Hello dear
Welcome To TEM - New Zealand
TEM - New Zealand is a cozy Vietnamese eatery located in the heart of Auckland. Renowned for its intimate atmosphere with just four seats, it offers a homey experience where guests feel welcomed like family. The diverse menu features standout dishes like the Banh Mi with roasted pork and the flavorful Bun Cha, crafted with fresh ingredients and artful finesse. Customers rave about the vibrant flavors, particularly the perfectly balanced tofu vermicelli bowl and the crispy spring rolls. Helmed by a warm and attentive owner, TEM ensures a charming dining experience that leaves patrons yearning for more.
About
TEM - New Zealand
Welcome to TEM - New Zealand, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Auckland Central at 19 Wellesley Street West. This cozy Vietnamese eatery has become a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a warm atmosphere coupled with mouthwatering authentic flavors. Run by a delightful couple who treat every guest like family, dining at TEM feels more like visiting a friend’s home than a traditional restaurant.
One standout item on their menu is the Bun Cha, which has garnered rave reviews for its perfect harmony of fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a dipping sauce that balances sweet, sour, and savory notes beautifully. Visitors like Phi Pham have highlighted it as one of the finest versions they've ever tasted. If you're vegetarian, don't miss the tofu vermicelli bowl, where marinated turmeric tofu is lightly fried to achieve a delicate crisp while retaining a silky inside. It’s a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and a tangy dressing—ideal for a refreshing meal.
The menu also boasts delightful offerings like the Vietnamese Meatball Dry Noodles and the classic Banh Mi, loaded with juicy roasted pork and complemented by crispy pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro. Rhonda S describes the meal as surprising and satisfying, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.
Despite its limited seating—only four spots available—TEM excels in creating an intimate dining experience where every dish reflects passion and care. The aroma wafting from the kitchen is simply divine, and many patrons have noted the wonderful complimentary jasmine tea, adding a touch of luxury to their meal. As L-M Hallam noted, the bright, fresh flavors and the welcoming charm of the owners make your visit memorable and worth repeating.
So, if you're in Auckland and craving Vietnamese cuisine that feels as good as it tastes, make your way to TEM - New Zealand. Your taste buds will thank you.
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“ Awesome wee Vietnamese spot. Takeaway or perch on one of the several stools at the recycled wood bar. Absolutely delicious and fresh. Bright tasty flavours, the smell of the kitchen is devine. Wonderful couple running it. Dining in today was served a complementary Jasmine tea too which was the icing on the cake. Looking forward to coming again ”
“ *Rating: (5/5)* I recently had the pleasure of grabbing a pork baguette for $14 NZD, and it was absolutely delicious! The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with tender, flavorful pork. The balance of flavors was spot on, with fresh veggies and a hint of sauce that tied everything together. The portion size was generous too, making it totally worth the price. The service was quick and friendly, and I’ll definitely be coming back for more! Highly recommend if you’re in the area and craving a satisfying meal. I've also tried the dry meatball Noodles for $20 and Vietnamese Coffee for $7 and they were splendid. ”
“ This is one of the best Vietnamese flavours I've tasted since spending 6 months in South East Asia. It's delicious. We had the Papaya Salad, and I haven't had one this moresome since I can back from Hanoi. I would highly recommend. I licked the plate clean. ”
“ So tasty! It's a smaller store, feels family-owned and run. The space is limited but the flavor of the baguette is so delicious!I and not too pricey at 14$ each. I ordered the lemongrass tofu baguette. It was so good! Stop by I recommend. ”
“ TEM, a cozy Vietnamese restaurant with only four seats available, offers an intimate dining experience paired with authentic flavors. I ordered the **Vietnamese Meatball Dry Noodles** for $20 and the **Banh Mi with roasted pork** for $14. The **Vietnamese Meatball Dry Noodles** were a pleasant surprise. Instead of a broth-based dish, it featured spring rolls and tender meatballs atop perfectly cooked dry noodles. The vinegar sauce on the side added a tangy punch that tied the dish together beautifully, giving it a fresh, balanced flavor. The crispy spring rolls provided an excellent contrast to the soft noodles and juicy meatballs. While the price is on the higher side, the combination of flavors and textures made it a satisfying meal. The **Banh Mi with roasted pork** was equally impressive. The bread was fresh and crispy, with a perfect crunch, while the roasted pork was flavorful and juicy. The pickled vegetables and fresh cilantro added a refreshing layer, making each bite an explosion of flavor. For $14, it was a great take on this classic sandwich. Though TEM’s seating is very limited, their food delivers in quality and flavor. If you can secure one of the four seats, it’s definitely worth a visit for an authentic Vietnamese experience. ”
“ Some of the best Vietnamese food i have come across in New Zealand. Absolutely delicious staff are amazing super popular place, quick turn around. Must try! ”
“ I only had one dish here, but it was absolutely delicious , full of flavor and clearly made with care. What really stood out, though, was the owner. She was so sweet and welcoming, with the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you’re visiting a friend’s home rather than a restaurant. She took the time to chat, made sure I was comfortable, and you could tell she genuinely cares about her guests. I left with a full belly and a happy heart. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more! Ps: the spring roles were absolutely delicious ”
“ We’re a couple from Canada and had the pleasure of trying several dishes at this restaurant during our visit. The Bun Cha was absolutely top-notch which came with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and a dipping sauce that was perfectly balanced between sweet, sour, and savory. It was one of the best versions we've had! We also tried the tofu vermicelli bowl, which was another highlight. The tofu was marinated in turmeric, giving it a vibrant color and subtle earthy flavor. It was lightly fried to create a delicate crisp on the outside while staying soft and silky inside. Paired with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and a light, tangy dressing, it was a refreshing and satisfying vegetarian option. Overall, this place offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere and some truly standout dishes. Whether you're a meat lover or vegetarian, there's something delicious for everyone here. Highly recommended! ”