Monsoon Poon Trading House Restaurant

	Info				Edit

Address

Corner Customs Street West and Lower Hobson Street
Auckland
Region: Auckland
Licence: Fully Licensed
Cuisine: Asian
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Contact

Phone: 09-379-9311
Fax: 09-379-9312
Website: www.monsoonpoon.co.nz
Email: auckland@monsoonpoon.co.nz

Open

Monday to Thursday - 11am till 11pm
Friday - 11am till Midnight
Saturday - 5pm till Midnight
Sunday - 5pm till Midnight

Comments

Adjacent to the entrance to the Downtown Carpark and opposite the Sebel Hotel.

Overall DineOut Score based on 69 reviews

Total		7.0
Food		7.1
Dessert		7.1
Presentation		7.1
Service		6.8
Environment		7.2
Toilets		6.8
Child Friendly	Yes

Review by: bite74 (3) on 1st September 2010

Total		4.8
Food		4
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		5
Service		5
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

My partner and I went over a month ago and it was a lacklustre experience. The service was so so, it is quite a large restaurant and we had to go find a waiter to take our orders. Our curries ( I cannot recall their names one lamb and another chicken) came out in five minutes, so you can assume they are mass produced. They were both quite bland and sweet, not a good combination in my opinion.
They have certainly paid attention to the decoration which is nice, although the place is kind of cavernous with lots of wood so can be quite noisy.
It seems maybe it is more a weekend night drinks kind of place, once you have had a few most things tastes good.
We won't be returning, even with the Groupy half price meal offer I was emailed this morning.

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Review by: Hellofood (1) on 8th July 2010

Total		6.1
Food		6
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		5
Environment		6
Toilets		N/A

I went to Monsoon Poon for the first time last Saturday. I've walked past this restaurant several times over the last few years but never had an opportunity to dine in here so I was quite excited. We showed up around 6.30pm and got a table straight away. We shared an entrée between 3 of us. The Vietnamese summer roll was pretty nice. Then I had the 25 herb & spices lamb curry as my main (apparently it's their classic dish), 2 other people had venison curry and Peking duck salad. I was a little surprised to find that you had to pay extra for individual rice, given the price of the main (between $22-25). You'd think that rice would come with the main at that sort of price. I mean, it wasn't a fancy restaurant or anything. Anyway we also ordered an extra garlic naan as rice portions were rather small. To my surprise, the curries were not as spectacular as I thought they would be (the sauce was too sweet/salty & heavy and meat had quite a bit of fat chunks like some local takeaway foods). The worst thing of it all was a long strand of hair (easily 15cm or longer) in my lamb curry. I got disgusted and took it out and put it on the naan plate so that they could see clearly. When I told one of the staff about it, he said 'Uh oh, that's not good.' and took it back to the kitchen. We thought that somebody would come back to us and apologize so just sat there and waited. 10-15 minutes had passed, and yet nothing happened! This was so different from other restaurants we had been to. At least they were professional enough to apologize and face their fears. Instead, we felt as though we were being completely ignored and avoided! The restaurant got progressively busier later on and we got so frustrated for being treated like idiots so decided to leave rather than having more foods or dessert. When I went to the till to pay, the guy said 'Sorry I heard about the hair in your naan so I've taken $5 off your bill.' Excuse me?!?! The hair was actually in my lamb curry which was $22 not $5 naan!! I politely brought this to his attention but he still didn't take $22 off the bill. Obviously he was in a massive rush to go back and serve other people. A simple, sincere apology would've been much better than some meaningless, rushed 'sorry' and a complete avoidance of out table. After all, it wasn't about money, it was about the service or lack thereof! Definitely not returning again!!!

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Review by: Mark_wilson (2) on 21st June 2010

Total		7.9
Food		9
Dessert		7
Presentation		8
Service		7
Environment		7
Toilets		9

We went here for dinner with number of friends. The food was really good. The service was friendly. The atmosphere is good.
will come back soon. Highly recommend.

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Review by: Karen NC (22) on 18th June 2010

Total		7.6
Food		8
Dessert		7
Presentation		7
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

Dined here on Tuesday night with a couple of friends - each of us were visiting the city for a business meeting. This is my second visit (and the fact I returned when there are so many other options on offer in downtown Auckland tells you something) and I wasn't disappointed. No booking, no problem (at least on a weeknight), the service is friendly and efficient, the maitre'd a real keeper. The vibe of this restaurant is great, great decor, not too noisy on a weeknight (although I imagine it could get so on a weekend night). I love seeing into a busy open kitchen, and the adjacent bar area is enticing for a before or after dinner drink. The half bottles of wine are well priced and an ideal option for those who like more than a glass, but can't manage a bottle (when no one else is drinking wine to split the bottle), and the lovely selection of non alcoholic 'cocktails' were well priced at $7.50 for a veritable fruit salad in a glass, well flavoured and well favoured at our table. The food was well priced, well cooked, tasty and quickly delivered to our table. The starter platter at $32 provided us all with a taster of a four or five of the entree options. Mains were delicious and each certainly offered plenty of flavoursome food to satisfy all appetites (of course the side orders of rice and naan are a good guarantor of this). I was the only one at our table up for a dessert, and the white chocolate and raspberry creme brulee was just lovely. I will return, and continue to recommend for a good mid-week dining option. My colleagues who were first time diners, were impressed also, and I believe likely to return and recommend.

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Review by: Meg S (1) on 15th June 2010

Total		9.9
Food		10
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		10
Environment		10
Toilets		N/A

Without a doubt the best dining experience that I have had, and others at the table agreed. There were some in my dining party that are, how do I say it politely, not easily pleased, but all left singing their praises. From the fruit cocktails to the delicious food, the faultless service (even when we changed our orders several times) to the vibrant decor and atmosphere, everything at Monsoon Poon was excellent. The only down fall is that we all live outside of Auckland, and have been left craving several of the entrees and mains that our tables shared! Several attempts we have made to recreate our Monsoon experience elsewhere have fallen vey short. We will surely be back the second we have a chance!

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Review by: Papin (5) on 30th May 2010

Total		4.5
Food		3
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		4
Service		6
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

Went to Monsoon Poon with my girlfriend for an early diner a couple of weeks ago. The restaurant was empty as it was just after 5 pm, just the way we like it as we had our privacy.
We ordered Malai Tikka and Aloo paratha as entrees. The paratha was delicious but a couple of pieces of the chicken tikka were raw. The waitress promptly apologized and offered a replacement. But the damage was done as we were checking each piece of chicken before eating!
My girlfriend had the Singapore fried noodles as a main which she found ok and I had the Nasi goreng which was over fried and tasteless.I tried forcing myself to eat but had to give up . Even the one at the foodcourt nearby is tastier and half the price.
We decided to pay up and leave without complaining again as the servers were busy with a group that had just arrived. Won't be returning anytime soon...

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Review by: Prags (2) on 3rd May 2010

Total		8.3
Food		9
Dessert		7
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Yes

Dined there on 27th April 2010. Ordered the lamb curry which is the best I've had at any of the restaurants in NZ, including Indian Restaurants. Will go again whenever I am in auckland and will also try it out at their Wellington Branch. Hope they have the same taste. :)

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Review by: OutsideEater (6) on 26th March 2010

Total		5.4
Food		6
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		3
Service		4
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

The atmosphere is always lively but its very crowded.Food was ok not that great which we had heard about.I can say it was on similar lines on a takeaway shop.

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Review by: PINOT MONSTER (21) on 26th March 2010

Total		8.6
Food		9
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		7
Environment		9
Toilets		8

I've been here a few times now and tonight's visit was consistent with others. Great flavoursome and fresh tasting food. We shared a an ensemble of appetisers - all of which were devoured with delight. The various curries we had for mains were all pronounced excellent. Only slight on the night was the service was less attentive as the evening progressed, mainly for getting beverages. I'd recommend this place for anyone who likes a mixture of asian specialities in a bustling & enchanting environment.

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Review by: BdeVere (4) on 15th March 2010

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Yes

I first went to Monsoon Poon years ago when it first opened in Wellington,and have rated it highly ever since. I was really pleased when I found out they were opening in Auckland as well, and I always feel confident taking new people there.It is one of those places where if you get a hankering for some favourite dish in particular you know it is guaranteed to be good every time.
When I started going I was a huge fan of the Vietnamese Rolls, which are chilled little rice paper rolls filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, served with a spicy dipping sauce. A good healthy option,and a really nice refresher for your mouth!
Probably not quite so healthy but my absolute all-time fave is the Thai Yellow Chicken Curry. So good, great for a hangover, and perfect with roti to mop up the sauce. Loads of chicken in it too.
My other staple there is the Beef Rendang. Really tasty, hearty and once again a real hangover reviver. (Sensing a pattern?...)Excellent with coconut rice.
I am not a big fan of desserts normally, but they do a phenomenal Sago Pudding with coconut cream and palm sugar that has to be tasted to be believed.
The menu is big, and is constantly being revised so there is always something new to try. I wonder if I can pay them to guarantee that my favourites stay on!
The wine list at Monsoon Poon is fantastic. Whoever does it obviously has a great up-to-date knowledge of local and international wines, and there is always something interesting to match the food. At the moment they have a great Italian Muller Thurgau on the list, which is really delicious with the Thai Chicken Curry.
It is a big, noisy place with lots going on. The decor is really cool and quirky, and the women's toilets even have complimentary handcream and hairspray! Nice touch.
It's not the cheapest Asian restaurant around, but it also doesn't have operating theatre lighting, formica tables or wine glasses from the 80s. They take a lot of care with what they do, and if there ever is a problem I have always found that it is sorted out quickly and efficiently. I have just about always found the staff friendly, obliging and efficient. What I have noticed is that any staff who aren't like that generally aren't there the next time you go, and they have a lot of really good ones who seem to stay for a long time.
I have read a few of the other reviews for Monsoon on here and it seems like some people just don't get it. If you are after something really cheap then do go to a Food Hall, but I would rather pay a bit more and get looked after well in a cool, fun environment.

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Review by: hungry bunny (64) on 9th March 2010

Total		7.2
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		8
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

Not a place to go for a quiet dinner for two but certainly with a crowd, I have tried both. The crowd makes for a lot of noise and the opportunity to have lots of choices whereas for two to make the range required for a really good tasting night means taking a lot home. The food is acceptable and plentiful. Drinks menu with plenty to choose from. Staff provide great service and when we had problems with our eftpos card (funds available but wouldn’t work) we were treated intelligently until finally the damn thing did pay!

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Review by: Melchi (16) on 1st March 2010

Total		7.4
Food		7
Dessert		7
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

Went here for Sunday nights dinner. Had the Tiger Beer Prawns to start and they were yummy. I ordered the Green Curry prawns; which were quite watery and the coconut rice which I thought was really good-different to normal steamed rice you get from Asian restaurants. I also had the White Chocolate Cream Brulee, which was okay; although I have nothing to compare it to. It was served cold; but my friend I was dining with said its meant to be hot, i ate it anyways. I would order the coconut rice if i went back there again, and perhaps try another dish. The staff were friendly and attentive and the restaurant decor was really fun.

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Review by: frankie (16) on 18th February 2010

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		9
Child Friendly	Very

Back to Monsoon Poon for a sunday family and friends dinner. Very happy to see the kids menu, and colouring in gear. We were seated by the open windows which was much appreciated on a humid AK day. The kids were looked after quickly whilst we started with a bottle of pinot blanc and a platter of entrees. The vietnamese summer rolls were beautiful and fresh, the squid cooked perfectly and the crispy chicken wings disappeared pretty quickly so must have been good! For mains we loved the Bali prawn curry which was super spicy - as our waitress warned us - also the Lamb Curry which was really tender, not spicy and had whole cardomon pieces in it and I think star anise. We also had the bangkok street noodles which were similiar to a pad thai, nice fresh hot green chillis throughout, chicken and vegetables. The boys had a great venison curry with the a really hot vegetable pickle which was such a good combination. Service was super friendly and helpful and particularly attentive to getting kids organised and fed. Our waitress recommended Palliser Estate Riesling with the main course which worked well, especially with the noodles and, surprisingly, the lamb. We shared a delicious white chocolate and raspberry brulee then 'Cafe Avec' - basically a short espresso with cognac, what an excellent way to end a weekend.
Was pretty happy to see the lotions and potions in the ladies bathrooms - hand-cream, hair product, body spray - a really nice touch. Monsoon Poon, we love you long time too!

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Review by: Mia Wallace (3) on 17th February 2010

Total		7.9
Food		8
Dessert		7
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		6

My bf & I went in last Saturday & it was PUMPING!!
We had to wait in the bar for a table which was all good, I tried the spicy cocktail which was yum- he had an Asian beer of some sort- the beer came with an ice cold glass-nice touch.
We were seated in the side room with the beautiful coloured glass lanterns and attended to promptly.
The food- Out waitress advised we share (as if bf had a choice in that anyway!) so we got the peppered beef special which she said is about to go on the menu permanently. Bali Prawns , rice & roti, we were going to order more but our waitress cautioned us against over ordering which was much appreciated, more $$ for drinks! I really enjoyed the Beef LOTS of pepper, but I LOVED the prawn dish. It was a really spicy green curry with lots of fresh, crisp green beans, quite a light dish for a curry.
I'm a pretty light eater so couldn't do dessert so instead had a dessert cocktail, a cheeky maleeki I think, it was a good compromise & I did sneak a spoonful of his brulee which was nice.
It's not the first time I've been to Monsoon Poon, I love the vibe, the food but most all the staff, they're so friendly & clued up. We'll be back

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Review by: mimis (3) on 15th February 2010

Total		8.5
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Very

This place is fast becoming an institution. Have not been for a while but as had friends from out of town we wanted to take them somewhere consistent and different from what they have in the town they are from. As they were paying we did the whole 9 yards - cocktails, starters , mains and deserts. We had a great night and a lovely waitress who really new her stuff. The food was full of flavour and made with care. You can see the chefs in the open kitchen so they have nothing to hide. Will definitely be back, even if we have to pay ourselves!

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Review by: Normal Bloke (2) on 29th January 2010

Total		3.7
Food		3
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		2
Environment		5
Toilets		4
Child Friendly	Kind of

I’d like to preface my first review here with the comment that I have eaten at Monsoon Poon on many, many occasions. I have always liked it, and have never had any reason to complain.
But I have noticed that it has become a victim of its own success and has gone downhill – a lot. It makes me sad because I have now lost one of my favourite eating spots.
I took a table of seven there early this week.
Had a table in the side area so things were a little quieter (yes the music is loud’ish as others have mentioned – but only to a level that is appropriate to the ‘vibe’).
Drink orders were taken and arrived in good time – but hang on – my Margarita glass was not even 1/3rd full. I asked the waiter politely “where was the rest of it” and he said “its a big glass mate” and walked away. I tried getting his attention again – but didn’t get a reply, requiring me to take it to the front desk.
I pointed out the huge amount of salt (about 1cm down the glass – like it had been rolled on its side), and the lack of liquid in the glass. I couldn’t get a reasonable reply other than “that’s not the right glass” – even after I pointed out if it was in the right glass – it was insultingly small.
Anyway – I ended up with a beer.
The starters came (we ordered one of a dish and received two), but all was very tasty. We asked for water and the waiter came with water – for 4 (of 7) people and left.
Dinner arrived – well most of it – the mains came and the waiter apologised that there was a bit of a rush on and we would have to wait for our rice. So after our meals had cooled down – we received some of the rice – The fried rice (Dr Lims fried rice rocks!) will be along a little later because “the kitchens busy” – the others started their meals and my rice arrived approximately 5 minutes later – after the rest of the table were well into their dinner. Mine was rather cold at this point.
A little later agin (we had forgotten about them) the naans turned up – our meals were close to finished so they were used to mop up the sauces.
I did raise this with the lady at the till when paying and was told – “oh thats not good”, swipes the card “thats several hundred dollars thank-you”
So – I cannot mark the food well – because – whilst it was good – it was cold before we had the opportunity to eat it.
I have also marked down the service – the young man who looked after the table was very obviously new and was trying, so my mark is more a reflection of the rude drink waiter and the complete lack of professionalism of the senior staff at the front of the house.
Toilets were very clean – only problem is that you couldn’t actually get to them because a large table had been placed across where you needed to go to get there – I ended up having to double back and go past the servers window (having to wait for wait staff to fill bottles of water etc).
In summary – great place, going bad. If you like Asian food – there are plenty of better places to give your money to.

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Review by: Karen NC (22) on 30th November 2009

Total		6.5
Food		6
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

Dined here with 2 business colleagues on a Thursday night a couple of weeks ago. Arrived just after 9pm and were shown straight to an excellent table by a very friendly and efficient staff member. Great to see 1/2 bottles of wine on the wine list! Drinks delivered quick smart. Menu a lovely mix of asian fusion and wait staff provided good advice re portion sizes, meals. Unusual menu - ordered the Shaking beef, Thai Yellow Chicken Curry and something with prawns. Didn't like the flavours with the first - but the menu warned it was sweet/sour - tasted really vinegary to me, loved the chicken curry (one of the best I've ever tasted), the prawns dish was nice but the actual prawns were substandard and tasted 'earthy' (but then cheap vietnamese prawns just don't compare to fresh from the sea in Queensland). Naan bread and rice well cooked and good fillers. Restaurant fairly dark (deliberate lack of lighting for club-like ambience, and lively - enjoyed the atmosphere. Would go back for a snack or a meal with a large group, but probably only if we were eating late, could quickly get a table, and happy with a rowdy night out.

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Review by: frankie (16) on 30th November 2009

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Yes

I have eaten at both the Wellington and Auckland restaurants and though they are a little different as venues the consistency and quality of food is really high and service friendly but professional. Recently I dined in the Auckland outlet on a Thursday night with some workmates. It was packed when we arrived but we started in the bar with some cocktails (try the Tuk Tuk!)and after about half an hour we were seated in a booth. We had a bottle of Clayridge Pinot Blanc to start, which the waiter told me is made by the ex winemaker of Lawsons - lovely!
Our waiter seemed to know his stuff and was able to answer all of our questions which was perfect for my guests - they were a bit worried that everything would be really spicy! We shared 4 dishes, breads and rice - favourites were the Thai Yellow Curry and Beef Rendang. The dishes were all excellent, whole spices visible and obviously pretty authentic - you can see into the kitchen and the chefs are all asian. (nice clean kitchen too!)
I had seen their Sago pudding in a cuisine magazine reader request so thought it should be tried out - delicious! According to our waiter it has been on the menu since they opened in Wellington and is really popular.
There seemed to be quite a few big groups celebrating but I guess its that time of year - a quiet seat can probably only be had early or late in the evening! All in all another great night and we will be back!

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Review by: heineken (4) on 22nd November 2009

Total		8.3
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Yes

Last Tuesday the SLF and I enjoyed a quick meal on the way home. The place was pretty busy at that point, but we managed to get a seat in the quieter section by the street pretty quick. SLF is a big fan of the prawn curry, and I'll pretty much eat anything so went for the shaking beef. The prawn curry has great balance of flavour – well spiced, not sweet, and a great texture. The shaking beef is unlike a dish I've ever had before – sweet yet sour beef, great balance of heat and flavour. It's hard to describe now I've got my computer on my lap, but of all the mains here it might just be my favourite. The mains are a decent size – we find two mains, with one rice to share, along with a bread is close to ample sufficiency.
We didn't get a table straight away this time, being taken to the bar to wait for a table. There are certainly worse bars around. SLF had a pinot of some sort, I was just stoked to get a beer from Harrington's. Unfortunately it wasn't Ngahere Gold, but that tastes better out of a flagon anyway. Most of the beers are asian or asian inspired, like my Harrington's lager.
The drinks selection is great. A neat selection of cocktails most with an asian twist. My pet hate is seeing short sited restauranteurs taking jam from big suppliers for wine list weighting – I don't think there were any wines from the big fellas. It's also great to see a wine list with good dry riesling by the glass. Having to buy a bottle just to get good riesling grinds my gears. None of the boring old pinots you see around the traps either. The wine list is well picked – the wines all go well with the food, and the staff seem to know a little more about which wines go where than most establishments. I recently had a very nice glass of muller thurgau (who'd have thought), and I got to try my first Pyramid Valley here. It was an outstanding pinot blanc, every thing that a pinot gris isn't.
I've always been well looked after – the staff know the food pretty well. A restaurant will always stand out for me if the staff do a regular meal check – something that is all too rare – Meredith's, I'm looking at you. I also like to see owners working on the floor, and working, not having beers with their mates. Keep up the good work Monsoon, we'll certainly keep coming back.

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Review by: Gijuan (1) on 22nd November 2009

Total		4.6
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		4
Service		2
Environment		1
Toilets		4

Eight of us dined at Monsoon Poon. Once we were seated, we had to wait far too long to be served, so were resigned to going to the Bar to get our drinks ourselves. The plates and cutlery were plonked in one lot on the table (and I mean plonked!)for us to distribute amongst us. How rude! The food was flavoursome but the small amount of meat/chicken floated in the sauce. Having to pay $4.00 per person for a very small amount of rice was ridiculous and a rip-off! If you dine here, don't plan on having any meaningful conversation. The nightclub music was far too loud for 7-8pm and totally NOT in keeping with the Budhha statue! What Peace and serenity?? Lighting is another issue...particularly bad when you can't read the menu...my advice is to take a torch! We won't be going back.

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Review by: BDay Girl (1) on 17th November 2009

Total		9.2
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		10
Environment		9
Toilets		9
Child Friendly	Yes

Had a 40th Bday here, with about 26 people. Had an awesome night, great staff, very friendly and excellent service. We knew we had to wait for a table, but the bar was great, and killed our time there. Everyone had a great time, and will go back for sure (food was yummmmy!!).

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Review by: sparkywatt (1) on 12th November 2009

Total		8.4
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		6
Child Friendly	Kind of

I took my visiting parents to Monsoon Poon for dinner on a Saturday night and it was pumping! We had to wait for a table but went to the bar to have cocktails first so all good. Drinks were great and I was really impressed with their range of rum. My dad got into the wine list and splashed out on a bottle of Dry River Riesling from Martinborough which was fantastic. If you like to try different types of wines the list has a lot of variety and is good value for money too. We were seated after about half an hour by a very friendly waiter who answered a few questions we had about the menu and sorted out a great platter for us to start with. Based on our waiter's recommendations we had the lamb curry (excellent), duck & pineapple curry (spicy and good!), delicious breads and a sweet lemon chicken dish which my sister loved. We all thought the food was great and very good value for money, served quickly (especially considering how busy they were)and the staff were pretty on to it too. Decor is over the top but it works and I quite liked the 'atmosphere lighting'. Interesting reading other people's comments about music as I thought that the upbeat style worked well in such a busy place - even my parents were cool with it!
Will definately go back, looks like a good place for a big group dinner and may even treat my better half to some of those cocktails!

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Review by: SanjV (6) on 11th November 2009

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		7
Presentation		10
Service		10
Environment		9
Toilets		8

Another great Night at the 'Poon' as my friends call it, i've been laying low on the dining scene (there's a recession on don't you know!) but Monsoon Poon is always first on my list of places to go. I recommend you try it yourselves, those people who review a restaurant hours after eating crack me up- have you no life at all? In a world where the negative is always accentuated i think the fact that this restaurant is always packed when i go in, and it has been open for 4 or 5 years i think is testament enough. Go there and try it yourself. I'll join you for a beer or a HOT firecracker chicken!

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Review by: foodlover29 (13) on 8th November 2009

Total		3.9
Food		5
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		2
Service		3
Environment		3
Toilets		5
Child Friendly	Not at all

We came to Monsoon Poon to celebrate a friend's birthday.
Alas on this momentous occasion the food and atmosphere dampened the celebration.
We had to wait over an hour to get a table. Call me old fashioned but I'm a fan of booking a table and turning up on time. "First come first served" may make the restaurant money by forcing people to drink at the bar but it does nothing for the half starved customer. To make matters worse the bar is sooooo loud that you can barely hear a thing anyone says, let alone the person next to you.
Once we were eventually seated we ordered our meals which came relatively quickly. I ordered the Bangkok Street Noodles which were meant to have chicken and veges in them. I don't call a few bits of chicken, a couple bits of carrot and two pieces of broccoli "chicken and veges". The noodles however were plentiful and flavoursome. My partner ordered the Fire Cracker Chicken which he enjoyed. His main complaint (as was mine) was that you could not easily get a drink or even water. He ended up having to walk up to the bar to buy a beer.
One thing I noticed about the restaurant was that it was very dark. So dark you can't really see the meal you're eating. I'm wondering after my experience if this is done on purpose? You can't complain about that which you can't see.
If Monsoon Poon was to lighten up the lighting, tone down the noise level of the music, give you decent amounts of meat and veges in your meal and introduce a booking system I would maybe consider going back.

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Review by: SusieW (1) on 7th November 2009

Total		3.9
Food		4
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		5
Service		3
Environment		3
Toilets		5
Child Friendly	Not at all

We dined on a friday night, arrived at eight but didn't get seated till 9:30. Which is okay, it was busy., I suppose
We waited in the bar and it was way too loud, you could only talk to the person closest to you by shouting in their ear, so much for catching up with friends.
Not only is the music played loud in the bar area its also loud in the restaurant, we hoped for some relief when we sat down, but dinner was just another shouting match.
We were seated by the worlds quietest waitress, (not good for the loud environment) we were not served any water until halfway through our meals. Meals were tasty, nothing great. Sweet sickly sauce overpowering most things.
Music too loud to have a good time, its a restaurant not a night club!

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Review by: Billy Broc (1) on 4th November 2009

Total		2.5
Food		1
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		3
Service		6
Environment		1
Toilets		4

Dear o dear where do I begin!!
Me and 7 friends decided to go here on a Wednesday night, a few of us had been before and from memory the food was good.
We arrived at 6.30 and the place was only nearly half full, we could see plenty of spaces however on asking for a table we were advised we would need to wait 10 minutes, no problem we would get a drink, 1 hour pass's and after numerous times of asking for a table we were finally seated, very frustrating beings people who came in after with a party of the same size were seated way before, bells ring with "make people wait so they spend money at the bar"
We ordered and within 5 minutes all our meals were out on the table!! Now its nice to be served quick but when it is that quick you need to ask qustions. I had the malaysian fish which was basically to fillets battered and with tons of cheap sweet chilli sauce dumped on top!!
All the rest of the party agreed that this was not authentic and very poor food, you can pop over to Food Alley on Albert street and get lots better for quarter of the price.
We did complain and got 1 meal free but we will certainly not return, plus be warned that its like being in a night club whilst trying to eat as the music is so loud you cannot even have a conversation.
Avoid at all costs.

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Review by: Gayle (47) on 9th October 2009

Total		7.9
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		7

We were just looking for a snack so only had a few drinks and a couple of entrees. We had the chicken skewers (very nice) and the lettuce cups (also very nice) and some naan (fine). Enjoyed the atmosphere, and our expectations were met. Got our drinks and ordered food at the bar - everything arrived quickly even though the place was pretty busy. Found it a bit difficult to get to the loos because of the way the tables were placed (or maybe it was the number of drinks consumed), but would certainly go again (to the restaurant).

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Review by: nunasdream (1) on 28th September 2009

Total		2.6
Food		3
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		3
Service		2
Environment		2
Toilets		2

Went here for a friend's birthday on Friday night and we all agreed that it has gone down the drain!
We had Butter Chicken which was incredibly sweet, Firecracker Chicken (Total rip off, it had 4 pieces of chicken in it) and Duck Curry.
In addition, the Rice is $4 per person and we got the equivilent about 4 Tablespoons full.
Also; the drinks were rather disappoining and the staff were inefficient.
Wouldn't go again EVER.

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Review by: Lillianz (49) on 2nd July 2009

Total		6.3
Food		5
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		9
Toilets		7

Here on a Sunday night with a group of 12. The restaurant was about half-full. The environment here is very cosy and interesting. The service was pretty good, occasionally hard to get a waitress attention but they do come around often. However the food was disappointing. My lamb curry was not special despite it being the classical monsoon poon 25 herbs & spices, my friend's butter chicken was sweet beyond recognition that it is a curry - more like dessert... Most people at our table weren't super enthusiastic about their dish either. Note: The rice is charged per person here. I would recommend to come here for the atmosphere and to get a superficial taste of Thai/Indian cuisine in the city. Otherwise to get good solid food, that is inexpensive, visit your local ethnic restaurant.

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Review by: Cass (4) on 28th June 2009

Total		9.4
Food		10
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		9
Environment		10
Toilets		N/A

The best meal I've had in ages. My nephew ordered for a table of 8 and the choices were exquisite, with exceptional flavours. I love hot food and did not find the Fire Cracker Chicken too hot, just right for hotties. Can't wait to go back!

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Review by: Heather_SF (19) on 3rd June 2009

Total		6.5
Food		6
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Yes

Big and loud. Cute place and great for big after work crowds. The food is decent and the prices are reasonable. Almost reminds me of the American chain of restaurants called P.F. Changs but not quite as good. Conveniently located for those working in the CBD or the Viaduct areas.

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Review by: Andrew1975 (41) on 2nd June 2009

Total		6.8
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		6
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

I have been here only the once, but I will return. I liked the atmosphere although it can be quite noisy when it gets full/busy. The food is good of an asian/fusion taste. It again is great for groups of people as there is plenty to chose from on the menu that will generally suit a multitude of tastes. The service is efficeant and the staff knowledgable when you ask them for comment on the menu. Price wise it is reasonable for a dine in restaurant of this style.

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Review by: OnlyTheBest (13) on 14th April 2009

Total		8.5
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Extremely

Can't say enough about this restaurant. Have been there maybe 10 times now - only new to reviewing hence this first post now. So, where to start?? We've tried most of the entrees but the new recipe pakora is a standout - great balance and awesome dipping sauce. The imperial lettuce cups are also a firm favourite - great taste and novelty value. As to mains, boring as it may be, we ALWAYS have the firecracker chicken. It's an addiction!! Hot, hot, hot but so worth it and an excuse to drink more tsing tao! Other great dishes include the bangkok street noodles and the beef rendang - this is probably the best rendang I've had anywhere.
the other great thing about MP is the kids banquet meal, butter chicken, fried rice, naan bread and a couple of assorted entrees, chicken wings and curry puffs I think. Would be great to see some cucumber and carrot sticks on there but I'm being picky.
We love the atmosphere as well, great to see the chefs doing their thing and service has always been friendly and prompt. We'll keep going back.

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Review by: kellythestrange (29) on 8th April 2009

Total		9.0
Food		8
Dessert		10
Presentation		10
Service		9
Environment		10
Toilets		6
Child Friendly	Not at all

yay i was so hapi when this restaurant lived up to the hype of the previous reviews! we went to the bar and had some delicious cocktails that passed the 15min wait for a table very quickly! my partner was brave and tried the one with 42 below chilli! i stuck to the more fruity ones..very refreshing! service was excellent, even pulled out a chair and adjusted the table closer for me without bein asked. absolutely love the lighting and decor, always something exciting to look at, even the bar and kitchen are bustling and fantastic, would of been hapi to sit at the bar for a while with the amping music (almost made me want to dance!) but it was time for entrees - vietnamese summer rolls - well made but not really my thing, and spice grill chicken satay - sooo delicious i could of had another plate as a main!! for my main i had singapore fried noodles, well presented in a piramid type shape and very tasty, if a lit bit too spicy - if you're sensitive to chilli i would say watch out as they seem to use a lot on the noodles. my partner had shaking beef, also very good! dessert was sago w/coconut cream - so divine i am still thinking about it! very rich!! all up loved it at monsoon poon and will be returning soon maybe with my girlfriends :)

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Review by: theblodne (28) on 3rd April 2009

Total		9.0
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		9

Heaven, this place is so great I just had to go there again for dinner! I had the Imperial Lettuce Cups and they were so divine I will be raving about them for the next few weeks until my family get so sick of me telling them how great they are they will take me back for round 2! The BF decided on Tandoori Duo which was so lovely and coconut rice which came in a cool cylinder shape which looked really groovy ... the cocktails were really great and I loved the lychee in the bottom of the glass, it was delicious 'hic' I certainly will 'love U long time' Monsoon Poon :o)

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Review by: caesar (4) on 22nd March 2009

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		10
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Very

Went to Monsoon Poon on Friday before the Coldplay concert.
It was pumping however we had a drink at the bar, a couple of great cocktails each and were seated promptly. Salt and Pepper squid always a firm favourite with me. The squid was coated in a crunchy mixture and had obviously been cooked in good quality oil as you could not taste it at all. Main course was 25 spice lamb curry , Thai Beef salad and sides of rice and naan bread. Fresh flavours using good ingredients served by well trained staff , if all Asian restaurants could these basics right like Monsoon obviously does dining out would not be such a gamble. Shared a gelato again nice and simple with quality ingredients. The fit out of this restaurant is a visual feast and we loved the open kitchen the chefs sure work like a well oiled machine. We will be back. Coldplay were great.

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Review by: downsouth (2) on 9th March 2009

Total		7.5
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

I recommend this place simply on the Dragon Chicken - a hot and spicy (almost BBQ flavour) dish. This is one of the hottest 'curry' dishes I have had in Auckland whilst still keeping its flavour.
Just a shame they do not offer this in Lamb...(hint)
Not your traditional 'Asian' restaurant - but that doesn't make it a bad thing, nor a good thing, just different?

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