Homecooked Filipino eatery is returning to the Auckland CBD four years after leaving due to challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The restaurant chain, which has branches in the North Shore, Mount Albert, and Ormiston, was previously operating in Elliott Stables, but owner Erick Sia said they left in 2021 “due to challenges of rising rent, the impact of Covid-19, and shortage of manpower”.
However, in a vote of confidence to developments in the CBD, Erick has announced that HomeCooked will open in early August at Nelson Street, taking over the space where Nelson St Fastfood & Cafe used to be.
“We’re excited to announce that HomeCooked is returning ti the heart of the city at 19 Nelson Street,” Erick said.
“The decision to come back wasn’t just about reopening a store, it’s about reconnecting with our customers in the CBD.
“We can see that the city is slowly regaining its energy, with a little more people, more life, and the vibrancy that makes Auckland’s CBD so special.”
Heart of the City is reporting a significant jump in foot traffic, with upwards of 200,000 people now in a single day.
More than 30 new hospitality and retail businesses have also opened in the CBD this year, suggesting confidence in the area’s recovery.
Like HomeCooked, other eateries such as Bing Girl have also reopened on Lorne Street, two years after vacating the store.
“Our new eatery at Nelson Street is more accessible than ever, with ample parking options and easy connections to SkyCity, bus stops, and nearby churches, making it even more convenient for everyone to enjoy their HomeCooked favourites,” Erick said.
HomeCooked is known for its authentic, home-style Filipino cooking and offers a variety of dishes, focusing on traditional Filipino flavors and recipes. The menu includes options ranging from classic Filipino dishes like sisig, adobo, and crispy pata, to soups, stews, and desserts.
“We believe this is the perfect time to be part of the city’s revival and bring authentic Filipino food back to where it belongs, right in the heart of the hustle and bustle,” Erick said.
“HomeCooked is back in Auckland City again, this time, stronger than ever!”
LINCOLN TAN is a co-founder of Chow Luck Club and a former senior journalist for the New Zealand Herald. He won “Best General Reporter” in the 2016 Canon Media Awards and has covered some of the biggest global events over his 30 years in journalism, both here and in Singapore.
