Jungle Flavour Thai Restaurant & Bar
Balmoral
Auckland City 09-638 8065
A new dessert and drinks menu is coming up! Variety of…
Announced 3 months agoHours:
- Mon – Sun 5:30pm – 10:30pm
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Facilities/Features:
- Business Dining
- Scenic View
- Out Catering
- Private Functions
- Private Parties
- Romantic Dining
- Payment Types: EFTPOS, Visa
- Price Range: Moderate, $15 - $25
- Dress Code: Casual
- Alcohol: Beer, Wine, Spirits, Cocktails
- Seating for: 80
- BYO/Corkage: BYO, Corkage Charge
- Parking: Free Off-Street, Free On-Street
- Good For Groups: Yes
- Takeaways: Yes
- Delivers: Yes
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Sawadeeka, welcome to Jungle Flavor Thai Restaurant – one of Auckland’s best kept secrets!
Over the past three years, we have successfully turned ourselves from a simple take-away shop to a popular local fully licensed Thai restaurant with seating for 50 and more than 20 car-parks right outside.
We can also host functions for up to 30 people at one time and provide over 30 varieties of Thai food from Thai appetizers, traditional Thai soups, Curry cuisine, Stir fry and Thai noodles and rice. Vegetarian options are also available at Jungle Flavor.
We warmly welcome you and your guests to come and experience our Jungle-theme restaurant. Our four meters indoor water feature is tremendous and adds interest and atmosphere while you dine.
Burnish paint is our principal decorating color which makes you feel you are in the Bangkok. We endeavor to make your dining experience an exotic one. Our Thai style dressed staff will serve you cold towels with the jasmine odor in the summer, and the hot towels in the winter!
Once again, we warmly welcome you to our restaurant. Our entire staffs are looking forward to seeing you.
Your choice is right, and you will not regret it.
80 Reviews for Jungle Flavour Thai Restaurant & Bar
One of Jungle Flavour Thai Restaurant & Bar's Favourite Reviews What's This?
1
This place seem to sell vouchers quite often on various daily deal web-sites but what they forget to mention that voucher customers will get a different treat from full paying customers.
3
1
We used MenuMania to make a booking however we received no confirmation of booking from the restaurant.
We called to make a booking in the end.
It was the service that was disappointing (especially having read a good review previously about how good the service was from Feb 2013). We had been seated for 30 minutes and no one had come to take our order. We had to advise someone who was walking past that we were ready for someone to take our order.
It took 15 minutes for the appetizers to arrive. They weren’t the best deepfried appetizers. Quite heavily deepfried and stodgy.
Once that was finished there was a 25 minute wait between the appetizers and the mains.
The mains were overall average but what was reassuring was that it wasn’t a westernized version of thai food.
While this wait time was mentioned at the end when payment was being discussed a perfunctory sorry for the wait time was the only apology or explanation offered.
Sadly we’ll be less keen to buy a voucher again.
3
1
The staff were very attentive while the restaurant itself had a good ambiance. We would go back.
If you haven’t been you need to try.
Every single time I go it taste the same, fast, delicious!
Never disappointed.
the ladies are always friendly and efficient.
15
1
The food was full of authentic thai flavour.
We ordered Fish in Turmeric sauce , Pad Thai Fried Rice and Cashew chicken. All hot.
The Waiters are friendly and attentive.
16
1
Service was average but the food was really not edible did not feel like Thai food .. It was jungle food indeed…
Sorry for the bad review but the food is really pathetic and the price is top dollar…
I have to agree, as I took a chance even with the reviews, that I would not have to wait long. However, that did not happen. Irrespective of being the only ones in the place, we still got our order placed about 20 minutes after being seated.
When we did give our order, drinks were not offered. So we had water, but would have liked some beers or wines.
I will say, the food was presented well and tasted delicious. Very good price, however, the service could really use alot of work.
I used to work in the hospitality industry and I have never ever let my clients drinks go empty. In the USA we had to work for our money as it was an hourly wage of $2.13 per hour plus tips. You did your all because you knew your income relied on it, but not only that, because you genuinely wanted to be there.
I think I would only go back if I know I had alot of time to kill and was not really hungry.
1
20
Place is nice. Chilled out. Get your whiff of kfc to get you hungry and chow down on thai food after..
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6
With so many ethnic eateries to choose from in Auckland these days, it is the little gestures and tokens of service that set this restaurant apart.
- the staff were attentive for a busy Friday night and water was serve almost immediately when we were seated
- the interior deco and tables were impressive with lovely placemats and proper napkins and Thai cutlery
- the warm hand towels served when we were first seated is a real bonus not normally offered in other Thai restaurant of this category
We even dined on a discount voucher and the set menu we were offered was generous.
The entrees were delightful and both our main courses were substantial portions.
At no point were we regarded as non “full” paying patrons.
Staff were friendly throughout and explained nicely about the additional cost for seafood and duck mains.
My wife did ordered a fish main but a waitress did apologize later that the kitchen had run out so we replaced it with a Larb which was still very good.
Overall, a great meal.
1
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2
They were very attentive from the moment we walked in.
The food was delicious (recommend the Red Curry Duck) and the atmosphere was wonderful. The only reason it’s not 5 stars was because of the plastic plants.. But I would go back.
1
1
Satay chicken – dry
Curry puffs: Pastry not soft enough
Peanut sauce: not tasteful/shortage of balance
Tom Yum/Extremely sour – not enough of chillies and sugar, but in excess of lemon/not even limes
Corkage – On this site it says it is free- I paid $4/Bottle
There are no words to describe my experience, is there a possibility to vote for the closure of this one for the sake of our good taste
20
Tremedous decor, like a Thai jungle. This is the best decor I have seen in an Auckland Thai restaurant.
The pricing is right. Parking is easy.
The food is high quality and the service is friendly and efficient.
There did not seem to be a charge for extra rice.
The portions were well sized.
They regularly offer great web discount coupons.
BAD POINTS:
I tried hard, but really there is nothing to fault about this place.
1
We loved the aesthetic (jungle theme) – it wasn’t tacky, it was quaint.
We ordered the Curry Puffs and Tom Kha for our entree – this was very tasty. We had the Green Curry for our main (we were not super hungry, so shared – yet the portion size was more than enough for us both). It was tasty.
The service was fine. Nothing over and above, per se, but they were on hand when needed and very friendly!!
Thanks for a lovely enjoyable two-and-a-half hour dinner date.
Ben and Elise
2
1
We enjoyed the delicious food which was plentiful, and they packaged up leftovers.
Loved the atmosphere, would be great for a party!
3
Fast forward to 3 years later: An unsuccessful booking at another thai restaurant for a get-together-dinner with 9 friends and a panicky-swear-lots moment (for the said dinner was 2 nights away) brought to our mind, Jungle Flavour. Thankfully, they accepted our booking for a table of 11! However, my partner and I were honestly a little worried about whether it’d be a good place to go to due to the fact that it has been 3 years and it has recently been receiving negative reviews here on Menu Mania.
SO.
I’m pleased to say that our worries were utterly unnecessary! The place and food was still gorgeous as ever (although it’s really hard to ignore the whiffs of the neighbouring KFC as you make your way there!!…so good but oh-so bad for you…). A cosy environment is created with tasteful decor and separated areas, each with warm lighting and gas heaters. Our own area only had two other small tables. The food was still just as fresh and tasty, and I particularly love it that when I ask for a medium-hot that I’m not met with the disappointingly meek. We started with some appetisers including the Chef’s Specialty which consisted of money bags, spring rolls and curry puffs with pastry that just crumbled in your mouth. For mains we had the Jungle Curry, Red Curry Duck, Stir-fried Prawns and KrMoreapao Duck (duck stir-fried with chilli and basil). All dishes were sublime with plenty of meat and fresh vegetables. A special recommendation has to be made for the tender and tasty duck. One friend, who was a vegetarian, was happy to see that over half the dishes could be made as vegetarian and fully enjoyed her sweet and sour tofu. To top it all off, we greedily shared deep fried bananas served with whipped cream, ice cream and a chocolate flake. Deep fried bananas remind me of my childhood in South East Asia, and Jungle Flavour’s version made me smile…although my tummy was about to burst! And of course, there were refreshing and chilled Chang beers.
And the service? To be honest, we were just so caught up in catching up that I didn’t notice the service too much. Yes, they don’t always smile at you but who wants flakey hospitality? They were incredibly helpful and accommodating to all our requests from wanting vegetarian dishes, to needing extra rice and dessert spoons to share. They were also sensitive enough to allow us plenty of time to chat before we even made our selections and seemed to know just when to make their presence known. Never once did we feel rushed: it was a fully booked Saturday night and we were happily there from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
So yes, thank you Jungle Flavour for a very pleasant experience. We’ll certainly be back! In less than 3 years too!
p/s: no, we did NOT have any vouchers (the pricing was satisfactory, by the way)and I don’t know if the use of vouchers lessen the quality of experience but I think it may unrealistically raise expectations of some bargain hunters… Anyhow, it’s good to see that the manager personally responds to each criticism as it shows that they do take pride in what they do and learn from their mistakes.
p/p/s: the only complaint I have is that the supposed jasmine fragranced hand towels did not smell of jasmine at all…but it was warm!
They gave us their utmost attention and care, always asking us if we wanted to fill up on rice, how was the food, clearing our plates, etc.
Food had both quantity and quality. The deep-fried snapper with tamarind sauce was excellent. Fried red beef curry with stir-fried vege was yum and the killer was the tomyum goong (we went for Thai spicy for kicks and very well deserved it. Haha).
Great experience, atmosphere and food, we would definitely come again
6
Staff were friendly and attentive but not pushy. Food was lovely and although not being there before meant not knowing if we were getting less by using a voucher we were happy with the quantity and quality of food we were given. Normal prices I feel are very reasonable so would be happy to recommend to others.
If I have to make one, my only gripe would be being asked “You have a voucher??” as soon as we sat down. Not very welcoming and honestly it should make no difference to the treatment you get. I appreciate that vouchers are a good deal for us and not so much for them, but they, like other business offering these vouchers, have gone into it to get repeat and referred business. They make the conditions and as long as they are fully stated on the voucher the aim of the game is happy customers, happy business. Dont make people who use vouchers feel like 2nd rate citizens just because they are getting their meal cheaper. Remember you want them to come back.
6
I came here last time with a dailydo voucher and have come without a voucher and I have received the same service.The time before I came was in March, I called on a Wednesday and asked if I could book a table for Friday without mentioning i had a voucher. They said they were fully booked and then I explained to them that I had a dailydo voucher and it was my dad’s birthday on Friday and they managed to fit us in for an early dinner reservation, which I thought was very nice of them. All in all every time we have come here we have had a good experience.
3
2
1
I understand that the owner doesn’t make a profit from these vouchers – but that’s because this is essentially a marketing tool! If customers enjoy your food, then they will come back again next time and maybe even bring friends.
If you have so many conditions surrounding when people can book tables – such as no weekends, weekday dining only, etc – then perhaps you should be honest right from the start and state this on your voucher.
This experience has left me really bitter and I would like a cash refund for my voucher please, as I don’t think I can get a table there anytime soon. I am also no longer excited to try this place.
I’d like to remind the owner of this section from the Fair Trading Act about using bait advertising:
“Bait advertising is advertising goods at a price which is likely to act as a lure to customers where you do not have a sufficient supply of those goods.”
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Don’t be fooled by outside appearances, which looks like a green shed, inside the restaurant is just gorgeous! Very traditionally decorated, well lit, lovely water and garden features. The staff were also dressed in traditional Thai outfits and looked beautiful.
I loved the hot towels to wash our hands after we were seated. We ordered entrees and dinner which arrived promptly and all at the same time. The main servings were a good portion to share and was delicious but not outstanding. But the prawn tempura’s are what really stood out. The prawns were glistening when the batter fell of and were succulent and moist…hmmmm…yum.
They could improve however the service side…they were polite and prompt, but seemed abit unsure. For instance no one greeted us when we came in through the door or seated us.
We had to ask for water several times and were pretty much left to our own devices until we had to signal for their attention. We didn’t get asked if we wanted any more servings of rice and couldn’t sometimes see the waitress to request for more rice.
It wasn’t malicious…they just seemed abit unsure of themselves and waited to be guided by us instead of being the host.
However I would still go back and recommend others to go. Corkage was cheap at only $3 a bottle and no cakage fee. It was good value for money. However best to have coffees somewhere else as the coffee and hot chocolates were made boiling hot.
1
Great service – pleasant and attentive.
Great food – fresh and tasty and very authentic. Definately one of the better thai restaurants I have experienced in Auckland – always get our thai take aways from here now!!
2
1
Excellent. Loved it. Best Thai Restaurant.
Me and my partner went for dinner one evening, it was around 9. They had us seated in a very nice spot. Quite and romantic. They gave warm hand towels to wipe our hands with. Entrees and food was served quickly. And always paid attention to what you needed.
Must Go!
2
1
The staff are very warm and friendly. The food is fresh and authentic; We love the Panang prawns and the deep fried fish. We drop in on regular basis, we not care about the mileage have done (we live in Northshore) as long as my friends and myself enjoy the food and the memory! highly recommendate.
1
5
We ordered three appetisers – the satay chicken, spring rolls, and tempura prawns. The satay chicken was deliciously nutty and very fresh, and the prawns were beautifully cooked and in ample quantity. The spring rolls weren’t spectacular, but weren’t awful.
All of our mains were delicious, highlights being a beautifully cooked duck stir fry and the deep fried snapper – we ordered two different types and thought that the deep snapper with tamarin sauce was divine. I was completely caught off guard by how delicious the Pad Thai was – most other Pad Thai I’ve had has been oily and greasy and it was a delight to taste the nutty, rich flavours of the noodles and not the sickening weight of the oil it was cooked in.
The staff were friendly and polite, even when I elbowed one of them in the head when they bent down to pick up a knife that had fallen off the table (oops!). The facilities were clean, and the tableware and cutlery were fantastic. Parking – both off street and on street – is ample and accessible, and the restaurant was quite full for a Wednesday night.
Our only complaint would be that for summer dining in Auckland’s humidity, it was quite uncomfortable sitting in a non air conditioned environment. We were fanning ourselves with the menus for the majority of the evening, and whenever we ordered water, it was chilled, but the lack of ice-cubes therein meant it didn’t last long. Though the manager saw us and how we were feeling uncomfortable, and without us mentioning it to him, he sourced some cold towels for us and brought it over to the table.
They also obliged to our requests for a knife, plates and spoons to cut a birthday cake with.
Highly recommMoreended!
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[EDIT]: Since originally going to Jungle Flavour, I have been a regular patron of both dine in and takeaway (I work on Dominion Road so Jungle Flavour is a handy lunch option) and have always been thrilled by the food.
I was excited to introduce my friends to Jungle Flavour when they saw a voucher for it on Spreets. I encouraged them to buy it and then we attempted to make a booking. Phoning into the restaurant to book turned out to be a huge drama as there were several different phone numbers published that were associated with Jungle Flavour, and given that if you rang a bit early you got a phone message that said “The number you have dialled is invalid or inactive”, it made it even more confusing knowing whether the number we were dialling was the correct one. When my friend finally got through (and it took a phone call barrage of three of us calling before one of us finally got our call answered) the woman on the phone to her was very rude when she told her that she had a voucher.
She already had a sour opinion of the restaurant and I tried to assure her that the food was fantastic. However, when it arrived, both our green curry and our panang curry were incredibly watery. There was little meat and little vegetables. The pad thai and the pad med mamuang were up to standard, but it was such a shame that the curries were so disappointing. My friend who had been spoken to rudely on the phone had ordered the panang with beef on my recommendation and was incredibly disappointed, and never wants to go back.
I will continue to go to Jungle Flavour as this was only one experience out of several that I have had there, however I would like to issue a word of caution to the restaurant. *Please* do not treat voucher holders any differently to diners without vouchers.
My friend loves Thai food and I am certain that had she been treated with the same courtesy that I had when I first went to Jungle Flavour, she would have been a fan. Unfortunately, the treatment both with her food, and with the service she received because she happened to hold a voucher was bad enough that she has made a decision to never return, and to tell as many people as possible about her experience. Given by the number of reviews on the site with a similar story, my friend is not alone in her experience.
This is not the way to win customers. Should people come in with a voucher, they should enjoy the experience so much that they are keen to experience the food again without a voucher. In the case of my friend, is an opportunity lost, big time.
1
My experience of the staff that work there has always been friendly ,efficient and well presented ,that and the food is why we keep going back
After waiting 45 minutes (not 15, as had been stated), we received a disgusting meal…notably before the poor customer beside me who’d been waiting over an hour.
Taste and Quality has gone downhill. Use to have a great flavour now there is barely any. May be due to a new chef? Sauces have become quite thick too. The duck was very good while the panang curry was more like a satay and used far too much oil and sweet.Prawns and Scallops used to be big but now are smaller ,kind of like a cheap takeaway food.
1
The restaurant is very warm and cosy with fantastic friendly staff.
Won’t go anywhere else!!
Pina Coladas so good that you’ll end up having 3.
Try the deep fried snapper Yummy!
Always seems to be busy but oh so friendly.
1
I came here just after it opened a couple of years ago and they have definately picked up their game considerably, I rate this the best Thai in Auckland, and thats saying something because I’m a picky bugger.
This place also got me a lot of mileage with my date which is good.
Well impressed, will be coming again.
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