Established in 2003, Ponsonby International Foodcourt (PFC) is a landmark dining destination situated in the heart of Ponsonby, just two kilometres west of Auckland's CBD. Housed on Level 1 at the corner of Ponsonby Road and Pollen Street, the food court brings together authentic international kitchens covering Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian culinary traditions under one roof.
Founded by Irene and Marcel van Kuijk, the food court represents decades of hospitality experience, tracing back to Irene's acclaimed Indonesian restaurant Ta Sangka in the 1980s. Designed to offer genuine variety beyond standard mall chains, the venue features a light-filled indoor dining hall and an outdoor balcony. A centrally located licensed bar, Ponsonby Friends, serves a broad selection of beverages alongside independent food stalls.
With convenient basement covered parking and lift access, Ponsonby International Foodcourt provides a relaxed, clean, and welcoming environment for solo meals, family outings, and group gatherings seven days a week.
For more than two decades, Ponsonby International Foodcourt has held a distinct place in Auckland's hospitality landscape. Situated at 106 Ponsonby Road on the corner of Pollen Street, just two kilometres from the Auckland central business district, this lively venue has served as a community hub since opening its doors in 2003. Far removed from sterile, corporate shopping centre eateries, it stands as an independent haven driven by family history, passionate stallholders, and authentic recipes from across the globe.
The story of Ponsonby International Foodcourt is rooted in the rich hospitality journey of Irene and Marcel van Kuijk. Originally from the Dutch Indies, the couple lived in Bermuda and Australia before settling in Auckland in 1977. Irene fulfilled a long-held ambition in 1981 by opening Ta Sangka, an Indonesian restaurant near the Auckland waterfront on Custom Street that quickly garnered critical acclaim, television appearances, and major catering contracts. Decades of international travel and culinary dedication culminated in the purchase and redevelopment of 106 Ponsonby Road in the early 2000s.
Today, Irene and her family continue their stewardship of the complex. Recognized three times with "Best Foodcourt" awards, the space celebrates the multicultural fabric of New Zealand, providing a platform for independent kitchen owners who prepare their food with dedication and pride.
What sets Ponsonby International Foodcourt apart is the sheer breadth and authenticity of its food offerings. Visitors can navigate an array of culinary traditions without having to negotiate on a single dining style. Stalls include Dino’s Pizzeria, serving classic Italian fare; Mekong, specializing in fresh Vietnamese dishes; and Dami Sushi, offering a combination of Japanese sushi and Korean specialties.
Southeast Asian cooking features prominently across the venue, from the vibrant street-food staples of Kampung Malaysia and Ruk Thai to the specialized Laos and Burmese recipes prepared at Zap Lai. Diners can also enjoy traditional Chinese fare at Golden Express, homestyle Filipino dishes at Mang Joe’s, or freshly crafted Turkish meals at Papas Tasty Kebabs. Positioned right in the middle of the dining floor is Ponsonby Friends, a fully licensed bar that supplies a wide variety of drinks to accompany any dish.
The food court occupies Level 1 of the building, providing a bright, relaxed, and clean atmosphere. Guests can take advantage of the light-filled central dining hall or step out onto the outdoor balcony to dine in the open air while soaking in the local Ponsonby vibe.
Whether dropping by for a quick midday lunch, meeting up with a large group of friends who crave different cuisines, or grabbing an easy dinner after work, the setup caters smoothly to all occasions. Accessible facilities include covered basement parking with direct elevator access to the dining floor, ensuring stress-free visits any day of the week from 11am until 10pm.