Nanam first set up shop in Royal Oak back in 2015 and quickly garnered a cult following thanks to its authentic Filipino fare, an almost one-of-a-kind restaurant that for many of us, offered a first taste of the multi-faceted Southeast Asian cuisine. The beloved restaurant has recently reopened in a new location in Takapuna.

Starting from humble beginnings at various night markets around Auckland to introduce their cuisine, Filipino duo Jess Granada and Andrew Soriano (both chefs by profession), with the help of Soriano’s brother Ryan (an aspiring chef), are offering the same delicious food that Nanam fans have all quickly come to love.  The Wakanui tartare with salted egg potato chips and spiced chilli vinaigrette is a favourite, and we recommend you finish with the ‘Turon’, a delicious banana parfait with jackfruit gel, lemongrass-coconut sorbet and beetroot créme fraîche — it is at once creamy, sweet and tangy. Although we are told you absolutely must try the ‘Taco Pao’ which is Nanam’s famous beetroot bao with braised pulled pork belly and an assortment of condiments.

The interior, however, is slightly different from the previous establishment and pays tribute to the different cultures that have inspired Filipino food. Above the bar hangs handcrafts from the Luzon islands, the biggest in the Philippines. But as you walk through the restaurant, you are drawn to the turquoise and gold wall, a reference to Muslim culture. At the rear is a Spanish-themed private dining area that seats up to 50 people, as well as Granada’s favourite space — the family table where you may come, eat and celebrate as if you were sitting around the dinner table at home. Come Christmas time, they also hope to have an outdoor seating area.

Nanam Eatery hopes to continue inviting people into the uncharted territories of its cuisine. We highly recommend you seek out this cult restaurant for flavoursome offerings that are sure to leave you further enamoured with the virtues of Asian fare.

Nanam opens on Friday evening for dinner service.