Jin Jin

In the heart of Matakana, Jin Jin hums with the easy confidence of a local favourite.

This vibrant, bustling Asian restaurant pairs a talented kitchen with warm, attentive service and a tidy drinks list that champions local beer and wine. The mood is lively without losing its polish, making it as fitting for a quick bite as it is for a leisurely evening with friends.

The cooking roams across Asian inspirations with clarity and flair. Steamed dumplings arrive fragrant with chilli, galangal and coriander, while pillowy bao carry the savoury comfort of hoisin with pickled crunch. There is the sweet-sour tangle of Phad Thai, bright with tamarind and fresh herbs, and a glossy miso steak cooked medium rare, sharpened by wasabi and pickled ginger, with a watercress salad and shoestring fries for good measure. Even the sides feel considered: broccolini dressed with sesame and garlic, and fries given a lick of Sriracha mayo. Families are looked after too, with simple plates for smaller appetites.

Desserts reward those who linger. Silky vatalappam blends cardamom, mace and cloves into gentle harmony, offset by peanut brittle and mango sorbet, while passionfruit panna cotta keeps things cool and fresh.

Jin Jin is spirited, flavour-forward and genuinely welcoming. Drop in, follow the aromas, and let the good times bao-roll!