Ramen Tekapo — Restaurant in South Island

We only come here each time we're in Tekapo because there aren't many options for our requirements & because the other Japanese restaurant here gets full fast for both dine-in & takeaways.

For our last visit, service was slow. Eventhough the restaurant wasn't full. This was around 5pm. We were hoping things would've been better for our most recent visit. Unfortunately it just got worse. I didn't want to leave a review then, but I'm compelled by our recent visit to do so because this incident involves DISHONESTY.

We came in as a family of six. Two of us ordered first, while the rest after us. Unfortunately, the boy at the counter forgot our order. We only realised this when our other family members who ordered after us received all their food. They'd a bigger order while the two of us only had three dishes. We don't understand how he could've missed it but we didn't make a fuss about it, because the boy was probably overwhelmed.

We highlighted it to them & had to wait another 20 mins before our food came. By this time, our family members were already on their second round of orders. When our forgotten order came, the girl who served us gave a plate of sashimi & said, "we're sorry about your order. This plate of sashimi is from us & on the house." We were surprised & appreciated the gesture.

At this point in time, my sister had just ordered a plate of sashimi as well. When her order didn't arrive many minutes later, we joked that maybe the free sashimi we were given was hers.

When my sister approached the counter, she was told that her order had already been sent to our table. She told them that the only sashimi we'd received was the complimentary one. My sister then pointed to the girl who brought it to us. The cashier called her over & asked about it. Imagine the shock my sister had when the girl denied saying the sashimi she sent was free. Not wanting to create a scene, my sister bought another plate of sashimi.

I confronted the girl on this when my sister came back to the table & told us. I said that the whole table heard the girl say it. Was she trying to say that we, including the kids with us were liars? She kept on denying it. I called for the manager (who was obviously her father & owner). What made it worse was the response we got from him. Simply APPALLING.

He didn't apologise for the lapse. Instead he asked bluntly "so, what do you want? A refund?" Never took ownership of the situation. Failed to see anything wrong with what'd happened. Each time I asked, "so, you don't see how wrong this is," he kept replying, "so you want a refund?"

For us it was about integrity. My sister paid for her food which technically didn't come & then she had to pay another time for it. The fact that the girl who served us was being dishonest about it & implying that we lied about it was just horrible.

That was not all. I had a reaction shortly after dinner. I've a shellfish & crustacean allergy. When I ordered their tofu tomyam soup, we'd highlighted it to the server to be safe. But, when we got back to our accommodation, I started to flare up.

My family is always mindful about crossing their utensils with mine or my food because of my allergies. This was also why they didn't order any of the triggers during dinner, to be extra safe. Especially considering how far medical help would be if something happened. So, that pretty much ruled the family out.

I'm aware there may be possibilities of crossing utensils or ingredients during prep. Even then they should've at least paid more notice or have disclaimers of cross contamination in their menu if not verbally as precautions.

In most places in NZ, when I ask about food allergens, they often take extra note of their food prep for my order or at least highlight that they cross use food prep spaces even in their menus. This incident's painted the restaurant in a very bad light for us. After years of patronage, we won't be coming back. As Asians ourselves we're embarassed by their business ethics. It's not examplary of our...

Our visit to Ramen Tekapo left us thoroughly impressed with the quality and taste of their food. The Laksa Chicken dish was a true standout, with its aromatic and flavorful broth that perfectly complemented the tender chicken and fresh vegetables. The Red Curry Chicken was equally remarkable, boasting a delightful balance of spice and creaminess. Accompanied by fragrant rice, every bite was a delight.

The portion sizes were generous, ensuring we left the restaurant feeling fully satisfied. The presentation of the dishes was visually appealing, showcasing the attention to detail that went into their preparation. It was evident that the chefs at Ramen Tekapo have a deep understanding of Thai cuisine and how to bring out the best flavors in each dish.

The service we received was friendly and attentive. The staff members were knowledgeable about the menu and provided helpful recommendations based on our preferences. They ensured that our dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish.

Ramen Tekapo truly captures the essence of authentic Thai cuisine. The combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and skilled craftsmanship in the kitchen sets this restaurant apart. It is a must-visit for anyone craving a memorable dining experience.

Whether you're a fan of laksa or red curry, Ramen Tekapo delivers dishes that will leave you craving more. The attention to detail, delicious flavors, and warm service make this restaurant a top choice for Thai food enthusiasts. Don't miss the opportunity to savor their delightful offerings...

We had just wrapped up an amazing 3-day getaway in Queenstown for our son’s birthday and were heading home to Rolleston. But with so many stops along the way, time slipped away from us. By the time we reached Tekapo, it was already 8:45 pm, and most restaurants were either closed or about to close.

We started to feel a bit deflated, thinking the day might end on a sour note. It was our son’s birthday, and after such a lovely time in Queenstown, we didn’t want the celebration to end like this.

Then, by sheer luck, we came across Ramen Tekapo, who welcomed us even though they were closing in just 15 minutes. We were so grateful that they accommodated us. As we ordered, we mentioned that it was our son’s birthday, and their kindness took things to a whole new level.

Not only did they serve us delicious food, but when we ordered dessert and asked for a candle so our son could blow it out and make a wish, they went above and beyond. They made his dessert extra special, played a birthday song, and—what brought tears to my eyes—every single staff member stopped what they were doing to sing “Happy Birthday” to him.

It was such a beautiful and unexpected moment that turned what could have been a disappointing end to the day into a memory we’ll cherish forever. Thank you, Ramen Tekapo, for reminding us that small acts of kindness can leave a...