A new loaded dumpling spot opens up in Ponsonby

Watda Dumplings, a new fusion hotspot in Ponsonby, has now opened the doors to offer these delicious bites of dumplings — but wait for it — loaded dumplings. 

You have definitely eaten, or at least heard about loaded fries, so why not switch out those crispy potatoes to something perhaps more satisfying and a lot more innovative — dumplings? A concept originally created by the team from Gaja and chef-owner, TJ Pak, prepare this to be your next stop after a night out as you dive into a range of loaded dumplings.

The inspiration was the combination of Korean street-food, and perfecting it in a satisfying dish of your favourite quick go-to dishes: like mac and cheese, or Philly Cheese-steak for example, or think flavours like prawn sushi, indulgent Asian or Western classics all on the perfect marriageable base of dumplings.

 If you really want to step out of your comfort zone, try out their dessert dumplings, featuring banana, custard, and chocolate drizzle… Can’t think of anything better. “Our first brainchild was the Cheeseburger Dumpling; two words we didn’t think had ever been paired before,” Pak says. 

But perhaps this was the right move to bring to the Auckland food scene something we have never seen before. Watda is a light-hearted take on the real art of Korean street food, and to keep it ‘cheap and cheerful’ for the Ponsonby community as Pak says, serving as an all-day go-to for foodies alike.

The space is cozily ambient, located on Brown Street, Ponsonby, Watda is decorated with rustic interiors and dimmed lighting. The dishes are vibrant, colourful and instagrammable. A little firecracker item for you to pop on your feed, Watda Dumplings is a beautiful comfort food concept. It feels like eating at a close friend’s home.

You can find Watda Dumplings at 4 Brown Street, Ponsonby. Open from 11:30 Tuesday to Thusday and 11am Friday to Sunday until late.