In the heart of Auckland's bustling CBD, BBQ Duck Cafe (东方美食) stands as a testament to authentic Cantonese barbecue traditions, offering city dwellers and visitors alike a genuine taste of Hong Kong's beloved culinary heritage. Located at 350 Queen Street, this full-service restaurant has established itself as a go-to destination for those seeking the rich flavors and textures of classic Chinese BBQ meats and accompanying dishes.
Phone Number: 09 309 8588
Address: 350 Queen Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Mon: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tue: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wed: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thu: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fri: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sun: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
BBQ Duck Cafe began with a vision to introduce Aucklanders to the genuine taste of Cantonese-style barbecue without compromise. The founders recognized a growing appetite for authentic Chinese cuisine beyond westernized adaptations and set out to create a dining experience that would transport guests directly to the bustling BBQ shops of Hong Kong.
What started as a modest eatery quickly gained popularity through word-of-mouth, particularly among Auckland's Chinese community who recognized the authentic preparation methods and flavors. The restaurant's early success stemmed from its unwavering commitment to traditional cooking techniques, particularly in its signature roast duck and crispy pork offerings.
As its reputation grew, BBQ Duck Cafe expanded its reach beyond the Chinese community to become a culinary landmark embraced by diverse diners. Today, it stands as one of Auckland CBD's most recognized Chinese eateries, with consistent crowds testifying to its lasting appeal and culinary authenticity.
An Extensive Menu Centered on BBQ Excellence
BBQ Duck Cafe operates as a full-service restaurant with dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options, specializing in Cantonese BBQ meats and classic Chinese dishes with a value-oriented, quick-service model. The menu showcases the diversity of Cantonese cuisine, with particular emphasis on barbecued meats that showcase the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and tradition.
The signature roast duck forms the cornerstone of the menu, available as a half ($30) or whole ($53). Prepared using traditional methods that ensure crispy skin and succulent meat, the duck consistently earns praise for its authentic flavor profile and proper execution. Equally impressive is the crispy skin roast pork ($30), distinguished by its perfect layering of crackling skin, tender fat, and juicy meat.
Beyond these specialties, the menu extends to include soya sauce chicken (half $25, whole $40) and combination BBQ plates that allow diners to sample multiple meats on a bed of steamed rice. These combination options provide excellent value and an ideal introduction for first-time visitors.
The menu extends far beyond BBQ meats to encompass a comprehensive selection of Chinese classics. Rice dishes include favorites like sweet & sour pork ($21.50) and black pepper beef ($20). More adventurous diners might opt for specialties like hot & spicy pork stomach in hot pot ($35) or salt & chili crispy tofu ($28). Seafood options shine with offerings such as fried king prawn in spicy breadcrumbs ($38).
Appetizers, soups, congee, noodles, and vegetable dishes round out the extensive menu, ensuring options for various preferences and dining occasions. The generous portions reflect traditional Chinese dining values, where abundance signifies hospitality and satisfaction.
A Casual, Efficient Dining Experience
The restaurant space embodies practical functionality with a focus on food rather than elaborate decor. The casual, lively atmosphere creates an authentic Chinese dining environment where the energy of conversations and efficient service mirror the bustling eateries of Hong Kong. The layout accommodates both individual diners and large groups, though it's not positioned as a venue for intimate or fine dining.
Operating daily from approximately 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, BBQ Duck Cafe serves both lunch and dinner crowds with consistent offerings throughout the day. The central CBD location on Queen Street makes it easily accessible for office workers, students, tourists, and locals seeking authentic Chinese flavors.
The service style prioritizes efficiency, with staff focused on quick order-taking and prompt food delivery. While some reviews note variability in staff friendliness, the overall emphasis remains on getting quality food to customers efficiently rather than elaborate service rituals. This approach aligns with traditional Chinese BBQ establishments, where food quality takes precedence over formal service conventions.
Convenience
BBQ Duck Cafe has adapted to modern dining preferences without sacrificing traditional quality. Dine-in service provides the full experience of freshly prepared Cantonese cuisine, while takeaway options cater to busy CBD workers and students. The restaurant's presence on delivery platforms like Uber Eats extends its reach beyond the immediate neighborhood.
The central Queen Street location offers excellent accessibility via public transport, with street parking and nearby parking buildings providing options for those traveling by car. Evening and weekend parking rates in nearby buildings make dining outside peak business hours particularly convenient for visitors from other Auckland neighborhoods.
Value That Satisfies
With main dishes typically ranging from $20 to $38 and generous portions designed for sharing, BBQ Duck Cafe delivers excellent value that has contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. The combination of authentic flavors, substantial serving sizes, and reasonable prices creates a compelling dining proposition in Auckland's competitive CBD restaurant scene.
The menu structure encourages traditional Chinese family-style dining, where multiple dishes are shared among diners. This approach not only enhances the dining experience but also improves value, as groups can sample a wider variety of options than individual diners. For solo customers, combination plates offer particularly good value with BBQ meats served atop rice or noodles.
Payment options include credit cards (with a 3% surcharge), cash, and online payments through delivery platforms. This flexibility accommodates various customer preferences while maintaining operational efficiency.
Conclusion
For culinary tourists exploring Auckland's diverse food scene, BBQ Duck Cafe offers an essential taste of authentic Cantonese barbecue without pretension or unnecessary fusion elements. For CBD workers and locals, it provides a reliable destination for both quick weekday lunches and more elaborate weekend meals with family and friends.
With its time-tested recipes, extensive menu, and value-focused approach, BBQ Duck Cafe has secured its place as an Auckland dining institution. Whether you're seeking the perfect roast duck, crispy pork, or a comprehensive introduction to Cantonese cuisine, this Queen Street establishment delivers a slice of Hong Kong in the heart of Auckland.