NZL: Cornwall Park Café
Savouring seasonal flavours in the heart of Cornwall Park~
Located within the picturesque Cornwall Park is a café that offers the perfect excuse to slow down amid one of Auckland's most beloved green spaces. Before exploring the park and eventually tackling the hike up One Tree Hill, my travel buddy and I decided to stop by for a quick lunch to fuel up.
The café is open all year round, except on Christmas Day.
Salmon Rice Bowl NZ$23.00 (~S$17.35)
Taste: 7/10
Despite its name, the dish built on a base of nutty brown rice was actually served on a plate. The rice was accompanied by ribbons of smoked salmon, grilled halloumi (Cypriot semi-hard, unripened and brined cheese), shaved carrots, pickled ginger, edamame (Japanese young soybeans) and chuka wakame (Japanese seasoned sesame seaweed salad), creating a pleasing variety of textures and flavours.
Warm Moroccan Chicken Salad NZ$24.00 (~S$18.10)
Taste: 8/10
Although billed a salad, the dish was hearty enough to be a main course for me, especially after a heavy breakfast that I'd had earlier that morning. Buried beneath a medley of grilled vegetables, the spiced chicken, was tender and nicely caramelised. It was finished with beetroot purée that added a splash of colour to the plate while contributing some earthy sweetness at the same time.
Caramel Slice NZ$6.50 (~S$4.90)
Taste: 8/10
For something sweet, we shared an indulgent treat featuring caramel and chocolate. Cut into a generous wedge, the slice featured a dark, crumbly chocolate biscuit base with an adequately thick layer of caramel above it. It was then crowned with a glossy, snappy layer of dark chocolate ganache, providing a hint of cocoa bitterness that complemented the sweetness of the caramel beautifully.
Hakanoa Chai NZ$5.00 (~S$3.75)
Taste: 7.5/10
Arriving with a thick layer of velvety milk foam and finished with a dusting of ground cinnamon, the sweet Hakanoa Chai was especially comforting amidst the strong gusts of winter wind. There was a nice balance among the black tea, milk and warming spices with none of them overpowering the others. Pika's advice: You can request for the spicy version.
Melon's Rating
Taste: 7.5/10
Ambience: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Overall: 7/10
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience within the park, Cornwall Park Bistro is the place to go.
Cornwall Park Café
27 Wellesley Street West
Auckland
New Zealand
(Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 4.00pm;
Sat-Sun: 7.30am - 5.00pm)
*Prices quoted are nett prices.
Have a nice meal,
Cliff(y)
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