59 Queens Road,
Panmure
Auckland,
1072
(09) 574 6775
The ViewAuckland Review
5 out of 5 stars
If you’ve ever been to Malaysia, you’ll know the locals love to eat, especially as the food effortlessly combines influences from the Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures. And after a few trips to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang, I’m convinced Sri Puteri offers Auckland’s most authentic and tasty Malaysian food. In a city of good Asian restaurants this is one of the best.
The décor’s nothing flash – take your pick from a few bare tables at street level or descend into the compact downstairs space. The kitchen is barely the size of a walk-in pantry, but don’t ever confuse kitchen size with food quality.
We grab the last upstairs table just as the restaurant fills up with an Indian family and a Mum and the kids group from my old college. We’re actually near my old teenage stomping ground, but back then the only food offerings in Panmure were a strange upstairs Chinese restaurant and a burger place that was usually frequented after rugby training. I’ve now left the east Auckland ‘burbs, but with food this good a few return visits look a definite possibility.
Sri Puteri’s ideal for groups so you can sample a good spread of the Malaysian and South Indian food on offer. Our group is only two, but that doesn’t stop us from ordering up large. I kick off with a plate of Kuih Loh Bak or spicy carrot cake ($9). Apparently it’s actually made of radishes – still not convinced? You will be after a mouth of the eggy chilli-infused goodness. I’m such a fan I always seek it out in Singapore.
Something else I’ve not seen on many menus in Auckland is lobak or “Five Spice Rolls.” Sri Puteri’s version ($6.50) are great with lean meat and spices wrapped in bean curd, deep fried and served with a chilli sauce. Again, that definitely reads as less appetizing than they are. If you’re just a slighty adventurous foodie, seek them out.
Working my way through a glass of iced teh tarik (or pulled tea), I keep a close eye on what my brother’s ordered. His beef curry ($10.50) is zingy sharp, and served with gossamer-light roti and coconut-infused vegetables. As a side we share a paper thosai, a South Indian crepe with spicy dhal and coconut sambal. Again, it’s very authentic. That probably accounts for the guys wearing Indian cricket shirts who have just walked in.
On the way out we find out the regular owners aren’t even on deck tonight. The food and service has still been terrific and another mini-trek to Panmure is definitely on the cards.
Next time I might even be brave enough to have the Stingray Sambal or the world-famous-in-Auckland Fish Head curry.
Like I said, one of Auckland’s most authentic Asian restaurants.
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