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April 2016

SEN VIETNAMESE KITCHEN & BAR

senkitchen.co.nz

Since Husk lunches began, the Huskies have somewhat become self-appointed Vietnamese cuisine critics, having tasted offerings from many of the top Vietnamese food establishments that have emerged recently in Auckland. Thus, it was going to take something pretty special for Sen to impress the wolf-pack. And fortunately, Sen served up just that. Visiting the kitchen for Mel’s birthday, we found out the anniversary wasn’t the only thing that we’d be celebrating that day. Sen is a huge, 2-level space and it’s clear the team behind the eatery have put the work in to try and position the space at the top of the Vietnamese food chain. The use of formal table settings, dark wood, dim lighting and creative light fittings all worked together to create the appearance of something more than a conventional Vietnamese restaurant. The Sen lunch menu offered all of the typical options – Bahn Mi rolls, Pho soups, vermicelli and several Vietnamese salad options. While somewhat typical fare, the standard was strong throughout. The crowd favourite amongst the Huskies was arguably the Vietnamese coffee – a hot, albeit slowly-filtered elixir – perfect sustenance for the cold April day. The Huskies left Sen in a celebratory mood – tummies full and hearts warmed and ready to embrace the cold.

Louise had the chicken salad and the “nau do” vietnamese coffee. She said “Really enjoyed our time at Sen. Loved the décor, wooden ceilings and cane lighting. Great to be reunited with Ange (formerly of Okra). Chicken salad was delicious.”

Innie had the ha noi style grilled pork in chilli fish sauce “bun cha” and the vietnamese coffee. She said “Nice and spacious! Loved the good balance between authenticity + fusion.”

Mel had the beef salad and the vietnamese coffee. She said “Love this place, can’t believe I haven’t been before. Beef salad felt a bit more like a beef soup by the end, a little less dressing would have been better, but flavours were fab. I will be heading back to see all the awesome cane lights shine in their glory at night time, the upstairs area looks super cool.”

Joe had the chicken curry and the vietnamese coffee. He said “Great, wide-open space with solid menu.”

Emilie had the pure beef hanoi style noodle soup and a Vietnamese coffee. She said “Quality broth for the noodle soup. Best Vietnamese noodle soup I have ever tried.”

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