A popular spot amongst the younger generation with its bright and fun interior, and conveniently close to the universities, this Taiwanese eatery has a lot to offer that is bound to be up your alley!
I have been here multiple times now, as Tastea offers so much traditional Taiwanese meals, snacks and drinks to satisfy our hunger, from noodle and rice dishes, mini hotpot to soufflé and milk tea. With its seriously insta-worthy and colourful interior (although may not be to some people's taste), you definitely can't miss it when walking past! There are numerous spots just waiting for you to take photos for the gram, with its playful decor providing the perfect backdrop.
Tastea's cute mini hotpots were introduced as their winter special and has been extremely popular (I have seen people repeatedly go back for it!). They are perfect for this cold weather when you're craving but not wanting to go all out at the traditional hotpot restaurants. Priced $16.80/$18.80, it contains a lot for one, with meat, veges and your typical hotpot ingredients, so you will definitely leave full and satisfied. You choose your preset meat, soup base and noodle type/rice. Plus it's only $2 to add one of the selected drinks! I recommend getting the Premium Beef/Lamb with tomato soup, which definitely seems to be the go-to soup base having heard not as good reviews for the others. I've tried the new Shacha BBQ soup as well which was a bit spicy but I managed to finish. It was also very thick, even after adding water when I needed more soup. Not sure if they are adding more soup to the pot now (since it evaporates quite fast) as in my most recent visit, it was splattering everywhere... bit of a health and safety issue?
If you're just after some simple rice and noodle dishes, Tastea has got you sorted with a large variety to choose from. They've got noodle soups to warm us up but if you're feeling like dry noodles, I recommend the Pork Sauce Noodles - it's also pretty cheap at only $10.80. Get some side dishes while you're at it to share - I suggest some fried chicken!
Soufflé has also been a popular addition to their menu, with six different flavours on offer. The custard brulee and tiramisu seem to be the most popular choices. We got the custard brulee flavour and it sure was a treat. Jiggly, soft and spongy, it's not too sweet, and you can definitely taste the egg in it. The texture reminded us of Uncle Tetsu's cheesecakes so if you're a fan of those, you will like this for sure. They are made fresh to order so you have to wait about half an hour but the staff do check that you are okay with the wait first. It comes with two pieces but the price is not too cheap (although I've heard it is slightly cheaper than Songtea's).
I definitely recommend coming here for the food - there is something to please everyone. Probably not so much a place you would go to just for their drinks but they have a wide selection to choose from to go with your meal if you wish!
Affordable and simple,with a playful and chill vibe that's hard not to love, this is a spot I will be coming back to on the regular!
Address: 18-22 Wellesley St East, Auckland CBD
Hours: Monday-Thursday(11.30am-8.30pm), Friday (11.30am-9pm), Saturday (12-9pm), Sunday (closed)
Phone: (09) 218 7975
Website: www.tastea-alley.co.nz
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