Jasmine Kim Spills the Tea on Her 10 Favourite Bites in Auckland
BY JENNY JUNG
Jasmine Kim sat down with us to answer a few of our questions and share her top 10 favourite bites in Auckland.
16 MAR - 2026
From hidden gems to cult favourites, these are the Auckland spots Jasmine Kim keeps going back to.
Jasmine Kim is one of those creators who makes you want to add ten new spots to your saved list immediately. Based in Auckland, she’s built a loyal following by eating her way around the city and sharing all the places she loves. From low-key comfort food to buzzy new openings, her recommendations feel nothing but genuine.
But it’s not always about food. Jasmine also lets her audience in on the quieter moments. Everything from little family snippets to her everyday life make her content feel personal and relaxing to watch. It’s that balance that’s made her one of the most relatable voices in Auckland’s food scene right now.
@jasminekim__
@jasminekim__
What first drew you to food blogging, and when did it start feeling like more than just a hobby?
I've always loved food. With my first job, the majority of my paycheck went toward eating out, dining and experiencing different cultures through food, along with a bit of shopping.
The thing about food, though, is that once you eat it, it's gone. So I started documenting it on my phone through photos and videos. Eventually, my phone began running out of storage, and I wanted to share what I had enjoyed, so I started posting everything on Instagram.
What began as a simple photo dump quickly became more than just a hobby.
When COVID hit, I found myself scrolling through my photo album, reminiscing about what used to be ‘normal,’ and craving the lifestyle of going out again. With a background in marketing, I decided to post my food photos and videos more consistently during lockdown.
To my surprise, my audience, who also missed those everyday experiences, began engaging more and really connecting with the content.
How do you balance creating content with actually enjoying the moment when dining?
To be honest, my food is always cold – and if you dine with me, you’ll need a bit of patience. But I always think, if the food still tastes amazing even after it’s gone a little cold, then you know it’s really good. Once the photos and videos are done, I put my phone down and enjoy the meal with the company I’m with.
"Kimchi and Chilli oil are absolute non-negotiables in my pantry and they always elevate and make food better."
If someone’s never had Korean food before, what’s the first dish you’d recommend they try, and where from?
This is so hard because everyone’s palate is different. I personally love spicy Korean dishes, so I’d recommend Kimchi Jjigae, a staple Korean soup. It’s not too spicy, it features kimchi; a key ingredient in Korean cuisine and it’s incredibly comforting when eaten with rice.
But if someone isn’t into spicy food, Bibimbap might be a better choice. It can be made vegetarian if preferred, and the spice level is easily adjustable.
And of course, your list of 10 favourite places to eat!
This is in no way in any particular order because you can't rate different types of cuisines and say which is better. But if I had to pick 10 places I repeatedly go to, I'd have to say they're as below.
Watda
Real Home Style Korean Food. Even the banchan (side dishes) aren't the typical ones you see at Korean Restaurants.
Photune
It's a Korean / Vietnamese fusion restaurant and I love one dish in particular; the spicy beef noodles. It has a real smoky taste and I really love it. So comforting!
Auckland Bagel Club
Best Bagels you'll ever have. Absolutely loaded and they always hit the spot.
Pikuniku
One of my fav brunch spots to go to. The asian fusion flavours are always done right here.
Metita
Pacific Fusion fine dining and the flavours are always so on point - I love their fish mains and their charred carrots. They never disappoint with the unique flavours and beautiful ambience.
Sichuan Style Restaurant
This place is in Hamilton but their food absolutely slaps. Their stuffed eggpant with mince dish will forever be a favourite. Every dish I've had from here has been delicious and we always stop by when near by.
Mulan
You have not had good Malaysian food / char keuy teow until you go here. The food is absolutely amazing - esp the Chat Keuy teow. the wok hey? The char taste - they really have it on point.
Nanam
Beautiful Filipino spot with the most amazing dishes. Filipino cuisine is still foreign to many but the food here is presented beautifully and fusion so it opens you up to the culture and the flavours. Chef Jess is truly great at what she does.
Brave Pizza
One of the best pizzas I've had in my life. You have to try it. No other explanation needed.
Fat Pukus
If you love a good smashed burger, Fat Pukus have really good ones and their interior is so fun and funky too. Makes it enjoyable for the eyes and the mouth!
Conclusion:
Ten bites. Zero gatekeeping. Your Auckland food agenda just got an upgrade. A huge thank you to Jasmine for joining the Chatty Chums team and sharing her favourites with us.
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