Huami - Auckland

Went for restaurant month. Had Peking duck, Yangzhou fried rice, bean cooked in olives leaves, black pepper beef, Pinot noir with antipodes sparkling water. Waitress was great, always topping up our sparkling without having to chase them up for it. Plates were replaced before starting mains.Peking duck was tender with crispy skin. The beans were perfect crunch and softness, we thought it was the highlighted surprise of the evening. Beef was tender, we wished our digestion would fit more in.Flavor was certainly haute cuisine chinese, subtle and not in your face type that you get from ordinary takeaways. Will be back for more for sure.

Great place to try, obviously if you are expecting the traditional yum char experience with your dim sum being served on trollies and the hustle and bustle, then this is not the place. However this is the place to go if you are after something different, yum char with a modern twist. Xiao long baos and truffle prawn dumplings were delicious but my absolute favourite was the wok fried radish cakes with XO sauce. It was the ultimate comfort food and reminded me of home.

Huami is finally bringing a contemporary atmosphere to Chinese restaurants in Auckland, something long overdue. Think sleek and dark, black and neon red…no brightly lit dining rooms with heavy white tablecloths and faded cheap crockery here.

Today I will write about Huami – one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in Auckland. Situated below the Sky Tower, it is a great place to entertain family and friends who enjoys the Chinese cuisine. Huami offers signature dishes from regional parts of China including Beijing, Guangzhou, Huaiyang and Sichuan.<br/ <br/ The sophisticated settings and the atmospheric environment forms a pleasant dining experience.<br/ <br/ Today we went for the a la carte.<br/ <br/ We started with the Superior Broth with King Crab Meat Fresh Fungus. The broth was fresh and light with a umami flavour.<br/ <br/ Secondly, arrived the Fruit Wood-Roasted Peking Duck. The traditional way to eat the Peking Duck is to wrap the meat, onion and cucumber within the pancake with fermented flour paste.<br/ <br/ The Pancake was thin and stretchy; The duck was tender with a crispy skin; and the paste tasted authentic.<br/ <br/ Shortly after we received the Boiled Chicken with Spicy Chilli Oil Bean Sauce. They used chicken breast which is slightly tougher in texture, but the use of spice was excellent. I was slightly annoyed with the order of meal, this is a cold dish which should be served before the Peking Duck.<br/ <br/ Later arrived the Crispy Lamb Rack marinated in Plum Sauce. The lamb was tender with a slight crisp. The sweetness of the plum sauce matched well with the meat. The lamb was not greasy nor has a mutton smell.<br/ <br/ Simultaneously, we received the XO Chilli Fried Rice with Shrimp Squid. This is my must-order dish at Huami. The flavouring of the fried rice was divine. The rice was grainy with a firm texture.<br/ <br/ I have visited this restaurant many times, never once I was let down on the taste.<br/ <br/ The restaurant is priced at the higher end of scale, which includes the beautiful presentation and premium experience you receive. I do however expect a more l considerate and attentive hospitality.<br/ <br/ Taste: 10/10<br/ <br/ Presentation: 9/10<br/ <br/ Service: 8/10<br/ <br/ Ambience: 10/10<br/ <br/ Value for money: 9/10<br/ <br/ Price $70 per person (excl alcohol)

Really really recommend the bbq pork bun and slices juicy as hell and super flavourful. One of the best places in Auckland to go for yumcha/lunch in terms of food quality and ambience. <br/ <br/ Best to make a booking as they get quite full, particularly during weekends or holidays. Very fast and professional service too.