Feast on the Fly: Our Guide to Wellington's Best Takeaway Food

Starting the guide with a global mix, enter Willis Lane. Wandering through the vaulted brick archways of this historic underground precinct, formerly a subterranean shopping centre, will reveal a foodie utopia with many a mouthwatering meal option. From juicy Nashville-Korean-cross fried chicken to Japanese, Mexican to Malaysian, there’s plenty to keep you coming back, donut cheeseburgers at the very least.

Takeaways don’t always have to be about greasy, fried snacks - for a quick brunch on the more guilt-free side, check out The Oatery at Left Bank. Choose from an innovative range of beautiful, oat-based dishes you can eat on the go - from porridge and granola to bircher muesli and more. With a range of loaded toasts also available, The Oatery serves up plenty of options for a wholesome takeaway.

A splash of white and bright orange in the heart of Cuba Street, Fred’s has been a firm favourite since it first opened. And it’s not just because of its eye-catching fitout - you’ll find some of the best sandwiches in town here. Try the ever-popular Romesco and Buffalo Mozzarella sandwich, or the equally tantalising Panko and Togarashi Crumbed Chicken.

Bread lovers in Wellington are blessed with an abundance of top-notch bakeries, and Dough is among the finest. Choose from an eclectic range of loaves to take home, and treat yourself to their fantastic sandwich range before finishing off with one of their delectable donuts.

The home of some of Wellington’s most legendary burgers, Lucky is the first name that comes to many people’s minds when looking for a takeaway. The compact menu belies the taste sensation you’re rewarded with here - pick from a chicken burger, a halloumi burger, or one with the whole lot. 

A favourite haunt for students looking for a cost-effective meal, Taste of India has a formidable reputation that draws people from all walks of life to its little hole in the wall. You’ll find all the regular classics here, dished out constantly by an efficient team. As for standout curries, you can’t go past the chicken tikka and rogan josh, mopped up of course with a garlic naan.

Unassuming Majoribanks Street, deep in the Courtenay Place end of town, is chocka with hidden foodie gems - including a Wellington fish and chips institution. You’ll find far more than your usual two-fish-and-a-scoop combo here, with a menu including a staggering choice of fish, other seafood bites, burgers, and salads. Grab a lunch special and make the short walk to Oriental Bay for a quintessentially Wellington meal.

It’s hard to find a word to describe the hold that KC Cafe has on the hearts of Wellingtonians. Standing proudly at the heart of Courtenay Place, the bustling Asian restaurant has forged a history of drawing hordes of people at all times of the day and night. Explore what is possibly the largest menu in Wellington and treat yourself to a hearty rice or noodle dish to go.

Let’s face it - when you’re after a solid takeaway without the bells and whistles, you can’t go wrong with a good old kebab. Kilim on Manners Street (along with its excellent sister shop in Petone) is one of the best places in town to grab a kebab, whether it’s in a wrap or on rice, whether it’s packed with chicken, lamb, or falafel. Don’t forget to grab a Turkish coffee and Turkish delight to go.

Photo: Stock (by Nancy Zhou)