Cajun cuisine and Louisiana-style food are uncommon among Auckland’s culinary offerings.
It's good to know that Bonz Cajun Kitchen, located within Elliott Stables, is still going strong nearly 13 years after it first opened.
Despite having changed ownership twice, the eatery continues serving this southern American style cuisine at prices that are moderately priced and friendly to the wallet.
Cajun cuisine is a style of cooking that originated from the southern USA, specifically Louisiana, and is known for its robust flavours drawing from French, Spanish, West African, and Native American traditions.
It is also a style of cuisine that doesn’t seem to have caught on in Auckland.
Bonz Cajun Kitchen was started by Chef Robert Aylwin, founder of several notable Auckland eateries, including the now-closed Dos Amigos Cantina in Mission Bay and Smash Bros Burgers.
The current owner, who wanted to be known only as Daniel, said the outlet continues to fill a gap in the market.
“After more than a decade, we are still Auckland City’s only authentic American BBQ and Cajun eatery, where the food is cooked in real old-fashioned style on the grill,” he said.
“No, we don’t do microwave or any of that pre-packed stuff, but just ingredients done fresh.”
Despite spiralling food costs, Daniel said he aims to keep the menu offering simple, honest, and affordable.
The Jambalaya (Andouille sausage, shrimp, free-range chicken with the Holy Trinity celery, onion, capsicum, and long-grain rice simmered in a rich spicy tomato sauce) is priced at $20 as a side or $28 as a main meal.
Another popular choice among its loyal customers is the Gumbo, a classic Cajun stew with Andouille sausage, celery, onion, capsicum, simmered dark roux, served with rice on top, priced similarly to the Jambalaya.
The Jamaican Jerk Chicken, using free-range chicken breast, hand-rubbed with a Jamaican spice blend and half rack (450g) of baby back pork ribs, goes for $30 and is a decent feed for meat lovers.
Cajun cuisine is also famous for its seafood boil, and one of the top sellers at Bonz, according to Daniel, is its Cajun Boil - rich, buttery, and spicy prawns, mussels, squid, potatoes, and corn cooked together with a Cajun-spiced butter sauce. A single portion is $55, and a sharing portion is $80.
If you’re looking for a casual meal that’s something out of the ordinary, Bonz Cajun Kitchen is a place to check out.
And if you’re one of those who have not been there for a while now, I’d suggest it's time for a revisit.
SPECIAL PROMOTION: Spend $30 and get a free mocktail with your ChowLuckCard - Plus Tier membership.
Download: APPLE ANDROID BONZ CAJUN KITCHEN Elliott Stables, Elliott St, Auckland CBD
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