SuMei — Restaurant in Franklin

To fusion or not to fusion...

Today, my My wife and I couldn't decide what to eat, and with the help of Google Maps, we found this relatively new restaurant. It is a fusion Asian restaurant. The first thought that went into my mind was the reason for the fusion. Sometimes, under the name of fusion, creativity becomes the essence of the fusion or the facing the challenge of authenticity. However, whatever reason, it is good enough for my wife and I to venture into it.

The first impression was rather amusing as the entrance to the restaurant was very close to the next restaurant, and we nearly entered the wrong one. However, when we entered into Su-mei, (淑美- I took the liberty to add two Chinese characters to the name of the restaurant, pronounced as Su Mei which means virtuous beauty) we were immediately attracted by the ambience and the beautiful decoration. It is very modern, a Western theme, with the touch of Asian colour.

We were greeted by one of the most friendly waitresses, Ms. Leah, who did not waste to make us comfortable and welcoming. Professionally, she introduced to the special of the day and suggested a few things from the menu. My wife and I like her countenance, and we order three things. Later, I discovered that she was actually the manager, and we were even more impressed with her service. However, I hope the management or owner would consider providing a better uniform for her...

The food came quickly, and we liked the presentation. The first dish was the Crispy Singaporean black pepper crab. As a Singaporean, I wouldn't think twice when ordering this dish. I wondered if the chef improved the taste of one of Singapore's favourite dishes or adulterated it? Hehehe...

The chef used soft sell crab instead of the regular mud crab, which is hard to find in NZ. I was doubtful initially, but the first bite, the crunch.and ooze out of the crab was heavenly. Black pepper, intermix with other spices, and garlic produced a strong fragrance to the dish. I like dried and fresh chillies used in this dish. The sauce has become the highlight of the dish, and the crab is just an accompaniment.

It is a good fusion, but I would prefer lesser sauce so that the main character, Mr. Crab can stand out. It would be more crispy if the crab swims above the sauce.

The pineapple rice is also another dish that we love. After living in Thailand for 19 years, we missed Thai Cuisine very much. We really want to be impressed by it.

The rice came in a traditional Chinese steamer, and when the cover was opened, I was delighted. Instead of normal Jasmine Rice, the chef used Japanese Rice, which gives a sticky texture to the rice. Below the rice, the chef places two pieces of Chinese dumplings leaves, and that is ingenious. As the rice is steam in the steamer, the heat rises through the leaves and then trapped inside the steamer, which produces a fragrance that is heavenly. The prawns were fresh and tasty, and the pineapple rice were cooked with lemon grass and pineapple... sticky yet enjoyable. Well done!

Finally, the dumplings came. We ordered the Lobster Prawn Dumplings. We were excited to try it as it looks so appetising. I gave one to my wife, and I took one for myself... we were both disappointed. It was really the killer of the afternoon. This meal could have a great experience for both of us but...

First, when I bite into the dumplings, the fillings were not tasty. It tasted meaty and salty. The wrap is not well Cook and, therefore, a little hard for dumplings. I told Leah that the wrap had a line that showed that it was not cooked. I was even more astonished to know that there were a few Chinese chefs in the kitchen. I can even hear them speaking from where we sit... Dumplings are a traditional Chinese dish, and we pride ourselves on being the father of dumplings. Even my daughter's dumplings taste better... what an anticlimax for us.

We will not totally write this restaurant off as we believe that it has great potential. Hopefully, the next time when we return, we can add more stars to...

Three of us arrived for lunch without a reservation around 14:00. Service was friendly and prompt.

Ordered a broad range of the menu: Paua and coriander dumplings Shiitake and smoked tofu dumplings Korean beef tartare Agedashi tofu Beef cheek rendang Wok fried spicy aubergines Gunpowder Sichuan wok fried chicken Mango salad

Outstanding meal! The beef crisp for the tartare was indeed crispy - a good indicator of fresh mise. I also appreciate the beef not being served at fridge temp. Good honest cooking with an unpretentious finesse. If I had to be picky: The wok fried spicy aubergines were slightly under seasoned. The paua dumplings could do with a burst of coriander on top instead of the chilli (togarashi?). Both are personal preferences, rather than critique. It is difficult to pick favourites; but the highlights for me were: Korean beef tartare - excellent Shiitake and smoked tofu dumplings - excellent, nice subtle smoky tofu. Gunpowder chicken - excellent. Humble ingredients cooked well, exceptional really. Beef cheek rendang - outstanding. Delicate with depth. Agedashi tofu - excellent Mango salad - fresh, fresh herbs, fresh mung beans, fresh and delicious.

The drink menu is enticing, and the ice cubes are a nice touch.

The small desert menu looks well thought out - looking forward to trying these as well.

We are looking forward to enjoying the remainder of this menu, and...

For someone who lives in waiuku, I got really excited when hearing that a new asian fusion restaurant (Su Mei) is coming to Pukekohe. Even getting more excited when I heard that its the same management as Franklin across the street.

After a while, we finally been there twice, one trip with kid (non-spicy) and one without (spicy).

We tried quite a number of dishes in the menu from both visits. We were impressed by the flavour combination and the food are yum! They also very accomodating, as when we brought our 4 years old they make sure everything is not spicy. Our favourite dishes were korean beef tartare and (papaya?) salad, my wife also loves their green tea icecream. Our only minor thing is that being Indonesian we grew up with Rendang and tried many version, and rendang from Sumei certainly not like how we know our rendang taste like (although their version also quite delicious).

Su mei has an extensive range of cocktail and other drinks, we ordered mocktails and prefer the lychee vs pinnaple. Although both still quite yum. A few of our friends also positively comment on their cocktails.

We love the atmosphere and service, very efficient, food were served fairly quickly so we didnt to wait for long, table cleaned regularly (hardly dirty plate left behind on the table).

Another point most of the food has ‘gluten free’ options including all the dumplings...