Decided to go for another road trip during my break and again ended up in Taupo. Since I had some good kai at Pauly’s Dinner last time, I had to go back. I have been following this place on Instagram since I last visited and saw that they had some specials and was excited to try them out. When I walked in, one of the brothers recognised me from last time, because I refused a Lion Brown the last time I was here. I did have to have a bit of a chuckle.
Burger S’pesh
Fresh Gurnard Panto Crumbled, Herb Oil, Lemon Mayo, Watercress and Ice-burg Lettuce
The burger bun was soft and grilled inside. With three pieces of freshly deep fried fish. When I took my first bite, this was one of the best fish burgers I have had in a long time. Everything was fresh and simplistic. Everything worked really well together. I wish I was hungry enough to eat more than one.
Mince and Cheese Wontons
This is kiwi fusion food at it’s best. I have tried mince and cheese spring rolls in Wellington but not in wontons. These were nicely deep fried and the skin was crisp and had a good crunch to it. The mince and cheese filling was really good but when you dip the whole thing in their dipping sauce, which I think is sirachi and mayonnaise. Bring it all together and this is a really good side dish.
Beef Burger – Blue Combo
Beef, Blue Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Ice Berg
I went back the next day to try one of their beef burgers. Again the bun was fresh and grilled. The onions and mushrooms were nicely cooked and went really well with the blue cheese. The beef patty was pink inside and had a nice crust on the outside. Combine everything together and this by far was one of the best burgers I have had. I tried some of the patty by itself and was surprised that the beef was not minced as finely and had a bit of chunky texture to the meat, which seemed to give it a bit more flavour. The chips were good and combining that with a can of soft drink for $14 on a Monday, this was a steal.
Deep Fried Mac’n’Cheese
What else can you say besides, yummy!
This is going to be a big call but this place makes the best burgers I have tried. Everything is fresh and these guys know how to make a damn good burger. Also, it is very reasonably priced, the guys are friendly and know how to have a good yarn. If you ever driving through Taupo, you need to check this place out. It is well worth a visit.
Website; Pauly’s Diner
Address; 3 Paora Hapi St, Taupo
Trencherman's Travels 