Winter warmers

Comforting sips that warm you inside out

Masala Tea from Choolaah Indian Takeaway

Masala tea, also known as chai, is a beloved drink from the Indian subcontinent, made by brewing black tea with a fragrant blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves and ginger, then finished with milk and sweetener. It’s a healthy and deeply comforting sip that nourishes both body and soul. For the full traditional experience, add $0.50 to enjoy it from a clay pot, a simple upgrade that makes every sip feel even more special.

Viral Fluff Hot Chocolate from Cocoa Wilds Chocolate

This is not your everyday hot chocolate. Deliciously indulgent and effortlessly Instagrammable, Cocoa Wild’s Hot Chocolate is a true cold‑day dream. Made with freshly handcrafted chocolate, it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, ideal for a quick pick‑me‑up or a slow, cosy catch‑up with friends. It can be made dairy‑free, vegetarian or vegan, and is both halal and coeliac‑friendly, making it a treat everyone can enjoy.

Black Sesame Latte from Lumi Cafe

Not feeling coffee? No sweat - Lumi Café’s black sesame latte is a standout alternative. Deeply nutty, silky and naturally aromatic, it’s made with organic black tahini that are pan-roasted and ground in-house. This gives the drink a fresh, almost dessert‑like intensity that’s comforting without being sweet. Pair it with their 100% egg soufflé pancake - so fluffy it melts the moment you take a bite. 

Hot Matcha Latte from Pink Neon Sign

Step inside Pink Neon Sign and you’re instantly wrapped in cool, dreamy energy - pink décor, soft natural light, and that effortlessly aesthetic vibe they’re known for. Their hot matcha latte is made with generous matcha powder, smooth and rich, and simply the perfect winter pick‑me‑up. Keep an eye on their Instagram too as they’re always dropping new specials with unique flavours worth chasing.

Savoury bites that fill you up

Chicken Noodle Soup from Goodlife Juice Co.

Nothing beats a classic, comforting chicken noodle soup during the colder months. The bowl greets you with the savoury aroma of simmered chicken, slow‑cooked vegetables, and broth that feels like it’s been tended to all afternoon. The noodles offer a gentle chew, soaking up every bit of flavour. And if you’re craving more heartwarming bowls, their other soups like pumpkin, lentil, black bean and others are also worth exploring.

100% Gluten Free Lasagna from Giapo

Giapo has taken comfort food and made it extraordinary with their 100% gluten‑free lasagna, layered with premium beef ragu and packed with all the richness you expect from a classic. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and crafted for anyone who wants comfort without compromise. And while you’re there, you can get your dessert fix too. Their pastries and gelato are always a treat, and their Iconic Auckland Eats winner, the legendary Hokey Pokey is never a let‑down.

Hot pot from Guangzhou Hotpot

Hot pot is not just a meal, it’s an experience - cosy, communal, and endlessly customisable. Think thinly sliced meats, crisp vegetables, and handmade noodles dipped into a rolling boil. With every addition, the broth grows deeper, richer, and more flavourful, turning the table into a warm, shared ritual. Try their signature coconut‑flavoured chicken hotpot, or if you're craving seafood, their original scampi and seafood pot paired with spicy sauce is a crowd favourite. 

Korean Army Stew from Faro

Budae Jjigae is a popular Korean fusion stew that combines Korean kimchi and chili paste with traditional American military ingredients like Spam, baked beans and sausages in a spicy broth, often served with ramen noodles. It’s bold, bubbling, and built to warm you from the inside out. Their traditional K-BBQ on charcoal grill is also a standout so bring your friends and family and share this warm experience together! 

Let the warmth linger

Mulled wine from The Occidental

The Occidental's mulled wine is back, and winter just got a whole lot warmer! Steaming, spiced, and deeply aromatic, it’s the kind of drink that wraps itself around you like your favourite knit. The bar fills with the scent of cinnamon, citrus, and slow‑warmed red wine, drifting through the room and setting the mood for crisp nights on Vulcan Lane. Whether you’re tucked into a corner booth or catching up with friends at the bar, this is the perfect winter warmer.

Coffee chocolate rum from Caretaker

If you’re after a low‑lit, intimate spot to settle in, Caretaker is one of those bars that feels like a secret and Top Tia completes the whole mood. It’s a cocktail that drinks like dessert and lingers warmly on the palate. This coffee‑chocolate treat blends house‑spiced rum with Tia Maria, Cointreau, Caretaker's house‑made orgeat, and rich chocolate liqueur, creating a slow‑sipping indulgence that's made for late nights.