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2896 days ago

ViKi Cafe is dead, long live Chi Chi Kitchen?

Jonathan from Onehunga

So, Rawhiti Rd’s renowned ViKi Cafe is gone, replaced by Chi Chi Kitchen at the start of this month. ViKi’s special mixed pho was said to be the best in Auckland - but despite planning to try it for months, we didn’t get to it. Now we never will.

Tonight, on returning from our beach holiday, we got takeaway tofu and mushroom summer rolls, beef pho (we actually ordered chicken pho, but no matter) and beef salad from Chi Chi Kitchen. It was okay, but nothing special (meat a bit tough), and I’d prefer my dipping sauce on the side rather than mixed in.

The menu is short and simple at present, which is a sensible start. They say they will add six more dishes next week, and are keen for feedback.

It’s early days yet - anyone able to offer a more informed comparison?

(For anyone who is loving Vietnamese food as much as me at present, I can recommend the outstanding Le Vietnamese Kitchen in Ponsonby Rd, and can lend my copy of The Best of AA Gill).

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.7% Yes
    41.7% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.8% No
    24.8% Complete
588 votes
24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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