Hai Phong (Northcote, North Shore City, New Zealand)

Authentic Vietnamese noodle soups with generous portions and great prices in Northcote. A local favourite that keeps getting better.  Six years later, and it’s still one of our go-to spots for soul-warming noodle soups. Familiar flavours, even better than we remembered!

Six years might sound like a long time, but when it comes to food, some memories remain vivid. That’s exactly how I felt stepping back into Hai Phong in Northcote. It’s tucked away on Pearn Crescent, and while the area’s grown and changed, this little Vietnamese eatery has stood its ground—unchanged, welcoming, and just as inviting as I remembered.

It’s funny how some things shift over time. My writing, my work, even how I approach cooking at home has evolved. But our taste? That hasn’t budged an inch. On this visit, almost by instinct, we ordered exactly the same dishes we had all those years ago. Grilled pork noodle soup and beef brisket noodle soup—two classics that brought back the familiar, comforting flavours we remembered from our first visit.

Still Serving Big Bowls of Comfort

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, it’s the portion sizes. Hai Phong does not skimp. The bowls are massive, especially if you go for the beef brisket noodle soup. Chunks of tender brisket—noticeably more tender than I recall from years past—float in a rich, flavourful broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of soup you fight to finish, not just because of the volume, but because it’s so hard to stop eating.

Then there’s the grilled pork noodle soup. Sliced chargrilled pork with that perfect smoky edge, layered on top of silky vermicelli and fresh herbs. Again, the broth was delicious. Even before adding any sauces or condiments, it stood strong on its own.

Service with a Smile and a Steaming Cup of Tea

On arrival, we were served hot tea, a small touch that made a big impression. The vibe inside Hai Phong is laid-back. You don’t feel rushed, but the service is efficient and relaxed. Tables were clean, and it’s clear they take pride in keeping things tidy. And while you’re waiting, you’ll notice the little extras that make a difference—spice trays on the side, free soup refills, and a menu with plenty to offer, even beyond noodle soups.

Affordable Authenticity

Sure, the prices have crept up since our last visit. Back then, each bowl was NZ$13.00—today, they’re NZ$18.50. But considering inflation and portion sizes, it’s still a steal. It works out to about a dollar a year increase since our last meal here, which honestly feels fair. For food that’s hearty, authentic, and clearly made with care, it’s worth every cent.

And it’s not just the soups. The rest of the menu is equally appealing, packed with the kinds of dishes you’d expect to find in a busy streetside eatery in Vietnam. No frills, just flavour. And lots of it.

A Place That Still Gets It Right

I think what I loved most about this return visit was the reminder that good food, when done right, never really goes out of style. It’s amazing to see a place that continues to do what it does best—serving up generous, flavourful, authentic Vietnamese food to a community that clearly still appreciates it.

So, if you’re ever in Northcote and craving something hearty, affordable, and made with heart, Hai Phong should be on your list. It might not have changed much in the last six years, but that’s exactly why it’s still so good.

Hai Phong
Address: 29 Pearn Crescent, Northcote, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
Phone: +649 419 0099
Website: https://www.haiphong.co.nz/