Noodles 'N' Dumplings — Restaurant in Palmerston North

30.05.2025 Extremely disappointed with the new ownership and terrible service.

I’ve been a regular here for a long time, but after tonight’s experience, I won’t be returning. The moment I walked in, no one greeted me or showed me to a table. I wasn’t given a menu, so I stood at the counter to order—yet no one acknowledged me for over a minute. Finally, a woman (who seemed to be the owner) came over and rudely asked where I was sitting. I told her I hadn’t been seated yet, and she just said, “Go to table 16.”

When I replied that I wanted to order first, she impatiently asked what I wanted. Since I hadn’t even seen a menu, I just asked for combination fried rice. She tried to push me to order more, and when I declined, she became visibly annoyed. Her attitude was hostile from start to finish—no smile, just rudeness.

I’ve spent a lot of money here over the years, but after this awful treatment, I won’t waste another dime. The place has gone downhill, and the service is now unbearable. Avoid unless you enjoy being treated poorly.

Updated on 01.06.2025 Dear Manager I’m writing to address some discrepancies between your review of my recent visit and what I actually experienced at your restaurant.

First, you mentioned that I viewed the menu on board, but only part of the menu was displayed, and fried rice wasn’t even listed. Had it been available, I would have considered ordering it.

Second, you claimed that the staff greeted me with a "stiff smile." The reality was quite different—I stood at the counter while a young staff member glanced at me, then turned to another colleague (who seemed more senior) before finally asking for my order with what I can only describe as a cold expression. There was no warm greeting or smile, stiff or otherwise.

Third, regarding the ordering process, I simply wanted to place my order first since I was still deciding. I didn’t catch whether the staff asked about dine-in or takeaway initially, but her reaction to my request was unnecessarily abrupt. Are your staff required to follow rigid steps (like confirming dine-in/takeaway before taking the order), or is there flexibility to accommodate the customer’s preference?

As for seating, I was asked, “Table 2 or Table 16?” but I had no idea where either table was, nor was it clear whether she meant “table for two” or “Table 2.” The interaction felt rushed, and her impatience only added to my confusion.

Lastly, you accused me of being rude to a staff member who was supposedly on her first day. I had no way of knowing she was in training—my comment was simply expressing hope that next time, the staff would provide menus promptly. I was upset (not rude—there’s a difference), and as a paying customer, I expect basic service standards regardless of whether an employee is new or experienced.

Instead of arguing with customers over misunderstandings, I suggest focusing on improving staff training and service quality. At this point, I can’t recommend your restaurant to others, which is unfortunate. I hope this feedback helps you address these issues moving forward.

Best regards One...

I thought I’d try out this restaurant cause the reviews looked good, but do Not be deceived.

A lady at the counter greeted me. I asked if they sell “crispy pork” as there were no photos on the wall, she said “Yes we do” so I added beef fried rice & squid to my order.

When I received my order I noticed the crispy pork was not what it was but looked exactly like sweet & sour pork (Deep fried drizzled with orange sauce & vegetables). I confronted the lady at the counter that she had mistakenly misinterpreted what I asked for & given me sweet & sour to her response she said “this is how we do our crispy pork” I even showed them a photo & they told me that was a Vietnamese dish, at this point she was being ignorant along side one other staff.

As I looked up on their website I couldn’t find any crispy pork but to my surprise found what they served me which Was sweet & sour pork.

A few blocks down I found another Chinese restaurant called HK, now they understood what Crispy Pork is. So I thought I’d show them the dish I was given by “Noodle N Dumplings” & explained what had happened. They confirmed whilst giggling knowing exactly what it was

Overall the squid I ordered were 6 tiny pieces for $8.50 & the beef fried rice only had 6 strips of beef! What a joke!

I wouldn’t recommend anyone to this restaurant although the empty tables say it all. Best to spend your money where businesses genuinely care.

This restaurant...

A large portion of my friends and I have had a long-standing relationship with Noodles 'N Dumplings. This means we've seen it change subtly over the 10+ years since it first opened, and seemingly go through a few owners and/or operators in that time. It's been a tenure of ups and downs in quality, with us being pleased with the food, and then sometimes let down, at times taking long breaks from returning due to being left dissatisfied. I am pleased to now say though, it seems as though we have seen a return to quality and new life breathed into the operation of the restaurant. Whilst the service never really lacked, the food quality is arguably as good or better than ever before. Highly recommend the fried dumplings, and especially the vege ones, even if you love meat dumplings (the pork will likely not disappoint at all) but they are amazing. Also the 'Hot Pot' meals, that come out in a stainless bowl elevated above a long-buring fuel to keep the meal piping hot for a long time, again special mention to the vege option again, but any will iekly be as good as appetizing as they seem. Most meals should speak for themselves, and I would advise trying anything you like the sound of, as the love and care in the food prep is seemingly back or...