A new Thai restaurant has recently opened in Wellington and has quickly gained popularity among the locals, especially within the Asian community. It’s always a good quality indicator when you see tables filled with Asian diners at an Asian restaurant. Unfortunately, Wellington doesn’t have the best Asian food scene, so when a new place opens, it’s usually a sign that it’s worth trying.

The decor at this restaurant is well designed, though the space can feel cramped, with tables and chairs packed in tightly, making it a bit difficult to move around. Perhaps squeezing in more customers is part of the strategy to maximize profit.

The menu is simple, with few items to order from. I tried their Smoke Chilli Dip, Khao Soi Curry Noodle Soup, and Stir-Fry Khao Soi Noodle. Their smoked chilli dip was very surprising. The dip was warm, and I loved how there was a mixture of raw vegetables, tempura eggplant and pork crackling to dip into the chilli dip. You could also taste the smokiness of their dip. I suspect they grilled their peppers and chilli and then diced it up with other spices. The dip worked well with all the different items on the plate. I especially liked it with pork crackling and the raw beans.

I tried both varieties of Khao Soi—stir-fried noodles and soup—each paired with the crispy chicken cutlet. First off, the chicken could very well be the best in Wellington. It has a perfect crunch, and the seasoning adds incredible flavour. I also tried it with the smoked chilli dip, which complemented it wonderfully.

Both versions of Khao Soi come with coconut sauce, a lime wedge, chilli crunch, diced red onion, and pickles. I mixed everything in without trying them separately, and it worked perfectly. The soup version is fantastic, with deep, rich flavours that I absolutely loved. The warmth and depth of the soup make it ideal for a chilly Wellington day. The condiments enhance the flavour even further.

The stir-fried version retains all the same great flavours, but the texture of the thick noodles was a standout for me. I preferred this version, which felt more concentrated, and the condiments had more punch. For both dishes, I appreciated the addition of dry noodles, which added a nice contrast in texture and filled the stomach a bit more.

Overall, I can see why this place is popular. The food here is stunning. I want to go back and try their Bing sui or frozen dessert. That will have to be another day.

Website: Khao Soi Welly Eatery

Address: 100 Tory Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011