Little Manila — Restaurant in North Island

Our first visit to SBG was to sample their large baos (largest in town) and the costliest at $5 per bun because they were impressive. They certainly looked inviting and we found the dough to be of the right consistency, moisture and taste but the filling was a different matter. It's definitely the worst roast pork bun (bao) that we have eaten; what a shame!

The culprit was the filling which was a terrible mock-up of the traditional roast pork found in most versions (and there are many versions of roast pork buns around a 5-km radius of SBG). Though it looked the right colour and was hoisin-flavoured the filling consisted mostly of a floury, cornflour-thickened gel-filler, with a few, tiny flecks of what looked like meat *. How very disappointing! It's not worth a buck let alone 5. You can easily find better RPB at less cost around town. If the filling improved we would be happy to re-rate SBG higher as we do not like to leave poor ratings, in general.

In response to your reply: Yes I would be interested to find out, using random sampling technique to test (cross-sectioned so both parties can see inside for themselves) if it was just a one-off bun. * We assure you that we set out with an impartial mindset when assessing, and aim to be objective and fair but without compromising our standards. Your bun was actually recommended to us and we bought it with high expectations, so that's why the outcome was surprising. Thanks for your kind offer - happy to pay for what we eat as we do not wish to impose....

I'm reviewing the Lower Hutt branch in Queensgate. I've found that while it is Filipino cooking adapted to the Western palate, the dishes lack authenticity and flavour. Disappointing to have old school dishes like Kare Kare and Dinuguan rendered down to what tasted like quick insta-sauces (lacked that meaty flavour only accomplished from slow cooking the meat in the broth) poured over deep fried pork. I have also tried the Longganisa and the meat mix lacked flavour, overcooked and dry.

My last visit was a couple of days ago, I thought I would give it another chance and tried the Sisig dish @ $17 a serving (advertised on their menu AND ON THE PHOTOS) that it came with a fried egg... when my order came I asked about the fried egg and she said the egg is actually mixed in.... so not a fried egg then like what's on the menu. Bit misleading if you ask me.

The food was underwhelming and tasted like ginisang lata ng Sardinas. The meat had no pork texture (overcooked and soft like baby food). The 'Ate' who's the full time front of house (manager/owner?) is unfriendly and not very welcoming. Everyone else was friendly and...

I was on the hunt for the best lechon belly in Wellington to surprise someone special for their birthday, and that’s when I stumbled upon Little Manila NZ. Their Facebook page caught my eye, so I reached out from all the way in Dubai, UAE.

The experience? Absolutely amazing! They responded to my message right away, making the entire transaction smooth and reliable. What truly touched me was when I asked if they could add a greeting card as a small favor—and they did! It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the surprise extra special.

They delivered right on time, and now for the most important part: the taste! Let me tell you, their lechon belly is simply exceptional. The person I sent it to said it felt like they were back home in the Philippines, enjoying a true taste of tradition.

Highly recommend Little Manila NZ for their fast service, kindness, and incredible lechon belly. If you're in Wellington, this is the...