Nice buns
The creators of Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar have built on the success of their first venture to bring an electrifying Asian dining experience to Victoria Street. Treated to a night of great food, superb cocktails and charming service, we have fallen under the spell of Sister Kong Bao Bar.
Tucked away down the newest hip hospo alleyway to emerge from Victoria Street’s burgeoning nightlife mecca is Asian powerhouse Sister Kong Bao House. Riding high on the shirttails of their former Chinese dumpling empire, Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar, Sister Kong is altogether next-level dining.
Drawn like moths to the flame, we proceed to the end of the laneway where a giant pulsating neon cat greets us. Sister Kong’s lucky cat mascot – designed by local artist, Joel Hart – plays out as a recurring motif on menus and across one wall where rows of golden feline forms wave their tiny paws hypnotically.
Spilling out onto the sun-drenched courtyard that is the laneway’s thoroughfare, late afternoon punters can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail as the last of the sun’s rays fade into night.
Stepping inside, the decor exudes all the vibrancy and magnetism of Hong Kong’s sizzling street life. This edgy, urban fit-out piques our curiosity as to what might be expected from the kitchen.
Pulling up a pew on the long banquet seating on one side of the bar, we are given the low-down on specials from our charming waitress. And, with a new mixologist from Germany in the house, we are treated to a sampling of the soon-to-be-released summer cocktails he has been concocting specially for the festive season.
One cocktail, served in a copper mug and topped with a candied orange peel, conjures up a chilled Asian-style take on German mulled wine. Made with sake, calvados and ginger lemonade, the hint of cardamom and lemongrass gives it just the right amount to spice.
As Sister Kong is all about bao buns, we are glad to see some classic flavour combinations as well as some innovative creations that include a decadent chocolate ice-cream ‘baonut’, which, we are delighted to report, had our taste buds singing.
For those looking to go bun-free, Sister Kong also offers plenty of delicious alternatives like the freshest summer noodle salad this side of the Tasman, moreish fried chicken, crispy wontons, the bao ice cup substitute, and, of course, plenty of dumplings.
For a fabulous night out, a laid-back weekend brunch or a quick pick-me-up courtesy of UberEATS, look no further than Sister Kong to satiate your culinary desires.
Open 7 Days 12pm - late
123 Victoria Street
03 421 6494 | sisterkong.co.nz
