Looking for a slice of Chinatown, but not actually in Chinatown? In Highland Park, which is arguably one of the most Asian concentrated areas in Auckland, there's the Aviemore Star Village. It's packed with little Asian shops, bakeries, restaurants and convenience stores. I've enjoyed dinner at The Golden Fortune & Dessert at Rio Kitchen here, despite being one of few caucasians hanging around the place. What can I say? I'm just a little asian on the inside.
There's only two things I dislike. 1) The place looks a bit run down and 2) It smells like fish. Perhaps it's imitating a slice of Tokyo or Beijing, but it's not that pleasant when you come from clean, green Auckland. Aside from that, it's a great place to come and experience a different way of life or culture.
Depending on the shop, the hours here range from 8am-9pm, but they tend to be open for the full 7 days. So be sure to have a look when you have a sushi craving. read more