![Laksa bowl with [?] at Aunty Mena's in Wellington](https://images.happycow.net/venues/1024/35/40/hcmp3540_88177.jpeg)
Vegan
Asian
Malaysian
Vegan restaurant serving veggie Asian food. Open Mon-Sat 12:00pm-8:00pm.
164 Reviews
First Review by ampallang
Lea
Points +415
Humble veggie haven in sordid surroundings - Edit
As we walked down the gauntlet of bars and sleazy sex joints of Cuba Street for the first time we were not filled with confidence about dining in the area. On reaching Aunty Mena's it looked basic and not very inspiring. Likewise, much of the food served looked humble and unsophisticated. But this is one place where the proof is in the eating.
Read moreWe started off with soy nuggets and spring rolls, which were probably purchased frozen and only cooked on-site, but were yummy nonetheless. Then we had coconut rice, which came with some cashews and wafer things similar to papadums but not as salty. It also came with some veggie tofu curry that was mild flavoured but addictively delicious. I did not like the look of the not chicken dish, as the sauce looked really dark and salty. But to my surprise it was deliciously caramelly and slightly sweet / savoury.
There were only two desserts on the menu so we got one of each and shared. The soy ice cream was very nice. The sago was unflavoured in itself, but drenched in creamy coconut cream and a scrumptious burnt sugar tasting caramel sauce. Heaven!
Don't be deterred by the look of the restaurant or food, it is well worth trying.
Pros: Delicious food, Dessert sauce is amazing, Humble ambience
Guest
deadendjob
Points +2914
Love this place - Edit
I'm surprised I haven't reviewed this. I've been coming here for nearly 20 years.
Read moreFood is great, staff are lovely and the price reasonable. Worth a visit if you're in Wellington
Updated from previous review on 2026-02-23
Guest
MRXDentith
Points +192
Best wontons in the city - Edit
I have been going to Aunty Mena’s for nearly twenty years now and the food continues to be fantastic. The wontons are a must have, and it’s an even toss between the curry noddles or the curry with roti. Delicious.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-02-15
Guest
Kittybiscuit
Points +9926
Delicious laksa - Edit
It was busy but we found a table. I ordered the “chicken” laksa. It came out quickly. It was a large serving. I enjoyed the flavour of the laksa itself and I loved the tofu pieces. My partner had the roti cannai which he enjoyed.
Read moreQuick service, cheap and tasty.
Guest
Tofulicious
Points +1617
Worst ‘Laksa’ Ever - Edit
This place was pumping with patrons when i arrived; after dining here, i can only assume that Wellingtoners are at that stage of appreciating anything classed as vegan, without concern for taste or nutritional benefit (or indeed ‘service’).
Read moreThe ‘laksa’ tasted literally of nothing but salt. No mean feat when the bowl arrives with a thick sheen of orange oil above the white soup, surely all that fat should add some flavour?
The tastiest part of the meal was the pile of fried chick’un cubes atop the mix. The tofu, soft-boiled cauliflower and broth were terrible. Even the oily red mix of ‘sambal’ I requested tastes of nothing but salt and oil.
Cons: Overcooked flavourless food, Too much salt and oil, negligible vegetables, Lacklustre service
Guest
mkv
Points +262
Delicious! Definitely coming back for more - Edit
We had 3 ppl and tried laksa with mock duck, laksa with veggie balls and fried rice with mock duck. All delicious, laksa broth especially! In mock duck laksa we changed noodles to rice noodles to get gluten free option.
Read moreIn NZ you get used to very friendly service, and this was not at the same level at all. Could pass as friendly in many European countries but not here.
Pros: Many gluten free options on menu,, Very tasty food, Affordable price
Cons: Menu dietaries not clearly marked, Accepts only cash and NZ Depit
Guest
BiddyChloeone
Points +128
Very good flavours - Edit
I had the dumpling laksa, takeaway. They thoughtfully put the (6 large) dumplings in a separate container so that when I arrived home, they were still intact. The dumplings were full of flavour, and the laksa was choc full of vegetables. The broth was also flavourful, maybe a trifle too coco-nutty for me, but very good. The restaurant says it is vegetarian/vegan, but appears to be 99% vegan. So much to choose from!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-09-09
Pros: The containers are paper based,, the carry bag is durable cloth,, generous serve.
Cons: Some cards are not accepted - ensure you have cash
Guest
Kwr_
Points +2240
Decent food. Bring cash or NZ Debit - Edit
Bright and colourful spot. We tried the laksa and the nasi lemak with vegetable curry. The laksa broth and noodles were delicious, but the veggie balls on top were a little odd. The curry that came with the nasi lemak was soooo good! Next time I would just order that curry, if possible ! Note they only accept cash or NZ debit so come prepared.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-05-17
Pros: Decent prices , Great curry
Cons: Sticky table, Cash or NZ debit only
Guest
huawhenua
Points +3197
Nice South-East Asian Food - Edit
This Malaysian restaurant has stood the test of time, being on Cuba Street for many years.
Read moreIt's popular with locals and tourists alike. Thus, it can get a little crowded and noisy. It's not the prettiest of settings, but the food is good and staff are friendly.
Pros: Friendly atmosphere, delicious authentic Asian cuisine
Cons: Can get noisy and crowded, A bit shabby
Guest
nicole_m
Points +4468
So many options - Edit
Love vegan places like this - cheap, cheerful and tasty. I tried the wonton noodle soup - lots of veges, noodles and massive wontons, I couldn’t finish it all - and my partner had the laksa, which had a great flavour to it.
Read morePros: All vegan , Big portions
Guest
jodbcs
Points +97
Could not eat there - Edit
They do not accept payment by card when you are not from NZ. As much as I wanted to eat there, I could not… Not very welcoming
Read moreKwr_
There is an ATM across the street
Read moreGuest
aliram
Points +281
Amazing food!! - Edit
Definitely a must try, everything is vegan on the menu and such good portion for the cheap prices. I had the potato and soy curry which was insanely good. The waitress was also very friendly and helpful when I asked about what was most popular etc. Wasn’t sure what was gluten free but I didn’t ask I just went for it
Read moreGuest
OrientEspresso
Points +114
Mediocre - Edit
Much prefer going to September for flavorful South Asian food with nice presentation and ambience. The Malaysian and Indian food here was kind of gloppy and bland.
Read moreGuest
Tbms1992
Points +123
Disappointed - Edit
I don’t know if it was just me or I picked the wrong things on the menu but I was pretty disappointed in the food. I ordered a tofu curry with roti, bbq bun and spring rolls. The spring rolls were totally oily and the bbq bun not edible. The roti however was nice and the curry not too bad. Staff were very rude and you can’t pay on card if it isn’t from NZ. So bring cash! Maybe just caught them on a bad day but I would not go back. Great though that it’s all vegan.
Read morePros: Roti
Cons: Oily food, Rude staff , Don’t take credit card
Guest
flightlessalligator
Points +62
DELICIOUS - Edit
I always come here when I am in Welly!
Read moreGuest
zuziaaa
Points +265
Huge menu with the yummiest food - Edit
So many options to choose from and everything we got was delicious. Would love to come back to try more
Read morePros: Extensive menu
Guest
Pirate.Joseph
Points +726
Eat your way to victory - Edit
That’s what we did, unlike the All Blacks Who just took a loss to Argentina 🇦🇷
Read moreThe menu was brilliant, with a big variety of Malaysian and Chinese options.
The food came out to us very quickly and overall, the service was fantastic, unlike the All Black forward pack. :(
Vamos Los Pumas
Pros: Fast service, Great prices, Yum as food
Guest
Christmas11
Points +299
Delicious and simple - Edit
We had 4 mains, dumplings, and the drumsticks. The drumsticks were amazing highly recommend. Also the curry and chao mee noodles with mock chicken fantastic.
Read moreService and ambiance not the greatest out there but the food more than made up for it. *** they don’t take credit cards*** we’ll return anytime we’re in town.
Pros: Quick food, Fresh , Reasonable prices
Cons: Limited drink options , Lacking decor or ambiance, No credit or international cards
Guest
MaryT
Points +528
Large menu - Edit
The menu is so big! Our food was good but way spicy (for us) so verify spice level if it is a problem for you. Food was cooked deliciously at the front of the restaurant so points for ambience!
Read moreGuest
Sustami
Points +30
yummy! - Edit
Very tasty, variety of options
Read moreGuest
NikolasFredriksen
Points +65
Amazing authentic Asian food at great prices - Edit
Some of the best vegan Asian food I’ve had. Everything on the menu is delicious, fresh and cheap. Service is super friendly and quick. Very highly recommend for a delicious affordable meal in welly.
Read moreGuest
uschiverena
Points +580
3.5 expected more - Edit
We had the Laksa and tom yum (super spicy!) which were solid. The fried rice noodles tasted totally bland and I had to put a lot of soy sauce on top. The fried drum sticks were fun but lacked flavour.
Read moreGuest
DonaldFries
Points +22
Aunty Mina’s at the top of all Aisian Restaurants! - Edit
Flavorful - oil-free upon request- excellent! #Veganuary
Read morePros: Friendly, kind service , Nice ambiance
Cons: N/A
Guest
AndreaJE
Points +207
Tasty and quick - Edit
Tasty dish that was very quickly served. I was early which turned out good, because it became quickly busy around dinner time. Had a lovely apple tea, and Nasi Lemak. Service was friendly and quick. Recommend.
Read morePros: All vegan, many options!, Smileys for customer favourites :), Free water
Cons: Not super cozy but nice enough :)
Guest
Clem22
Points +42
Very Good Food - Edit
We took two dishes and a starter to take away, it was served quickly and it was really delicious, and not very expensive !
Read moreWe recommend 😊
Guest
VeganSoapDude
Points +11375
Yum - Edit
Delicious food, great prices, quick service!
Read moreGuest
mh0533154
Points +178
Fabulous! - Edit
Lot's of delicious options.
Read morePros: Lots of options., Prices, Open on a Monday night.
Guest
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