Chamate - a modern Chinese restaurant located in the heart of the CBD - looks luxuriously expensive, but the prices you’d pay for delicious meals here are anything but.
The classy eatery can be found on Swanson Street - with high windows, chandeliers and Scandi furniture, making it a bright, contemporary space that is instantly inviting.
The cuisine at Chamate celebrates the best of traditional Chinese flavours, elevated by modern culinary techniques and the dishes carefully crafted to highlight premium halal ingredients and combining them with Chinese spices.
Chamate’s menu offers a delicious selection from dim sum to hand-pulled noodles, but the must-try dishes I’d say must be the seafood degustation (that features seafood dishes wiith Asian-inspired flavours) and the butter fried chicken which combines Chinese flavours with a western twist.
Owner Li Yun says the name “Chamate" means ‘intimate friends’ and represents a blending of cultural elements, conveying warmth, hospitality, and a memorable dining experience.
“Our mission is to bring people together, blending Chinese traditions with a modern, friendly touch. It’s more than just a meal, Chamate is a place to connect, share, and celebrate,” she said.
Li says Chamate has had a unique market position since it opened in 2018 and has been creating a positive cultural impact.
“The reason Chamate was opened is so we can offer something unique, showcasing diverse flavours and merging cultures,” she said.
“By providing Chinese food that’s halal, Chamate can serve a wider range of customers and give those who have not had many opportunities to try authentic Chinese dishes that’s prepared according to halal guidelines.”
Li believes Chamate provides not only a unique dining experience but also a bridge between communities, fostering cultural understanding and even educating people about halal dietary practices.
Its signature butter fried chicken is one of the best sellers, featuring marinated chicken then fried in a buttery flavourful batter. These chicken pieces are crispy, with meat that’s tender and moist with an excellent flavour.
Now if you’re there with a group of friends, Chamate’s signature seafood degustation platter is a must-have feast to indulge.
Priced at $268, it comes with king prawns, crabs, baby octopus, crawfish, mussels, squid tentacles and a whole fish, each blended with Chinese spices and flavours that’s more than enough to feed six hungry souls.
“Our seafood degustation is a curated tasting experience featuring a variety of seafood prepared with Asian-inspired flavours and presented in a refined, fusion style,” Li said.
“It allows diners to enjoy a range of seafood options, prepared with Chamate’s signature approach to dishes.”
Chamate positions itself as an affordable luxury restaurant serving innovative dishes combining the old and the new.
“A Chinese halal restaurant is a unique and exciting venture, and offers a unique dining experience for both Muslim and non-Muslim diners,” she said.
“Chamate also serves classic Chinese dishes like chicken xiao long bao, Peking duck, and kung pao chicken, reimagined in a way that adheres to halal requirements. This fusion can be very appealing as it's both authentic and inclusive.”
The refined ambiance and affordable menu prices combine to create a luxury dining experience that sets Chamate apart from most typical Chinese restaurants.
“In essence, Chamate offers a one-of-a-kind experience where tradition meets innovation, and casual dining in luxury ambience meets cultural warmth,” Li said.
“It would be a celebration of flavours, textures, and artistry, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming environment that resonates with guests of all backgrounds.”
Chamate Restaurant
17 Swanson Street, Auckland CBD
Open: 11am-11pm (Fri-Sun), 11am-9pm (Mon-Thu)
Phone: +64 9 302 7788
This article is brought to you in partnership with Chamate.
