Hsiu Yuan Food Co

Hsiu Yuan is in a huge, almost liminal space that makes you feel like you’re back in Asia (there’s even an exposed sink at the corner of a restaurant for patrons to wash their hands at, a fairly rare sight in New Zealand). There are many things to eat at Hsiu Yuan. You can head up to the counter and pile a plate high with the options in the bain maries — marinated tea eggs, pickled vegetables, stewed meats — or you can order from the extensive menu. If you’re new to Taiwanese food, the beef noodles are an easy place to start (there’s tendon and tripe too). Hsiu Yuan also specialises in individual-sized hot pots (though you can share, of course) that come in silver cauldrons and feel especially valuable for keeping the soul and body warm during the cold months.