Madam Woo Queenstown — Restaurant in South Island

We had heard great things about their food. So Today being our last night in Queenstown, we wanted to experience their food before we left. However from the time we entered the restaurant the manager Casey made us feel very uncomfortable and not welcomed. We had rung earlier to reserve a table for 2 adults and 1 child and we were told that they do not take bookings and it is as per first come first serve basis. We got their around 530pm for an early dinner and even though the restaurant was fairly empty, We were cramped into this table by the stairs. We were told that all the others tables were reserved which was surprising because we were told they don’t pre-book. We were told they do not have another highchair and one they had was occupied (we thought fair enough). In the meanwhile we noticed that the manager brought out another highchair for another family from the back while we were not offered the highchair even though we were before them but just a normal chair with a cushion for our 2 year old son. We didn’t understand why such an indifferent attitude towards us. When I saw that the highchair which was earlier occupied become available , I asked the wait staff if we could use it. We were given the highchair and as soon as we put our son in the highchair the manager (Casey) comes and tells us “You can use it for now but within 1/2 an hour or so I will need the highchair for a reserved booking”. This Upset us the most, So you expect me to pick my child up while eating his food because you want it within half an hour! We were almost ready to get up after this comment but one of our dishes just arrived. The manager Casey was the most rudest person I have ever met in all these years of us visiting different restaurants all around the world. We have never experienced such rude and indifferent service from a restaurant before. The food which came out wasn’t upto expectations at all. The Hainanese chicken which is the most recommended was disappointing.. the chicken pieces were so tough and chewy. The wait staff who was serving us did see it for herself and decided to offer us an alternative dish. However We just went for the 2 rotis instead of a whole new dish. We thank the wait staff for the offer. The manager’s totally spoiled our last night in Queenstown. All I can say that if you are not a big group and just a small family don’t expect much from this place because they...

For a restaurant that markets its specialties to be Malaysian/Singaporean food, I was sorely disappointed by the laksa which is unlike any kind of laksa I’ve eaten in Singapore (where Im from) or Malaysia. The bowl (with no meat additions) came with yellow noodles, one half of a hard boiled egg, shallots, a handful of cooked bokchoy, 3 small deep fried tofu squares, some raw bean sprouts, and coriander garnish. The soup was more milky sweet than spicy. The noodles were also slightly hard and not cooked fully.

Laksa is a dish that varies in taste even between Singapore and Malaysia, and I understand there are local flavours depending on where you go, but I expected Madam Woo to at least serve a laksa that more closely resembles what it claims to authentically represent.

When I was asked how the food was and replied that it was something I didn’t expect, as it was very different from what I’ve eaten in Singapore, the response was that the food is tailored to New Zealand taste and it was ‘made for everyone’. In that case then it would be good for the menu to say that the dishes have been modified to suit the local taste.

When a dish is made true to its origins, is that not something everyone can enjoy too? I’ve eaten laksa from 3 different restaurants in the Queenstown region alone that were as different as night and day, so who’s to say what the ‘local’ taste is?

Despite the food falling below expectations, the ambience was fantastic, music was great and the place was sparkling clean. I would come again, but not for the laksa.

UPDATE I went back a second time and tried the char kway teow - this didn’t disappoint. It was less greasy than what I’m used to in Singapore (not complaining about this), and there was a balance of flavour in the sauces used with the eggs, shallots, bean sprouts and spring onions, with a generous helping of Chinese sausages. This had prawns instead of the usual clams and...

🌟✨ Welcome to Madam Woo in Christchurch, where the vibrant flavors of Malaysian street food come alive! Nestled in the heart of the city, this chic eatery exudes a lively and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both casual lunches and special dinners. As soon as you step inside, the eclectic decor and the friendly staff make you feel right at home.

🍜 The menu at Madam Woo is an absolute delight, brimming with a variety of dishes that cater to all taste buds. From the famous Hawker Rolls to the mouth-watering Laksa, every bite is a burst of authentic Malaysian goodness. I couldn't resist the signature Char Kway Teow, which was a heavenly mix of flat rice noodles, prawns, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a deliciously smoky sauce.

🍹 Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of their refreshing cocktails or a glass of their expertly curated wine. The passionfruit mojito I tried was a refreshing complement to the bold flavors of my meal. And if you have room for dessert, the Banana Fritters with caramel sauce are a must-try, leaving you with the perfect sweet ending to your culinary adventure.

🌈✨ Overall, Madam Woo is a delightful experience that shouldn't be missed when in Christchurch. The vibrant ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite food make it a standout spot that captures the essence of Malaysian street food. Can't...