With the windows of what was once Molten Restaurant and Wine Bar covered up for some time now, it is with great pleasure that Mt Eden is finally privy to new Japanese x Chinese fusion restaurant, Xoong. A sibling to Takapuna’s vibrant Tok Tok, and Ponsonby Road’s rollicking Le Vietnamese Kitchen, the impressive address hones in on the culinary collision of the two beloved Asian cuisines.

The multi-faceted space, which features a covered courtyard and upstairs room, combines minimalist Japanese and intricate Chinese designs, and has been rendered strikingly unique by interior design firm Ctrl Space. At once dynamic and fun, neon signs and street art artfully accentuate the clean lines of the otherwise pared-back fit out.

The menu’s flavours are bold, big and fresh, harnessing all our favourite aspects of the respective cuisines while introducing sophisticated, flavour-enhancing twists. The kailan — a deceptively simple serving of Chinese broccoli — uses fermented rice and pickled garlic to ramp up the flavour while the wok tossed beef is combined with soy, sichuan and pickled shallots to mouth-watering effect. Smoked congee makes an appearance, topped with salmon teriyaki and ikura (roe), to entice more intrepid eaters, and the cold cut chicken breast is a tender protein hit, laced with chilli oil and ginger.

Scheduled to open Thursday next week (10th May), Xoong’s vibrant environs, colourful cocktail list and tasty fare are set to serve as a lure for taste-seekers wanting to expand their dining horizons.

Stay tuned for more details on Xoong, opening Thursday 10th May.