
Child Sister
A charming Christchurch cafe offering a delightful fusion of classic brunch and Korean-inspired flavors in a bright, airy setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Child Sister

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Christchurch cafe offering a delightful fusion of classic brunch and Korean-inspired flavors in a bright, airy setting.
"Inventive dishes and great coffee make this a must-visit spot for brunch enthusiasts."
Visit early to avoid queues
The cafe is popular and tends to be busy, so arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds.
Try the muffins
Reviewers highly recommend the muffins, suggesting them as a must-try item.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 3 222 2117
Address
277 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kimchi Fried Rice Omelette
A unique and flavorful dish with Korean influences, praised for its taste and generous portion size.

Gochujang Shakshuka
A bold take on shakshuka with beef and pork meatballs, offering a flavorful and spicy experience.

Honey Butter Waffle Fries
A popular sweet and savory treat, these waffle fries are a must-try for their unique flavor combination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit early to avoid queues
The cafe is popular and tends to be busy, so arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds.
Try the muffins
Reviewers highly recommend the muffins, suggesting them as a must-try item.
Consider lighter lunch
Some breakfast items are hearty; consider this if planning a lighter lunch afterward.
Order at the counter
Service is efficient as you order at the counter, a common practice in bustling cafes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit early to avoid queues
The cafe is popular and tends to be busy, so arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds.
Try the muffins
Reviewers highly recommend the muffins, suggesting them as a must-try item.
Consider lighter lunch
Some breakfast items are hearty; consider this if planning a lighter lunch afterward.
Order at the counter
Service is efficient as you order at the counter, a common practice in bustling cafes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Child Sister is a vibrant cafe with a charming atmosphere, lauded for its innovative Korean-inspired brunch dishes and excellent coffee. While many praise the food quality and friendly service, some diners have noted issues with inconsistent service speed, table cleanliness, and occasional overpriced items.
"I’d heard a lot of good things about kimchi fried rice, so I decided to give it a try—and it was so good! Big portion, super tasty, and just a little spicy for me, but the mayo balanced it out perfectly. Tried their coffee the other day too, and it was just as good. No wonder this place is always packed!"
Hee
"I’ve eaten and had coffee here a few times now, and honestly the food is really good, and the coffee is great too, so I would definitely recommend for that reason. I had heard about the waffle fries, which were definitely tasty, however I’m disappointed that it didn’t mentioned on the menu the cheese that comes on them. I find the staff very nice, but customer service doesn’t always feel like top priority. They don’t have any wifi so not a great place to do work/study etc, and they don’t have a tendency to answer the phone. All round though, it’s worth a visit."
Ames
"We loved the atmosphere at Child Sister - simple and charming. The staff were all very pleasant and accommodating. Our favorites were the kimchi rice omelette and the honey butter waffle fries. The coffee was good too. We’ll definitely be back."
Buena Perez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include the Kimchi Fried Rice Omelette, Gochujang Shakshuka, and Honey Butter Waffle Fries.
Yes, the menu clearly indicates vegetarian (V), vegan (VG), and dairy-free (DF) options.
Yes, it's highly recommended to visit early to avoid long queues as the cafe is very popular.
Child Sister does not have WiFi, making it less ideal for working or studying.
The coffee is consistently praised as excellent by many customers.
Yes, its location opposite a large playground and the welcoming atmosphere make it family-friendly.
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The Best Restaurants and Bars in Christchurch to Visit Now
Its prime position opposite the enormous Margaret Mahy playground, a two-hectare icon of the post-quake rebuild, means Child Sister (277 Manchester Street, Christchurch) rarely has a quiet moment. That might also have something to do with a two-speed menu that deftly caters for harried parents (classic eggs Benedict with all the sides and a great pesto hash hits all the comfort buttons) and the food-curious with a great line on Korean-influenced brunch fare, including a kimchi rice omelette. And rest assured there’s nothing childlike about the stylishly reclaimed warehouse, with its soothing neutral tones and gorgeous timber veneer central bar.
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The simple white brick, polished concrete and earthy colour palette of Child Sister creates a calm environment for anyone who needs a break from the hustle and bustle. This café is a favourite amongst locals, known for its serene space, fabulous coffee and unique and delicious menu. With breakfast classics such as eggs benedict and French toast, as well as Korean inspired items included kimchi grilled cheese and gochujang shakshuka, expect a flavourful experience!
The Best Cafes In Christchurch
If the 'shroomed masterpiece above hasn't already seen you making a beeline for Child Sister, this next part absolutely will. Securing its spot among Christchurch's best cafes when it opened its door in 2019, the sleek, light-filled, aesthetic restaurant serves classics with a distinctly (and deliciously) Korean flavour. Stand-out dishes include the kimchi rice omelette, Gochujang shakshuka and famed honey butter waffle fries.
The best places to eat in Christchurch: Take the city’s tram food tour
Hit up the famous Rollicking Gelato for delicious scoops, Central Deli Sandwiches for some of the best sammies in town, Gin Gin for, well, gin (and great bites), Child Sister for terrific coffee and brunch or lunch vibes and the ever-popular Twenty Seven Steps for dinner once your tram ride is done. This is only a fraction of what’s on offer in one of the central city’s favourite pockets.
Top 5: Where To Brunch In Christchurch
Bringing a cool open concept and Korean flare to the Christchurch brunch scene, Child Sister has certainly made a name for themselves since opening in 2019. The calm colour palette and spaced-out seating allows you to immerse in your own pocket of peace with a coffee and damn good dish. The menu has a few classic favourites, as well as some more Korean-inspired dishes to branch into.
11 Best Breakfast Places In Christchurch Good Enough To Cure A Hangover
Expect an epic spread such as the famous breakfast sando which comes in a brioche bun with scrambled eggs, cheddar, ham, onions and more. Alternatively, get your sugar fix from the iconic French toast, topped with caramelised banana, buttercream, maple syrup and shortbread crumbs. Certainly, one of the greatest hangover breakfasts in Christchurch.
18 of the Best Christchurch Cafes for Coffee & Brunch
If the bright, airy space at Child Sister doesn’t already convince you to pop in, then let their menu further entice you. With Korean influences on the menu, Child Sister has some seriously inventive—and beautiful—food on offer. We recommend trying the kimchi rice omelet (our absolute fave) or the gochujang shakshuka.
Christchurch's Top 20 Cafes: Find the Best Breakfast & Brunch
For a brunch with a Korean twist, look no further than Child Sister. Their light-filled space on Manchester Street serves up innovative dishes like kimchi rice omelettes and Gochujang shakshuka. Don’t miss their famous honey butter waffle fries – a perfect blend of sweet and savoury.
Canterbury's top restaurants have been announced
Those looking for the region’s best brunch served with a great coffee should check out Child Sister, Hello Sunday, Majestic at Mayfair and Six Ounces who were all nominated in the category of Outstanding Café.
Canterbury’s top dining establishments revealed
Great cafes are not lacking in the region with Child Sister, Hello Sunday, Little Poms, South Town Club all finalists in the category of outstanding cafe.
The Best Coffee In Christchurch, New Zealand
Beans sourced from Lyttleton Coffee Co, Sydney inspired architecture and a more than appealing brunch menu is the order of the day at Child Sister.
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