Punjabi Kitchen — Restaurant in Manurewa

If you’re in Flat Bush and looking for real, flavourful Indian food that hits the spot, this small family-run restaurant is worth a visit. It’s a humble place — just a few tables and a simple setup — but it’s clear from the moment you walk in that this place is all about the food.

We ordered two classics: butter chicken and shahi paneer, along with fresh naan. The butter chicken was creamy and comforting, with just the right mix of sweetness and mild spice. The chicken itself was soft and cooked perfectly. The shahi paneer was equally delicious — rich, smooth, and full of flavour, with tender paneer cubes that soaked up the gravy beautifully.

The owners are Punjabi, and you can taste that North Indian home-style influence in every bite. There’s a depth to the spices and a balance to the flavours that you don’t always find in bigger, flashier places. You can tell they cook with experience — and pride.

The portion sizes were decent — not massive, but definitely enough to satisfy — and the prices were fair, especially for Auckland. It’s great value for money considering the quality.

One thing that stood out was how busy it was. While we sat in, there was a non-stop flow of Uber Eats and takeaway orders. The kitchen was buzzing, and the phone didn’t stop ringing. Clearly, this place is a local favourite. If you plan to dine in, it’s worth calling ahead or showing up outside peak times — it fills up quickly.

Parking can also be a bit of a mission, since it’s located in a busy block with lots of shops and shared parking. It might take a few laps to find a spot during dinner time, so give yourself a little extra time.

Service was quick and friendly, even with how hectic it was. The food came out hot and fresh, and the staff were warm and welcoming — just like you’d expect at a good, family-run Indian joint.

All in all, this is one of those hidden gems that locals know and love. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable, authentic, and packed with flavour. If you’re after solid Indian food — especially North Indian/Punjabi style — this little spot in Flat Bush is definitely worth a try.

Authentic Punjabi flavour, fair prices, and a busy, welcoming vibe. We’ll be back — maybe for...

UPDATE - AUG 21. Upgraded my stars from 4 to 5 because its well deserved. We gave this place another go after the first review below was done and it was absolutely delish! Everything was tasty from.the rice to the butter chicken to the garlic naan which is definitely garlic! And because we enjoyed the second time so much we have had it about 5 times since and each time has been absolutely delish. So thanks guys will definitely be getting our fav again soon!

First review = 4 stars, First time trying this place tonight rice was a little hard (not undercooked its almost as if it was the bottom of the rice pot) but everything else was beautiful, naan and butter chicken was fantastic thank you very much for a yummy meal. if the rice was not hard in the middle definitely would of given it 5 stars with no hesitation, but we will definitely order again and look forward to ordering again. If you haven't tried this place we recommend...

The restaurant boasts a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, decorated with traditional Punjabi artifacts and colorful tapestries that create a festive and welcoming environment. The seating is comfortable, and the space is well-lit, adding to the overall charm.

The staff at Punjabi Kitchen is incredibly friendly and attentive. The service was prompt, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable dining experience.

We started with the jeerak soda, which was perfectly spiced and flavoured authentic mocktail. The Paneer Chilly gravy was another standout, with its flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Chicken korma was outstanding.

Given the high quality of the food and the generous portions, Punjabi Kitchen offers excellent value for money. It’s the perfect place for both casual dining and special...