Funbuns — Restaurant in North Island

Would give it a zero if that was possible. We journeyed from afar to come delight in the Bao experience u advertise- it’s a shame u don’t advertise how rude and judgemental u are. what we thought would be a great way to end a busy working week turned out to be miserable and flat out rude . Our 4 sum had even organised it to be a double date. I contacted fun buns a few days ahead to book- they said they don’t take bookings which is fine we said !! . We arrived eager to spend up and eat up around 7pm keen to drink the cocktails they advertise. A small number of diners spotted in the main sitting area and from our entrance something was off. Table for four please said I - The manager was rude and abrupt stating there was a small bar leaner we could cram onto ,when we asked if we could sit at the outside table we were denied. Starving and annoyed i shot off to the bathroom hopeful to put that all aside and enjoy some dinner . I came out to discover your staff had refused my husband and our friend service got food ,he asked for a menu and was told no !!!!!!. We had all not long finished work that Friday and for no reason at all there was some kind of issue ! When I asked to speak to manager I was declined and we left. Shamefully I put it down to some sort of racist or attitude with young people of colour with money to spend . We Didn’t even get to sit down and had another waiter tell us we wouldn’t be served . We had just driven from out of Hastings, had money to spend, no one was drunk loud or rude but for some reason our money wasn’t good enough. Bad...

Man what a great restaurant! We were recommended to come here by some mutual friends who know Dave the bartender and co-owner of the place. For the drinks, ask Dave to make you one of his specialty drinks, you can't go wrong. He made me a Woodford Reserve Whiskey drink that smelled like Quaker Oats apple and cinnamon oatmeal, and tasted so good, it would be easy to get drunk.

The atmosphere in the place seems like you stepped off a Chinese street and into a street market, instead of coming from a small New Zealand town. We loved the feel of the place and all the different neon signs in the bar were fabulous too!

As for the food, we ordered way to much, multiple bao buns, rice cake noodles, cauliflower, wontons, and the amazing fried chicken of which we had the black garlic, and the gojuchang with mango honey. Everything was delicious, but our favorites were the pulled pork bao, the rice cake noodles, and both of the fried chicken flavors we ordered which we had to make our last bites. Luckily we have some leftovers to eat tomorrow! Thank you Dave...

Totally the best meal out I've had in ages and value for $$$$. Classic pork and the pork belly bao buns are simply the best. The taste hit that pops on your tongue is bursting with flavour . The next flavour hit was the Barrata, which is a ball of mozzarella in a tasty sauce with fried bread dippers. The radish cakes are also a must to try. Your taste buds won't know what's hit them with the zingy flavours in all these dishes. Right from when you set foot in the door you have friendly and helpful staff waiting on you. Nic has st the bar high and certainly delivers. Absolute must when in Havelock North, take in the decor as well with the quirky wall art and beautiful parasols covering the ceiling. I love the telephone poll with its many wires , so typical of Asia. Well done...