Lemongrass Kitchen has been around for a while but is one of four stalls still open at the Capital Food Market on Willis Street. Numerous factors have made this Food Court empty, but I feel one of the reasons is the lack of immigrants settling in Wellington, which is why the Wellington food scene is also so disappointing at the moment. There are some pockets of good eateries in Wellington, but as I have repeated, everything is just same same. However, I have had some good things at this place and have been told I should visit there again and support locals. I haven’t been since all the happenings with Covid so I thought, why not go back. Plus, I discovered this place has some good prices for their food.

I ordered some Duck Summer Rolls and the Grilled Lemongrass Pork Belly on Rice with Spring Rolls. To be honest, I was surprised to see some duck summer rolls on the menu, as you don’t see them very often on menus in Wellington. These summer rolls were good-sized, tasted fresh, and were jam-packed with ingredients. Loved the flavours of the duck, and the addition of the sauce made these really good.

When I picked this plate, the Grilled Lemongrass Pork Belly on Rice with Spring Rolls, my mouth was watering. It looked so good. The amount of food you get for the price you pay is well worth it.

Went back another day and decided to try a pho dish. I decided to go for the Spicy Beef. Although this dish was small, it is worth the price you pay. The soup’s flavour was really nice, and I loved the lemon wedge on top. Also, no vegetables are on the side; everything is just in there and for the price of $15, I will not complain. A really nice healthy bowl of noodles and soup.

I am finding it harder and harder to get good food in Wellington. Everything is usually the same. There is nothing new, or it is owned by the same people with the same flavour palette. Please, Wellington, get out of this rut; we need new eateries with new owners.

Address: 2/151 Willis Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

Facebook Page: Lemongrass Kitchen