– felt like I was really in South East Asia and waiters were great– a fan of the Hawaiian style shirts.
Had one of the pork and prawn steamed wontons– which were beautiful and tasty.
The Bang bang chicken was spicy– but not too much– and tasty with jellyfish (curious!) cucumber with black vinegar and sesame chilli dressing.
They do online bookings for tables less than 8, so got a table for 7 (another time) in the main section with a couched area and backless stools. Tried a mix of their spicy and non-​spicy dishes. They had really cool pyramid shaped fried taro dumplings with peking duck sauce. Really interesting. Also yumcha style bamboo baskets with steamed black tiger prawn and sesame dumplings. Their stir-​fried wagyu beef was very well cooked and practically fell off the bone, which was divine. Was cooked in a dark soy, Sichuan pepper and chilli stew with an interesting addition of mandarin.
After reading their dessert menu, we couldn’t resist and got their six thick, big cookies– 3 chocolate chip and 3 double choc chip. Had to try their very unique mandarin jelly. Came on a plate with almost weightless coconut vanilla marshmallow as well as pineapple tapioca and ginger. Also had to order their peanut butter soft serve as it sounded delicious. Definitely my fave sweet treat– with it’s jelly, crunchy honeycomb peanuts and chocolate cookie crumbs. Beautiful.
Book in advance and definitely visit– delicious

I was so excited to finally visit this new posh place in Ponsonby. It was packed with people when we arrived, but luckily we got a table outside. We ordered Pork and prawn Shumai ($ 8), Pork belly bun ($ 8) and a Spicy hot pot of beef shin ($ 30). Boy it was expensive! $ 8 for a small bun with a piece of cucumber and pork belly? Although the skin was crispy and refreshing, I wouldn’t pay this much for it. Other foods were just so so and I am not sure if I want to try others… Maybe I am better off with cheap & delicious chinese Yum cha.
Service and the mood was fantastic. Little cold on outside seats though.

I was super keen to try Blue Breeze Inn, having heard some amazing things about it. It definitely didn’t disappoint. We had a booking — I didn’t make it, and arrived a little bit late due to some work drinks, so I’m not sure if our friends had to wait at all to be seated. They seemed in good spirits and didn’t mention anything, so I’m sure it was all good there.
They’ve got a great selection of cocktails and craft beer. I was a little bit overwhelmed by the drinks list, so maybe don’t rush straight into it like I did. Take your time. Next time I definitely want to try a cocktail!
We ordered the dumplings, the pork buns, the ribs, the eggplant. and something else I’ve forgotten. It was all amazing. Everything is a stand out. And those RIBS! I think my FB status was dedicated to those ribs as I left. They’re not ribs, they’re basically pork belly and smothered in a more-​ish sauce. So much meat, and it just falls off the bone. A must.
The dessert… Yeah, I wouldn’t rave about it. And I probably wouldn’t order it again — I’d rather order another main dish and gorge on that. It wasn’t that it wasn’t good, but considering the main dishes are SO good, why use up valuable stomach space on dessert.

I was lucky enough to dine up the back in the «Jacuzzi» — a bright blue velvet full circle booth for 10 at the back of the restaurant. Slightly elevated we had the best view of the kitchen/​bar and other diners. The vibe was pumping and the interior is so vibrant with clever lighting and materials. I loved the way they’ve merged chinese and pacific themes in both the fit out, the food and the drinks list. The staff are absolutely charming and funny. — all of them individuals which I love! Makes it all the more credible.
I had the Damn Native rum cocktail with citrus notes which was so delicious yet not as alcoholic as i’d expected a rum cocktail to be. We drank Quartz Reef Pinot Gris and the boys had a selection of craft beers.
The dumplings are some of the best I’ve had in Auckland — Pork and Prawn Shumai, and the fried spicy chicken dumplings were OTC (Off the Chain) as were the momofuku style pork buns. We’d stuffed our selves so full of these moorish entrée’s that we had little room for the mains –we shared the Red Braised Crispy Pork ribs which were moist and delicious and massive! The Mar Po Tofu was yummy even for the non-​tofu lovers. We got lots of sides as we love our greens and overall the dish sizes were pretty damn good.
I think this place has nailed casual dining with atmostphere. Perfect for lunch, dinner, snacking and boozing!