Ponsonby International Foodcourt is a food court on Level 1 at 106 Ponsonby Road, on the corner of Pollen Street, in Ponsonby. It was established in 2003 and sits just two kilometres west of the Auckland CBD. Under one roof it brings together stalls from several countries, so one visit can cover Malaysian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, Turkish and Laotian or Burmese food.
The laksa is the stall to start with. It is a traditional noodle soup packed with spices, and it is a Malaysian classic. Dino's makes stone-baked pizzas to order, and the Vietnamese stall, Mekong, serves fresh classic dishes. Dami offers fresh sushi and Korean favourites, and Papas Tasty Kebabs serves seasoned Turkish kebabs. Zap Lai cooks Laos and Burmese dishes that are less often seen in Auckland.
The food court is a good place for a group where people want different things, since each stall cooks its own menu. It suits a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a meal shared between friends who cannot agree on one cuisine. It is a relaxed space, and it is open seven days a week from 11am to 10pm.
The founders, Irene and Marcel van Kuijk, have a long background in hospitality. Irene's Indonesian restaurant, Ta Sangka, dates back to the 1980s, and that experience shows in how the stalls are run.
Our pick in Ponsonby for a bowl of laksa and a slice of stone-baked pizza, eaten together.
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.