Kaimoana Takeaways — Attraction in Banks Peninsula Community

Where do I begin

Popped into Kaimoana new years eve around 6:30 and asked if it was possible to order for 7:30. After some conversation among the staff was told that was possible but that they could get busy so normally don't do pre-orders but could do it

Then I asked if the Akaroa cod could be battered instead of crumbed, once again some conversation among staff, was told yes it could be.

I returned around 7:20 and as there were a few people there I was happy to wait, I work in hospitality I know how it is!

I received my order sometime around the pre-ordered time. By the time I took the short walk to the Bruce apartments where we were staying and we opened the wrapper at the table, it really made us wish we had gone to rhe other fish and chips shop.

The fish was cold and the batter was thin and soggy, the oysters I had ordered were also soggy batter and the paper was covered in grease, the hotdog we had ordered was more a saveloy than a hot dog.

We were somewhat disappointed by what we had experienced especially given that we left over half our meal to the seagulls because the fish was not golden and crispy as batter should be.

Having fond memories of Murphys on the corner when it was the same establishment, we reached out to Kaimoana and were told to come back the next day.

The next day, talk about defensive and unable to take criticism! Outright accused me of postint a negative review when clearly i had reached out via private message first, I do not tend to use bad reviews as the first course of action, rather I believe contacting the business first is usually the way to go. Apparently it was our fault for changing the way their food is cooked? Just straight on the defense

We were given our money back, along with a snarky comment that they would visit the restaurant I work at in Christchurch.

I think they missed the point, we weren't trying to get our money back, we were customers (both from hospitality backgrounds) offering legitimate feedback, we understood sometimes these things happen but to immediately be attacked like we were, come on!

The following lunch we went to the other fish and chips shop in akaroa, what we received there we could have brought 3 times for the price we paid at Kaimoana, upon conversing with staff and other customers were told by one customer he had waited 15 minutes only to be told at 7:30 that you were no longer serving, Hard to believe we were your first negative complaint.

The fish we brought at Akaroa f/chips was golden and crispy with a nice even batter, it was in fact so good we went back for dinner

I've never heard of red cod going soggy because it's battered, batter gets soggy because either the oil isn't hot enough, the fish isn't dry or the batter isn't the right consistency

Anyway, the response we got was totally on the defense, when all we had intended was to offer genuine feedback, I suggest you heed the suggestion given to us by a local and learn to respond to criticism

Definitely won't be back, there's a far better fish and chip shop...

Went on 20/10/2024, 1* because the Fish and Chips were below average AND the prices are more than double what you can expect to pay for superior Fish and Chips elsewhere. Deduct 1.5 stars for Value for money. But its worse... The Issues : The batter was soaked with oil like their temperature was wrong, the chips were not good and apparently had too high sugar content as they were cooked but had that burned sugar taste and appearance. Hotdog was a Saveloy on a stick (YUCK!) Kids wouldnt eat it, Crabstick was underwhelming and had the same batter. the batter itself was not good and even cooked better it still wouldnt have been a significant improvement. This place does not deserve anywhere near a 4.8* rating, A1 Seafoods in Opawa Christchurch is a great example of a place which is TRULY a close to 5* fish and chip shop in NZ. The contrast is night and day, Sorry Kaimoana Takaways but you should be doing...

Oh my goodness. I’m absolutely fussy with fish. The owner reassured me I would love the fish which was fresh rig. I said I would bring it back if it wasn’t, absolutely no chance of that!! Perfection!! Thin crispy batter (bread crumbs available) the fish was fresh and freshly battered (or breadcrumbed) for each order, perfectly cooked. Chips were cooked superbly and with crunch but not over done. 1 scoop of chips was more than enough for 2 people.

If you are looking at having fresh fish and chips in Akarora, support Kaimoana Takeaways, 120 Rue Jolie, Akarora. Phone 03 424 3715. You will not be disappointed. Out of 10 - I give it 11!

There is a small area outside where you can enjoy these, plastic knives and forks available along with all the condiments including vinegar to purchase.

Thank...