I recently discovered Lychee Cafe through a friend who claimed the vegetarian menu was interesting and delicious.

Personally, I love meat. I eat animals from the rooter to the tooter (although not always at one go).

I’ve sworn against eating out with vegetarians after a few rather unpleasant veggie restaurants I’ve sampled in the greater Wellington region, and though skeptical I’d enjoy a purely vegetarian meal, I went along with my good friend and we turned to the cafe for dinner. I figured time spent with good company is never a disappointment even if the meal is.

I was pleasantly surprised when they rolled out the pan-fried dumplings for our entree. The skin was perfect, the veggies inside were finely chopped and seasoned Asian greens and not the usual array of cabbage, shredded carrot, or worse, a Watties frozen mixed bag of western veggies crammed into store-bought wonton skins (shudder). The dumplings came with a sweet soy and garlic dipping sauce. Outstanding dish of the night.

A few days later, when I had another craving for Chinese food (this time for the specialties with meat), I dragged Mr. Kiwi with me to dinner. Having lived in Asia for many years, Mr. Kiwi knew a few items on the menu and was able to practice his Mandarin with the staff.

It was an outstanding meal with the Peking beef rolls (sesame flatbread with sliced braised beef, scallions and hoisin sauce) and Taiwanese-style beef noodle soup the stars of the evening. The beef they use is perfect: fatty, tendons and some gristle attached for a nice bounce when chewed. It never ceases to amaze me why some people always complain about having a little fat and gristle with their meat. If cooked properly, these things add wonderful flavor and texture. We had one rather forgettable dish, the three cups chicken.

We ate everything else with gusto.

They have Tsingtao Beer (yay), a limited wine list and a nice selection of MoreChinese teas. The tea list is very good if you enjoy this kind of stuff.

My partner and myself have eaten at this place six times. Every time it is an absolute pleasure. The service is fantastic and the food is scrumptious. Very well priced and excellent quality. Always leave feeling satisfied.

Great place and great food.

this is a family business ran by great people who always smile at you. they have a great sens of customer service.
the restaurant itself is located next to cuba street so very good if you want to enjoy a walk after dinner , the decor is discreet and not too flash but has its charms. We like simplicity so it wokrs well for us.

About the food, the salt and pepper squid are tasty and so are the dumpling. the menu is not too over priced and they have great selection (try the steam boat).

To resume in a few words, i would suggest to go and experience asian cuisine at Lychee.

Lychee is well worth a visit if you are after Taiwanese style Chinese food (I think, don’t quote me on this).

The serve a full range of dumplings, meat, vegetable as well as noodle and rice dishes. Entrees priced around $5-$10 each and are well sized and tasty, with the main dishes from $13-$17. For only an extra $2 you can upgrade your main to a set meal which adds two vegetable plates, two spring rolls & a miso soup. In all honesty I think it is very slightly over priced, although the quality of food seems better than other similar places around Cuba St (i.e. Rams).

Have only tried the Spicy Dumplings and the Sichuan Eggplant (which was good) but will definitely be going back to taste more.