If you didn’t like the rather confusing fusion offerings at XieXie, you might change your mind after trying old familiar favourites like Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy Dumplings and Mapo Tofu.
Last year, Kyo Shen - the man behind eateries such as Eden Noodles, Lao Guang Zhou Hotpot, Biang Biang Noodles and others - decided to embark on an ambitious attempt to offer creative fusion dishes at this new Ponsonby restaurant with his restaurant group.
Tucked away in a back alley off Ponsonby Road, they started XieXie, and got renowned designer Paul Izzard to design the space.
But the menu - fusing traditional Chinese with Kiwi flavours - for dishes such as Mapo Tofu Fettuccine, Pork Dimplings with truffle béchamel sauce and Crispy Pork Belly with tangy apple slaw didn’t quite work out as planned.
“We have lots of customers coming to try, and social media influencers love them, but what we found is that they were just one-hit wonders,” Shen said.
“People tried it out of curiosity, or so they can post on Instagram, but they don’t return - unlike the loyal customers we have at our other restaurants like Eden Noodles for example.”
So Shen and his business partner Max Ma have decided to take the business back to its roots - but offering an elevated Eden Noodles experience, along with a new Sichuan-style yum cha/tapas concept with an exciting Asian-inspired drinks menu.
For the menu, you will find familiar favourites such as Eden Noodles’ spicy wontons, Dan Dan Mian, and Spicy Beef Noodles along with new offerings like sweet-skinned duck, chilli oiled broccoli and cauliflower and crispy pork belly strips.
“Our new menu will cater to all customers who crave what they know and love about Eden Noodles, but also leave those who are more adventurous with the option of being able to try something new,” Shen said.
An oriental cartoon illustration adorns the back wall to add to the experience of fun for diners here.
Eden Noodles Bar Ponsonby opens this Friday, 1 November 2024 and is set to become a new Ponsonby favourite - put it on your list for your next meal out.
Eden Noodles Bar Ponsonby
Lot 3, 130 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
Ph: 09 2153555 to book
