One Bowl and Plate has quickly built a reputation, especially among Instagrammers of Asian descent. Since opening in February 2025, it’s impressive to see how busy the place already is. While I can’t make it during weekday lunch hours due to work, I visited on a Saturday. I was surprised by how bustling it was—especially considering its tucked-away location at the quieter end of Lambton Quay, near Parliament.

The space isn’t large, but it’s packed with an eclectic mix of tables and chairs that add charm and character and perfectly complement the cuisine. The kitchen looks small, reminiscent of a hawker stall in Malaysia or Singapore, which adds to the authenticity. It feels like they’re staying true to their roots, not adapting to Western palates—and I appreciate that.

I’ve tried a few dishes, including the Curry Laksa, Wat Dan Hor, Crispy Popiah (spring rolls), and prawn toast. Each one was packed with flavour and felt true to its origins. The Popiah and prawn toast were especially enjoyable—tried on two separate visits—and it stood out to me that the oil used for frying was fresh. You could taste the food, not old oil, a rare and welcome detail. The Popiah was crisp and flavourful, but the prawn toast was my favourite—loaded with sesame seeds and paired with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce I couldn’t get enough of. I wish there were more of it!

The laksa was rich and flavorful, with generous toppings. The prawns tasted seasoned, and the chicken was tender and tasty. It was a solid bowl of laksa. But the standout dish for me was the Wat Dan Hor. The wok-fried rice noodles had an amazing smoky “wok hei” flavour, and I loved the bits of crisp pork fat scattered throughout the dish as it was cooked in the woo before adding the noodles. Even the cabbage was a highlight, and the gravy tied everything together beautifully.

It’s easy to see why this spot is gaining popularity. The vibe is cool, the food is genuinely good, and it feels like a slice of Southeast Asia in Wellington. I’m coming back to try their Hainanese chicken rice and Nasi Lemak.