Puku Pies & Kai is the latest bakery to open in Lyall Bay, quickly gaining a loyal following and becoming a favorite among Wellington locals. Situated in a prime location with street parking and a cozy spot to enjoy sea views, it’s definitely a place to check out.

I’ve tried a few items from Puku Pies & Kai, and while some have been spot on, others didn’t quite live up to expectations. The croissant pastries, in particular, didn’t hit the mark for me. While they look appealing, and I recognise the challenge of making and mass-producing them, they feel overpriced — especially the pain au chocolat. The pastry was a bit lacklustre, and everything I tasted was slightly stale.

On the other hand, the pies are definitely a hit. I’ve tried several, including the vegetarian cauliflower and cheese pie, which is delicious, and the brisket and jalapeno pie, which delivers a great punch of flavour with just the right amount of spice. The palusami pie is also spot on. However, I would skip the butter chicken pie—they use chicken breast, which tends to dry out too quickly when it’s kept in the pie warmer.

Overall, if you’re in the mood for pies on this side of the city, this is definitely the place to go. They offer free sauces like tomato sauce and rocket fuel sauce to complement your pies. Also, still waiting to try their Paua pie, which I still have not seen them offer yet. Plus, if you visit about an hour before closing, they give discounts on any remaining food. As someone who lives nearby, I’ve been making the most of this deal!

Website: Puku Pies

Address: unit 56/74 Kingsford Smith Street, Rongotai, Wellington 6022