Alswaida, Grandmas Kitchen, Angry Ramen, and Haha Chicken (Wellington, New Zealand)

Quick bites in Wellington’s food courts: shawarma, butter chicken, ramen and Korean fried chicken all packed with flavour and value.  Shawarma with the crispiest chips, unexpectedly bold Indian curry, a ramen hunt, and a last-minute fried chicken fix, Wellington, you fed me well.

During a quick business trip to Wellington, I found myself with just enough downtime to do what I love most, explore the local food scene. This time, though, it wasn’t your usual sit-down dining. These were fast, affordable food court discoveries. Think food stalls tucked away in hidden arcades, each offering a standout dish worth talking about. From a shawarma that changed my mind about chicken wraps to the crispy Korean fried chicken that closed out my trip at the airport, each one had its charm.

So here it is, a different kind of Ang Sarap post. Less about full-restaurant experiences, and more of a quick bite diary, perfect for anyone passing through Wellington and looking for good food without the fuss.

Shawarma That Hits Different

Alswaida by Damascus
Kiosk 1, 80a Willis Street, Te Aro

I stumbled upon this place while wandering Willis Street on my lunch break. Press Hall, a relatively new food court, had caught my eye. While browsing the menu outside Alswaida, a lady standing next to me encouraged me to give it a go. According to her, this stall serves the best chips in Wellington, and possibly the best shawarma too. That was all the convincing I needed.

I ordered the Chicken Shawarma on a Plate (NZ$26.00), and it was an absolute flavour bomb. The chips were thinly sliced, seasoned perfectly, with crispy edges and soft insides. The toum (garlic sauce) was zingy, rich, and completely addictive. As for the shawarma itself, it was unlike any I had growing up. There were potatoes wrapped inside! Soft, warm bread, juicy meat, and a tangy medley of sauces and pickles. It was so good I ended up bringing one home to Auckland for my wife, expertly double-wrapped by the friendly staff to avoid leaking mid-flight.

Indian with a Twist

Grandma’s Kitchen
Capital Market, 151 Willis Street, Te Aro

Later that evening, still on Willis Street, I walked into Capital Market. A humble food court that doesn’t scream fancy, but hides a few culinary surprises. That’s where I found Grandma’s Kitchen.

Butter Chicken is my benchmark for any Indian takeaway, and here, they’ve put their own spin on it. For NZ$15.99 plus NZ$2.00 for naan, I was served a version that struck a balance, less sweet than the usual Kiwi style, a bit more spiced but still mild enough for those averse to heat. The flavour was surprisingly deep, and you could tell it wasn’t pre-made and sitting in a warmer. I’d go as far as saying this is one of the most underrated Indian food stalls in the city. It really caught me off guard in the best way.

Decent Bowl in a Stylish Setting

Angry Ramen 
Willis Lane, 1 Willis Street, Wellington Central

Ramen cravings hit the next day. I had trouble finding a decent one in Wellington’s CBD, until I spotted Angry Ramen inside another food court, Willis Lane. This one’s different. Think urban-industrial vibes with retro touches, like an old train station repurposed into an eating space.

I had the Tonkotsu Black Ramen (NZ$18.90). It wasn’t the best ramen I’ve ever had (that award still goes to Zero Ramen in Browns Bay), but it hit the spot. Broth was mild with hints of pork and garlic, noodles had a good bite, and the pork was flavourful. Decent portion too, though if you’re extra hungry, you might need a side. For a food court ramen? Not bad at all.

A Crispy Goodbye at Wellington Airport

Haha Chicken
Wellington Airport

On my way back to Auckland, I made a quick food stop at the airport. I noticed Haha Chicken, a sibling stall of TJ Katsu, right beside the usual fast-food suspects. Something about the simplicity of it appealed to me.

I grabbed the Soy and Honey Chicken with Chips (NZ$19.90) and I’m glad I did. The chicken was fried to perfection, crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. Cooked to order, it arrived steaming hot. One of the better Korean fried chickens I’ve had in New Zealand, and certainly a solid airport food experience. Chips were a great sidekick. I’d happily eat this again, even outside of travel mode.

Final Thoughts

Wellington may not have the ramen density of Auckland or the flash of central city fine dining, but what it does have are honest, flavourful gems tucked in small corners. From a game-changing shawarma at Alswaida to surprisingly balanced butter chicken at Grandma’s Kitchen, I was fed well. If you’re in town, don’t overlook the food courts, they’re full of surprises.