Old Street Christchurch: An Honest Guide to This Must-Know Hidden Gem
Are you searching for an amazing meal at Old Street Christchurch that delivers incredible flavor without draining your wallet? As a dad with two energetic kids, I know the struggle is real. Finding a family-friendly restaurant that pleases everyone can feel like a quest.
That’s exactly why Old Street Asian Hawker Food has become our family’s secret weapon. It now sits on our short list of local favorites, right alongside what we consider Christchurch’s best-kept secret Afghan restaurant, as a place that truly delivers on flavor. This bustling, no-frills eatery has completely won us over. In fact, we’ve found ourselves coming back four times in the last month alone.
If you want the real scoop on one of the best budget-friendly eats in the city, you’re in the right place.
Our Family’s Old Street Story: From Campervan Trip to Local Favorite
Our connection to Old Street started years ago. We first stumbled upon this gem during a memorable South Island campervan trip. It left a good impression, but life and travel moved on.
Fast forward to today. My wife and son recently stopped in for a quick lunch and came home raving about it. Their excitement was contagious. I knew it was time for the whole family to make a proper return visit.
Little did we know, this would kick off a month-long obsession with their incredible food.
What to Expect: A Truly Authentic Hawker Vibe
Walking into Old Street Christchurch during a busy lunch service is an experience. The air is filled with energy, the sizzle of woks, and the chatter of happy customers. It’s lively, a bit loud, and wonderfully authentic.
This isn’t a fancy, fine-dining spot. It’s a classic hawker-style eatery where the focus is 100% on the food. You can choose to dine in at one of the simple tables or grab your meal to go. The atmosphere is comfortable, unpretentious, and perfect for a relaxed family meal.
A great pro-tip for anyone visiting: the tea is self-serve and completely free! It’s a small touch that adds to the welcoming, casual feel.
A Deep Dive into the Must-Try Menu
While it might look like a standard Chinese restaurant from the outside, the menu at Old Street Christchurch leans heavily into delicious Malaysian Chinese cuisine. This style of cooking is known for its complex flavors, blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences into something truly special.
The popularity of diverse cuisines like this is on the rise. In fact, a 2022 survey noted that Asian food is the most popular ethnic cuisine for nearly 40% of Kiwis, highlighting our growing appetite for authentic global flavors.
Our First Family Feast: Crowd-Pleasing Classics
On our first big family visit, we ordered a spread of our favorites.
- Roti Canai: We started with this flaky, layered flatbread from the entry menu. One bite instantly transported us back to the bustling street food stalls of Malaysia. It’s the perfect appetizer.
- Hor Fun: This was my pick. It’s a comforting dish of wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a consistent winner and my personal go-to.
- Laksa: My wife, a huge fan of spicy and aromatic broths, went for the Laksa. It’s a signature Malaysian noodle soup with a creamy coconut curry base, and Old Street’s version is fantastic.
- Fried Rice & Sweet & Sour Chicken: Our son, ever the creature of habit, ordered his tried-and-true favorites. These dishes are executed perfectly here—flavorful, not greasy, and a guaranteed hit with kids.
The Cost: A Deliciously Affordable Family Meal
For our family of four, this entire feast came to a total of $86. We even had leftovers to pack up and enjoy the next day.
It’s no secret that the cost of dining out has climbed significantly. According to Stats NZ, restaurant meal prices saw a 7.9% annual increase as of late 2023. So, finding a place where you can feed a family a satisfying, high-quality meal for under $100 feels like a massive win. It’s right up there with grabbing a feed from our local favorite fish and chips spot in Christchurch in terms of amazing value, making Old Street a true standout.
The Star of the Show: Fish Fillet Noodle Soup
Our frequent return visits were sparked by one specific dish: the Fish Fillet Noodle Soup. After a family trip to Bali, my wife was on a mission to find a similar Southeast Asian soup back home. She struck absolute gold at Old Street.
From the very first spoonful, we were completely hooked.
The broth is a masterpiece. It starts with a comforting, savory base that warms you from the inside out. Then, a delightful tanginess emerges, building with each bite. It’s complex and incredibly moreish.
Resting on top of the noodles are perfectly crispy, fried fish fillets. The secret is to let them soak in that amazing broth for a minute. They soften just enough while still retaining a slight crunch, absorbing all that wonderful flavor. It’s pure heaven in a bowl.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this dish became an obsession. I even grabbed it for takeaway twice after work that same week. My wife has a habit: when she finds a dish she loves, she’ll eat it on repeat until she can’t look at it anymore!
Repeat Orders and Kid-Friendly Wins
Our next two takeaway orders were simple: more Fish Fillet Noodle Soup and another Laksa. We knew what we loved, and we stuck to it.
Our son, who happily survived on Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice) in Bali, consistently chose the fried rice here. Having a safe, delicious, and familiar option is crucial when dining with kids, and Old Street delivers.
On another visit, we also tried the Wat Tan Hor (a silky egg gravy noodle dish) and more of the Sweet & Sour Chicken, both of which were big hits with the kids.
A Spicy Discovery and a Funny Debate
The craving eventually hit again, and my wife suggested we finish work early for another sit-down meal. This time, alongside our usual Fish Fillet Noodle Soup, we decided to try something new: the Singapore Bee Hon.
This spicy, stir-fried noodle dish was fantastic. It also sparked a funny debate. My wife, after buying several types of sambal (chili paste) in Bali, had a revelation. She discovered she could buy similar sauces at our local Asian market in Christchurch.
She proudly declared that sambal oelek, made with shrimp and chili, was conceptually just like Korean kimchi seasoning. She even tried to convince me it tasted like kimchi. Despite my best efforts and multiple taste tests, I just couldn’t make the connection!
Know Before You Go: Essential Tips for Visiting
Old Street Christchurch is a fantastic spot, but it’s helpful to know a few things before your first visit to make it a smooth experience.
- Location: You can find it at 174 Kendal Avenue, Burnside, Christchurch 8053.
- EFTPOS and CASH ONLY: This is the most important tip. They do not accept credit cards, so make sure you have cash or NZ Debit card on hand.
- Small Space: The dining area is quite small and cozy. During peak lunch or dinner hours, it gets very busy, and you might have to wait for a table.
- Self-Serve: Water and tea are self-serve, adding to the casual, help-yourself vibe.
- Takeaway is a Great Option: If the restaurant is full or you have a large group, grabbing takeaway is an excellent choice. The food travels well.
The Final Verdict: A True Family Seal of Approval
The ultimate test came when my extended family visited from overseas. With a big group, dining in wasn’t practical, so we ordered a massive takeaway feast.
They loved it so much that they requested it again for their final meal before flying home. For me, that’s the highest praise a restaurant can get. And if you have room for something sweet afterward, a perfect end to the meal is a scoop from the incredible Gelato Lab in Christchurch.
If you’re exploring Christchurch’s vibrant food scene, do yourself a favor and add this gem to your list. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guide to planning an unforgettable South Island campervan trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best dish to order at Old Street Christchurch?
For adventurous eaters, the Fish Fillet Noodle Soup and the Laksa are absolute must-tries. If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with the Hor Fun, Fried Rice, or Sweet & Sour Chicken.
2. Is Old Street Christchurch cash only?
No, it accept EFTPOS and cash however they do not have credit card facilities. So be sure to bring cash with you.
3. Is Old Street a good restaurant for families with kids?
Absolutely. It’s one of our top family-friendly picks. The casual atmosphere means you don’t have to worry about noise, and the menu has plenty of kid-approved options like Fried Rice and Sweet & Sour Chicken.
4. What kind of food does Old Street serve?
Old Street specializes in Malaysian Chinese hawker-style food. This includes famous dishes like Laksa, Hor Fun, Roti Canai, and various flavorful noodle and rice dishes. For more official information on local dining, you can visit the ChristchurchNZ tourism website.
5. Where is Old Street Asian Hawker Food located?
The restaurant is located at 174 Kendal Avenue in the suburb of Burnside, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand.
