Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle Balmoral

The Verdict

Is there anything more comforting than slurplicious noodles alongside moreish dumplings? Nope, probably not. This irresistible Chinese combo will warm you from the inside out and put a smile of your face—guaranteed. 

For the ultimate comfort meal, look no further than Balmoral’s Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle. Located on the corner of Dominion Road and Rocklands Ave, the bustling eatery serves your two faves—noodles and dumplings—in mouthwatering style.

The eatery is quirkier than your average. You’ll be greeted by cosy bright orange booths and tabletops covered with cartoon imagery. Yep, you’ll be slurping down noodles with the likes of Hello Kitty and Elmo. And we can confirm: the cartoon theme continues across Kung Fu’s three other Auckland venues. Balmoral aside, you can also get your fix in Auckland Central, Howick and Albany.

Watch in awe as the chefs (or should we call them martial artists?!) work their magic in the kitchen. It quickly becomes apparent where the restaurant gets its name from as they chop, whack and slap the ingredients in kung fu fashion. All noodles are made by hand with the chefs-slash-martial artists pulling, chopping and rolling the fresh noodles for their respective dishes. Dinner and a show? Don’t mind if we do!

Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle’s extensive menu (there are 200 dishes to choose from!) is divided in sections with chicken, lamb, beef, seafood and vegetarian dishes all making appearances. Better yet, the eatery has certification for using Halal meat.

You can’t visit without ordering some of their famous noodles. If you like your noodles rolled and fried, go for their Xinjiang lamb noodles (our fave!) served with cabbage, tomatoes and chives. Spice lovers can’t go past Kung Fu Noodle’s signature dish of hot and spicy beef noodles. The sliced noodles come with beef and bok choy and will set your mouth on fire! Rest assured, the friendly folk are more than happy to alter the dish to suit your taste buds.

If you visit with your squad, the aptly named sensational spicy chicken (it’s seriously sensational) will leave you full and content. The massive platter is loaded with tender chicken, capsicum, onion and potato. Mix through the side of hand-pulled noodles and you’ve got a feast big enough to feed an army (or two).

There’s so much more than noodles, though! You’ll be tearing your hair out trying to decide between comforting wonton soup, cumin-spiced lamb burgers, steamed pork buns and—of course—dumplings.

It’s no secret us Aucklanders love dumplings and Shaolin Kung Fu Noodle will cater to your cravings. You can order them steamed, poached, pan fried or in sour soup. Pan fried is our go-to with the dumplings arranged to fill a pan before being flipped and served like a dumpling pancake. They’re filled with the likes of lamb and fennel, chicken and corn as well as beef and celery.

Visit with your significant other for a cheap and cheerful meal or round up your squad and attempt to eat your way through the menu. The humming restaurant is often brimming with patrons but fear not—there’s additional seating upstairs. However, make sure you arrive with an empty tummy because one thing’s for certain: you won’t leave hungry!  

Image credit: Lydia Arnold