Quick Post: Treasures of Commerce Street

In the last month or so, I've probably been to Commerce Street at least three times now. In fact, if I weren't buried with work last night, tonight's visit would have been a fourth.

So what's so special about Commerce Street in Auckland? The Food.

Yup, its a mobile truck that serves the best burgers ever

The White Lady is the first golden nugget we found on Commerce Street. We first heard of this kiwi institution at least a month before I flew to New Zealand. While I was busy trying to "research" my soon to be new home, I found a video of Larry the Travel Guy featuring Auckland and the White Lady Kiwi burger was one of his last stops. 

Here's a snippet of that video:

[For the full video, click here.]

It took me six months before I finally got around to having this burger but man was it worth it. No frills or fancy sauces, it was like having a hamburger and a steak meal in one. Then you have the pineapple and egg adding a different dimension to the whole thing. To be honest, I don't have the words to describe it, its just good!

Each mammoth burger costs NZD 17 a pop now and since they only come in a brown paper bag are best eaten as soon as they are handed over to you. I got mine as takeaway and the juicy goodness of the burger soaked through the bag even before I got home. Mmmm, maybe I'll have another one of those this long weekend...

Ding Hao / No. 1 BBQ Restaurant is another Commerce Street favorite and earlier this evening, this is where dinner was served. We've been here before actually, it was on one of our weekend dim sum hunts that we stumbled on this place. That fateful Sunday morning, our usual dim sum place was closed for a private function and we decided to wander the streets of Auckland in search of similar fare. Instead of finding another yam cha place, we found Ding Hao instead. Ding Hao a.k.a. No. 1 BBQ Restaurant served mostly Cantonese food and most importantly, Chinese roasts and barbecues.

The place is very spartan, white walls, white tiled floors, framed Chinese calligraphy on the walls, an open kitchen, a window to display their roast and barbecued masterpieces, a self serve condiment tray, a fridge for drinks, and tables covered in white plastic, flanked by gray plastic chairs. It was like being in a nice hole in the wall in Hong Kong minus the grime.

Within minutes of being ushered to our table, we were immediately offered hot soup. Nothing fancy about this soup, just a few bits of pork and carrots in it, nothing else. This comes on the house, and has that rich flavor to it, reminiscent of stock that has been left stewing for hours and hours.

Roast Duck + BBQ Pork Combo

The menu wasn't too lengthy and the English translations made sense, so we were ready to order within minutes. For tonight's fare, we decided on rice toppings. There were five of us all and you really won't consider us lightweights in the food arena but even we were impressed with the serving size.

Plus, the roast duck was of even better quality than what we've been used to here in Auckland so far. It was properly moist, well cooked, and not overly greasy. If you had oil dribbling down your lips, trust me, its not from outside the duck, but from the fatty goodness within.

Each plate would cost about NZD 12 and for that amount of cash, I was more than happy with what I got. The last time PIC and I were over, we had half a duck to ourselves and a pot of tofu and fish fillet with rice and it was only about NZD 35 all together. Now in other establishments, that would've have only bought a meal for one person.

Overall, I think Ding Hao hits all the marks for a small Chinese BBQ restaurant. They serve good food at a good price and you don't even have to put your dancing shoes on -- what more is there to ask?

Sal's Pizza is probably our last stop on Commerce Street. Unfortunately, I don't have first hand experience of it yet. This was the stop we missed last night. The same friends we had with us for Ding Hao at dinner tonight asked if PIC and I wanted to stop at this other Auckland landmark. Apparently Sal's is pretty known for their pizza and boasts that they are "Famous by the Slice." I've even heard clients and other friends boast of this place so I am definitely curious. Alas, real life took over for me again.

July 18 Post Script. Last night we finally made it to Sal's Pizza! PIC, myself and our two Irish houseguests went for a half and half of Pepperoni and Veg plus two orders or six pieces of garlic knots. The slices were massive and the pizza was yum, perfect texture and gooey cheesy goodness. Even the pepperoni was the right kind of salty too! My one thing about visiting Sal's is try to beat the rush as they are usually quite full and with very limited seating. So here you go guys, my review of Auckland's Commerce Street is finally complete.

Half a Roast Duck

Tofu and Fish Fillet Hot Pot

June 19: Adding a few photos of the burger :)

yes, it can be a bit messy to eat - did i mention this thing also has bacon??

Pineapple & egg trying to escape

July 18: Photos from Sal's

Our near decimated half & half

Do like the brick walls and the flat screen TVs everywhere, comfy booths too!

Yummy Garlic Knots

Our Pizza Stand

Pepperoni...