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Khu Khu Eatery - Ponsonby Branch

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A cozy vegan Thai restaurant reinventing classic dishes with bold flavors and incredible meat substitutes. Perfect for sharing!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Food platter

Khu Khu Eatery - Ponsonby Branch

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cozy vegan Thai restaurant reinventing classic dishes with bold flavors and incredible meat substitutes. Perfect for sharing!

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This place has the most amazing food ever. The 'beef' in the massaman curry is one of the best meat substitutes I have ever had."

TIP

Don't Miss the 'Beef'!

Try the 'beef' in massaman curry or the chicken sweet and sour for incredible flavors.

Share Small and Large Plates

Perfect for groups, sharing small plates and large-format dishes allows you to try more.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Sunday 11:30AM

Cuisine

Thai (Vegan)

Price

Mid-range/Upscale

Phone

+64 9 360 1992

Address

171A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inventive Vegan Thai

Inventive Vegan Thai

Experience classic Thai dishes reimagined with delicious vegan ingredients. A must-try for vegans and non-vegans alike!

The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in AucklandThe Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Auckland, According To Viva10 Must-Eat Auckland Restaurants: A Post-Lockdown Bucket List for Foodies!
Incredible Meat Substitutes

Incredible Meat Substitutes

Savor remarkably realistic 'beef', 'duck', and 'chicken' made from plant-based ingredients. Taste the innovation!

TikTokGoogle Review
Charming Ambiance for Gatherings

Charming Ambiance for Gatherings

A cozy 20-seater spot perfect for intimate events and sharing meals with friends. Wonderful service enhances the experience.

The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Auckland, According To Viva8 Of The Most Indulgent Vegan Eateries In AucklandGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Khu Khu Eatery, Ponsonby this was was such a scary experience for someone who doesn’t like eating her veggies… and i was scared for nothing!! 😆 I’ve never eaten at a vegan resto before so didn’t know what to expect but every dish was delish and it didn’t taste like we missed out on any meat!! 😋 definitely a good refreshing meal in between everything we’ve been eating 😆😋 [gifted] #auckland #auckl...
@kain.kat
150 likes • 4.9K views

Don't Miss the 'Beef'!

Try the 'beef' in massaman curry or the chicken sweet and sour for incredible flavors.

Share Small and Large Plates

Perfect for groups, sharing small plates and large-format dishes allows you to try more.

KhuKhu $1 vegan dumplings 🥟 🌱 #gifted #vegan #thai #vegeterian #auckland #aucklandnz #goviral #halal #thaifood
@flavoursofakl_
31 likes • 1.2K views
plant based thai food?! 🇹🇭 🌱 📍 @Khu Khu, Snickel Lane Auckland (Ponsonby and Milford locations too!) #thai #akleats #veganfood #aucklandiconiceats #restaurant invite* @૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡
@urmum8myhomwerk
75 likes • 1.3K views

Consider Fresh Spring Rolls

If you prefer lighter options, opt for fresh spring rolls over fried ones.

Book Ahead for Weekends

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends.

[📍Khu Khu, Ponsonby ] Khu Khu eatery is a popular vegan spot located in the heart of Ponsonby. We had their Kumara spring rolls 🥔 ($16.90), Bao buns ($New to the menu), Beef up Massaman curry 🍛 ($30.90), Chicken chicken sweet and sour 🍗($30.90), and Duck drunken noodles 🍝 ($30.90) Overall I enjoyed myself, a few dishes that I felt needed some fine tuning but definitely a good spot if you’re vega...
@foodiefindsauckland
29 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the 'Beef'!

Try the 'beef' in massaman curry or the chicken sweet and sour for incredible flavors.

Share Small and Large Plates

Perfect for groups, sharing small plates and large-format dishes allows you to try more.

Consider Fresh Spring Rolls

If you prefer lighter options, opt for fresh spring rolls over fried ones.

Book Ahead for Weekends

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Khu Khu Eatery is celebrated for its innovative and delicious vegan Thai cuisine, impressing both vegans and meat-eaters with its flavorful meat substitutes and well-executed classics. While the food is consistently praised for taste and presentation, some diners find the prices to be on the higher side. Service is generally described as wonderful and accommodating, though occasional issues like being turned away during opening hours have been noted.

"This place has the most amazing food ever. The “beef” in the massaman curry is one of the best meat substitutes i have ever had. I also had the chicken sweet and sour which was absolutely amazing and the tofu satay which was great as well. Tried the spring rolls and wasnt as impressed as i thought i would be, wish i tried the fresh ones instead. Only down side is that it is incredibly expensive. I got myself an app, main, and a tea and spent $60"

Miranda Scheel

"I saw Khu Khu posted on their instagram about a $9 late night bites. I knew I must go as this is great value for money and there has been a few items on the menu I’ve been wanting to try and haven’t got around to it yet. I got the pineapple cocktail, satay tofu bao bun, dumplings and fried rice. All the food was BEAUTIFUL, taste and look wise! My only complaint is that the satay tofu bao bun was very messy to eat but delicious nonetheless. I don’t like mushrooms that much but ordered the dumplings anyways and no regrets at all, salty and perfectly cooked. I will be back for another late night bites! The restaurant was pretty busy so I decided to sit outside and asked if they could turn the heater on which the waiter had no hesitation to do so, lovely staff, great atmosphere. There sweet and sour chicken is my go-to so was nice to try some new dishes from them!"

Zoe Bellingham

"first time trying here with fully vegan options!! of original Thai dishes. Love papaya salad (som tum) very yum!! a bit high prices"

Fah Fah

What People Like

Remarkable vegan meat substitutes
Authentic and bold Thai flavors
Friendly and accommodating service

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Inconsistent opening hours experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Khu Khu Eatery offers a 100% vegan menu, reinventing classic Thai dishes without any meat, seafood, or dairy.

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The menu is mainly gluten-free, with allergen-free options available upon request. It's always best to inform your server about any dietary needs.

Auckland’s Best Pad Thai SpotsWhere to Find Vegan Food in Auckland, New Zealand

Diners rave about the 'beef' in massaman curry, chicken sweet and sour, duck drunken noodles, and papaya salad.

TikTokMetro — Metro Top 50 Cheap Eats in Auckland 2021Google Review

Yes, the restaurant is ideal for groups as dishes are designed for sharing, making it a great communal dining experience.

The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Auckland, According To Viva8 Of The Most Indulgent Vegan Eateries In AucklandWhere to Find Vegan Food in Auckland, New Zealand

Yes, Khu Khu Eatery offers desserts. While some reviews mention varied experiences, the cheesecake is a popular choice.

Google Review

While some find it a bit pricey, the quality and innovation justify the cost for many. Consider their late-night bites for value.

TikTokMetro — Metro Top 50 Cheap Eats in Auckland 2021Google Review

Mentioned in

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The Denizen

The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Auckland

With locations in Ponsonby, the CBD, and Milford, Khu Khu is an entirely vegan Thai restaurant that doesn’t skimp on flavour and finesse. Owner Michael Khuwattanasenee found himself struggling to find plant-based options when dining out, particularly in Asian eateries given their proclivity for not just meat, but also animal-based ingredients like fish and oyster sauces. Khuwattanasenee took matters into his own hands, reinventing the classics to create tempeh pad thai, kumara spring rolls, ‘duck’ drunken noodles and warming curries.

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While there’s plenty of vegan Pad Thai options out there, no one does vegan dishes better than Khu Khu – Ponsonby’s very own vegan-dedicated eatery. Everything on the menu is fully vegan ( as well as mainly gluten-free and allergen-free options, just ask!), but its the Tempeh Pad Thai that has our hearts. The dish is constructed around the familiar saucy sweet noodles of Pad Thai we all know and love, topped with crunchy peanuts and protein-packed tempeh.

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metromag.co.nz

Metro — Metro Top 50 Cheap Eats in Auckland 2021

Fully vegan eateries are hard to come by, and even more so at this price point. Luckily, newly opened Khu Khu Eatery moved into a slip of a space on Ponsonby Rd, bringing with it a raft of zingy Thai dishes that, even without the umami of fish sauce, don’t skimp on the flavour. Everything is designed to share, and we especially recommend the Panang curry with crispy tofu and crunchy almonds — a textural delight — and that sweet and sour ‘chicken’.

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NZ Herald

The Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants In Auckland, According To Viva

The all-vegan menu at Khu Khu, which has remained compact and concise since the restaurant’s opening, boasts plates with sizzling pork belly, juicy duck and tender beef. It’s all imitation, though even the most adamant meat-eaters will be pleasantly surprised by the familiar textures and flavours. It’s a particularly good dining experience for groups, as you can split a serving of small plates and large-format dishes.

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neatplaces.co.nz

Where to find the best plant-based food in Auckland

Khu Khu’s lively Ponsonby Road location is an intimate 20-seat restaurant that celebrates all things Thai but vegan. The menu is familiar, reinventing everyone's favourite Thai classics to be meat, seafood and dairy free - think tempeh pad thai, ‘duck’ drunken noodles and kumara spring rolls for starters. The menu is refined, the flavours are fresh, and the dishes are perfect for sharing with friends.

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Another Thai eatery, but these guys take exotic Thai flavours to the next level, while also remaining 100% vegan. Chow down on carefully presented and tasty dishes, from gingerlicious pad khing duck, Thai green curry, spring rolls, coconut desserts, and plenty more. It’s the perfect place for chilling out in a fun atmosphere and sharing platters with friends or even a date.

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Our Top Pick of Vegan Restaurants in Auckland

If you're craving a Thai-inspired dish that has all of the traditional Thai flavours without all of the animal products then take yourself to Khu Khu Eatery. They knew how hard finding a local, vegan restaurant with delicious and healthy meals can be, so they set out to offer exactly that. Offering small and large plates they have options to suit any kind of hunger pangs.

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There are few restaurants in Auckland that completely cater for plant-based eaters but Khu Khu is one of them. Boy, do they do it well!. With great, aromatic Thai flavours that would easily rival your local non-veg restaurant, the Khu Khu team have innovatively made this pork and fish-loving cuisine cruelty-free, and you’d be none the wiser.

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Khu Khu is a Thai-inspired, 100% vegan restaurant with three locations in Auckland, including one in the Central Business District. They offer gluten-free and allergen-free options on their menu, as well as a bottomless brunch. Their dishes are designed to share, so bring a group and try as much as you can.

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There's no better place for punchy Thai cuisine than Khu Khu, and you won't believe that everything here is vegan. Seriously, bring along your carnivore friends and see if they don't agree. Think all of your fave Asian classics coming together with a vegan twist for one big party in your mouth.

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Here at Khu Khu, we take our vegan food pretty seriously - but you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy our Thai-inspired dishes!. We’re all about fresh flavours, fun beats, and food perfect for sharing. Come in and try us out for yourself, we know you won’t be disappointed.

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bypatricialee.com

Vegan Guide to Auckland, New Zealand

Many local vegans (and non-vegans) claim Khu Khu to be Auckland’s best vegan restaurant and for good reason. Located on the lively shopping precinct of Ponsonby Road, Khu Khu is a great place to stop for lunch or for dinner before a night out.

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Khu Khu Eatery is a vegan Thai restaurant located in Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand that offers a unique and flavorful dining experience. The restaurant is dedicated to providing delicious food that is completely free of animal products.

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Nice atmosphere friendly staff, seated promptly without a booking, but was forgotten about as 4 staff chatted behind the bar. But redeemed themselves.

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Khu Khu Eatery: This restaurant serves vegan and Thai food with a modern twist. You can try their crispy tofu, green curry, pad thai, and more.

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