Christchurch’s CBD is steadily growing with new businesses popping up on the regular. In fact, it seems like every other day, a new café or restaurant opens in Christchurch! With so many offices moving back into the CBD, there’s plenty of space for growth and many mouths to feed.
If you haven’t been to the CBD in awhile, you may find yourself overwhelmed with all the new gems. These are my six favourite spots to grab lunch (and one new café thrown into the mix!) The majority of these spots are conveniently located on St. Asaph Street.
Grain
19 Southwark Street
Grain Coffee and Eatery is a minimalist’s dream. The stark white walls and high ceilings mean that the coffee and food remain a key focus. Their olive green machine pumps out AllPress coffee and they have both an enticing menu and cabinet food on offer. I recommend trying their grain bowls – filled with fresh veggies, these are filling and oh so tasty.
Thai Box
270 St. Asaph Street
The fresh spring rolls at this lunchtime mainstay are my go-to on busy days. Prepared fresh, they are perfect to grab and go. I’ve also tried the Massaman curry and Pad thai at Thai Box, both are the stuff of dreams!
Steampunk Laboratory
270 St. Asaph Street
Did you know you could get Korean food to go in Christchurch? For a speedy lunch option that’s warm and full of flavour, grab a cup bop at Steampunk. I can’t resist the tofu option.
Engine Coffee Brewers
270 St. Asaph Street
Hidden behind Thai Box on St. Asaph Street, Engine Coffee Brewers has been open only three days. While off to grab spring rolls (see above) I stumbled upon their sign and was intrigued to find a sparse café filled with greenery and some fresh baked goods. The cool thing about Engine is that they know coffee and have made this their priority. Order it black or white and stay a while.
Madam Woo
255 St. Asaph Street
Hailing from Queenstown, Madam Woo has now opened venues across the country. Much to the delight of Cantabrians, Christchurch now has a place to get your Malaysian street food fix. Feast on hawker rolls, sui mai and dumplings, actually try everything on the menu because it’s all amazing. This is the place to go for a long lunch (complemented by a beverage, of course!)
Potsticker Dumpling Bar
144 Lichfield Street (Poplar Lane)
My colleagues and I often enjoy treating ourselves to delicious dumplings from Potsticker on Poplar Lane. With a rotating, seasonal menu, you’re sure to find an option to satisfy your palette. Their dessert dumplings are particularly noteworthy. The good news is they’ve now opened another establishment on Victoria Street, Sister Kong, which serves Hong Kong street eats!
prairie girl musings 