Bade Miyan & Chote Miyan brings the bold, energetic flavors of authentic Mumbai street food and Indo-Chinese cuisine to Auckland. Founded in 2024 by two mates sharing a deep passion for comfort food, the venture originally launched as a popular mobile food truck before establishing its permanent restaurant presence in Sandringham. Named after the Hindi idiom for 'Elder Brother & Younger Brother,' the eatery embodies genuine hospitality, close teamwork, and a warm community spirit.
The kitchen specializes in authentic street-style dishes prepared fresh each day using traditional recipes and vibrant spices. From sizzling woks tossing spicy Schezwan noodles and fried rice to crispy golden chicken lollipops, vegetable Manchurian, and freshly introduced Maharashtrian street staples like vada pav and misal pav, every plate captures the genuine taste of Mumbai's bustling roadside stalls. Whether stopping by for a quick takeaway meal or dining with friends, guests are welcomed like family with hearty portions and lively flavours.
When two friends set out in 2024 to bring the true tastes of their hometown to Auckland, they started with a simple food truck and a focused ambition: recreate the vibrant, unapologetic flavours of Mumbai street food. Taking the name Bade Miyan & Chote Miyan—referencing the classic Hindi phrase for 'Elder Brother & Younger Brother'—the duo channelled warmth, teamwork, and culinary memories into every order. Their rapid rise from a local food cart favourite to a bustling Sandringham restaurant is a testament to how deeply their cooking resonates with homesick expats and adventurous local eaters alike.
At the heart of the kitchen’s appeal is Indo-Chinese cuisine done without compromise. In India’s metropolitan centres, Indo-Chinese cooking evolved into its own distinct, beloved culinary tradition—marked by fiery red chilli pastes, pungent garlic, pungent vinegars, and generous ladles of house-made Schezwan sauce. While many venues dilute these robust seasonings, Bade Miyan & Chote Miyan prepares their dishes true to street-side origin. Customer favourites like the Chicken Triple Schezwan Fried Rice deliver precisely the intense heat, wok-charred depth, and savoury sauce pairing celebrated in Maharashtra.
Starters at Bade Miyan & Chote Miyan set an upbeat tone for any meal. The Chicken Lollipop has quickly earned legendary status among regulars, presenting frenched chicken drumettes fried to a crisp, golden crust that seals in juicy tenderness beneath. For cooler evenings, the Chicken Manchow Soup offers a soothing yet piquant kick, brimming with aromatic herbs and classic Indo-Chinese flavouring.
Vegetarian diners enjoy an equally hearty selection. The Vegetable Manchurian combines crisp veggie fritters with a savoury, tangy sauce that balances sweetness, garlic, and spice. Paired with Vegetable Fried Noodles or wok-tossed Egg Schezwan Fried Rice, the menu easily covers quick solo lunches, shared family dinners, or late-night takeout cravings.
Beyond Indo-Chinese woks, the restaurant has steadily expanded its repertoire into iconic Maharashtrian street fare. Authentic Mumbai Vada Pav and rich, fiery Misal Pav bring nostalgic street-corner flavours directly to Auckland. Regulars frequently comment that tasting the misal instantly transports them back to the bustling food lanes of Mumbai, saving the cost of an international flight.
Yet what completes the experience is the welcoming atmosphere crafted by the founders. Customers routinely praise the jovial, brotherly vibe, personalized music requests, and attentiveness that define service at the counter. Bade Miyan & Chote Miyan continues to grow, but its promise remains rooted in where it began: fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and authentic food cooked with pure dedication.