Great coffee great staff great experience
Awesome selection including plenty of gluten free options. Very friendly staff, we will definately be back!
Very nice food, friendly staff
I have been coming here for 2 years and every time the food has been fantastic.i enjoy the variety of dishes and the very high standard of customer service which makes me to keep coming back.always a friendly greeting and consistently served with a smile.
Great service, food and atmosphere on a Saturday with the markets on too��
Our regular Howick Cafe. Their cabinet food are quite nice especially the pies (big oval ones). Today, the pastry (short crust) was a bit too tough on the edges. If I am not mistaken, previously they used puff pastry which was a lot nicer. It’s quite a small cafe but there a quite a few outdoor tables and the ambience was nice and relax.
Great service,very friendly staff, hubby and I came here today for a late lunch.. he ordered the french brioche toast which he was very impressed with and decent maple sauce. I didnt order off menu I asked for scrambled eggs, bacon and toast which was Devine.... just what I wanted,brilliant scrambled eggs. Mocha and English Breakfast tea was lovely to compliment our order. Decor little dated around and on tables, but I didnt go in there for their decor. Will definitely go back again and recommend.
We visited several times, always good service, good coffee and quality food.
We ordered the French toast, it was a surprise. Big portion with fruit, bacon and skin on grill banana and the stacked up French toast was a candy to the eyes. We will definitely come back for the French toast
I come here regularly with my Dad before school. I usually order the coconut cake, which is yummy with cream and a drink from the fridge because I found the milkshakes too sweet and artificial tasting.
I've been here quite a few times over the years and its always been quite a consistent experience. I'd say the strong point is definitely the taste and quality of their food- they do nice bulk salad options. And a decent tea menu which is always a plus in my book. Friendly service though average decor.
We visited this cafe today. The food was delicious, great coffee and friendly staff. We will definitely be visiting this cafe again, a nice local cafe in howick.
A friend and I came here for a brunch catch up. We decided on Taste Explosion. It's nestled in the middle of Howick and wasn't too busy.
They have a standard menu but their pantry selection is plentiful, there's easily something for everyone. I ordered a French toast and mocha bowl. Whilst my friend got a chocolate brownie and latte.
The coffee was delicious and my French toast was fluffy and buttery. The fruit selection was a nice contrast to the sweetness. For what you pay you get a decent meal.
I would come back again. It's a great spot in Howick.
awesome staff who are really welcoming (and remember your order after coming in a couple of times 😝) food is great too. Never disappointed!
We have been visiting New Zealand for 4 months and this is far and away our favourite cafe in the area. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, the food is fresh and there are many healthy choices available. I can especially recommend the muffins and scones, moist and full of flavour. Hope it is still there on our next visit.
I've walked past this cafe many times & never been in. It's actually quite spacious inside but not so noticeable from the outside.
Service was quite good - the girl was new but very pleasant. My meal took a while to come, but not unexpected on a busy day.
Coffee was okay - not very strong though.
My meal looked okay but a bit rushed together on the plate. Some of the bacon was a bit grisly & potatoes could have been cooked longer, but overall good flavours & not bad value at $14.50
Lots of good items in the cabinet to try if you feel like a salad or panini.
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I've been here a few times and always enjoy the coffee. The space inside is cosy, several tables with bistro chairs. There's lots of colourful outside seating on both sides of the cafe as well. I agree with other reviewers, the staff here are very helpful and welcoming. I was greeted on arrival and while there I was impressed with the level of service other customers were receiving. The staff just seem to radiate happiness, the kitchen staff make an appearance from time to time also. Adding to their professionalism is that all staff wear black chef beanies, it's a good look.
I had a gluten free coffee walnut slice with my latte. I'm not a fan of most GF fare and wouldn't have chosen this if I had noticed beforehand. I'd be more likely to try one of the colourful salads on display on my next visit.
On the less positive side, the base of the food cabinet is uncovered, unsightly and giving the cafe a tired feel. There's a glass fronted freezer or fridge in the seating area, I presume there is no space in the kitchen. To be honest I hadn't noticed this fridge on previous visits.
Overall the positives of the food and the attitude of the staff make this a very pleasant cafe to visit.
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Taste explosion is the perfect little place for breakfast, brunch or lunch with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Once we ordered at the counter our meal came within 5-10 minutes and we were the only customers there at the time which was reasonable. Our order was a tropical smoothie, a berry smoothie, Greek yogurt fruit and muesli and a big cooked breakfast. Both the smoothies were good however they had a lot of dairy rather than all fruit but they were still very good. The muesli was good however there was only a small amount of Greek yogurt and I had to finish the rest of the meal with milk instead. The cooked breakfast was also very good however the sausage was slightly spicy. There were a lot of other meals on offer, both on display ready to eat (as shown in picture) and ready to be made for you off the menu. I would like to come back and try some other dishes. It was reasonably priced for the amount of food you got and the service was pretty good, however the food was alright not overly wow but I would still recommend trying it out.
The food here always tastes good and feels like a healthier option compared to other cafes. The staff have always been really friendly and helpful and food is reasonably priced with good portion sizes. This has become my go to place for when I want a pasta salad but there are heaps of other choices and would definitely recommend ordering something off their front counter which is served with your choice of salad on the side as well.
We come here for breakfast almost weekend and were never disappointed.
Price is very reasonable compared to other cafes in the area. There's a range of options in the cabinet, or one could order from the menu. My sister loves their lasagna, which is only $8. The French toast is a must. Also, their paninis, salads, and baked kumara are generous in ingredients and portion sizes.
Coffee is more on the milky side, but nevertheless decent and they do some cute latte art ;)
The only downside to this place is that they sometimes get so busy that service is a bit slower or they forget your orders. However, their friendliness and good food makes up for it :)
One of my favourite cafes in Howick! Everyone who works there are absolutely lovely and very efficient. There's always a huge range of cabinet food, ranging from pastries and sandwiches to salads and sweet treats. There's also menu items to choose from as well as a big range of drinks on offer. The seating area isn't huge and can fill up - but I have always been able to find a seat!
Definitely a little gem worth visiting if you're in the area.
Hidden in the nook of Howick Mall, Taste Explosion is a solid, dependable cafe that has a wide range of cabinet food and a great food menu. Decorated with wooden tables and wicker chairs, the cafe was bright and welcoming.
We ordered the fish pie, chicken satay pie and a long black. The long black was average, but both pies were served really hot and looked great.
The chicken satay was chock full of ingredients, and had tomato salsa on the side, which provided that sweet and sour kick to the satay.
On the other hand, the fish pie just came as is, but had great flavour as well. Needed some pepper but that's dependent on personal preference.
The cabinet also has a gluten-free selection, and the fact that those look as appetising as the regular cabinet food is a plus.
Showstopper: The fish pie was hearty and packed with fish and veggies. Served piping hot, and is a great lunch option.
Overall grade: A-
My favourite cafe and so close to home! The massive array of cabinet food, delicious coffee and friendly staff is what makes it the best! I mostly get the salmon bagel, it comes out toasted with relish and is very satisfying. I've also had the salads and a few other things. You can everything to take away also. It is very reasonably priced with most items priced at $8. They also have an extensive menu - I ordered the vege grill and it was huge! Love taste, hope it never changes as it's an absolute gem!
I've walked by this place so many times over the years and never bothered to look in, until now. The selection of food is fantastic. The salads, pies, pastries and sweets looked appetising. We had the chicken and mushroom filo roll, fijoa smoothie and mocha. The roll had chunky pieces of chicken and mushroom in it surrounded by a crispy filo layer. The smoothie was delicious. The mocha was a little bitter. This place is pricey, but justifiably so. I would definitely come back here again. There is a 25% off coupon in the Entertainment book for all those bargain hunters out there.
We passed by Howick Village Mall and had a quick lunch. We had a beef pot pie & a chicken tortilla stack with coffees. We chose to sit indoor and the food was microwaved & came no longer than 5 minutes. Coffees were hot enough; food was ok. I thought beef was minced but it came out in what I preferred, chunks. (Food - 3.5/5)
Taste Explosion is such a gorgeous place, with very friendly staff, a good menu selection, at relatively reasonable prices. My family and I tried the smoked fish pie and the chicken and cranberry filo from out front, both of which were pretty good. The coffee and hot chocolate were also decent.
The eggs benedict, however, were relatively disappointing. The poached eggs' yolks were set firm and the hollandaise tasted more like mayonnaise, and was like this for all of our experiences with this cafe. If you're feeling like an eggs benedict, consider another eatery, but everything else here is at a good, high standard.
Friendly staff. Had the creamy mushroom and the pumpkin scone with a flat white. The food was delicious but the flat white had some coffee bean residue, so it was a bit bitter at the end, but it wasn't too bad. Great overall(:
I am addicated to this place. Best wholesome food / salads around. Happy to spend my dollars here a couple of times a week for a delicious lunch. Very reasonable pricing. Friendly staff and can always get a park outside.
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I went to Taste Explosion Cafe this morning with a friend for breakfast.
Service: very friendly staff, they said 'hi' as soon as I walked in the door, and were very friendly generally throughout. Food and drink also arrived quite promptly.
Food: my friend ordered french toast, and I ordered cherry custard pancakes. The portion of french toast was massive, and was very well presented - although we weren't entirely sure how to eat it! - my friend definitely enjoyed his meal. The cherry custard pancakes were very good - the custard balanced out the sweetness of the cherries and the syrupy sauce they put on the pancakes, so it wasn't too sweet. The only thing I could really complain about (and it really is a minor thing) is I could have done with one more pancake - compared to the portion of french toast my friend had, I felt like I didn't quite have as much food, despite paying the same price. However, considering cherries are quite expensive, and I was still happy with the amount I received, it was still a satisfying meal.
Drinks: my friend had a hot chocolate, and I had a chai latte. I'm no expert on drinks, but they tasted good.
Verdict: I would go back next time I'm home in Auckland, but only if I'm really keen for a fine-dining-esque breakfast. For $20, it was relatively pricey, but if you're looking for a quality meal definitely go to taste explosion. :-)
Wow! what a find! Awesome menu and the counter food looked pretty good too..... Hubby ordered the big brekkie and declared it to be best he has ever had, praise indeed! I had the Brioche French Toast with bacon and fresh fruit. The presentation was equal to, if not better, than any top restaurant in the city. The bacon was yummy, not that awful plastic stuff that many cafes serve up. Came away extremely full and will definitely be back to sample something else on the extensive menu. If I could give this place 10 stars then they would have it......
Can't find another place at Howick Village for a better cup of coffee and a satisfying meal!
Must say I was truly spoilt for choice.
The wide range of fabulous food and salads were so tempting yet awesome - to say the least!
Finally, had a Shepard's pie, a large portion of Chicken Mushroom pocket together with a shot of long black. That was such a delicious meal especially with fast and friendly service. Will definitely visit again.
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Fabulous salads that had a really yummy flavour, and were surprisingly well priced. I upgraded to the big bowl for $9.50, so I could choose 3 salads. Sweet beetroot with feta and roasted walnuts and spinach. YUM (that was my favourite). Plus the wild-rice with yummy stuff all through it, and then some tasty pad-thai as my third 'salad' option.
Outstanding coffee. I love it when cafes use the right calibre of soy milk! (it doesn't actually taste like soy-milk, which is the key!). Thank you!
One great thing about Taste Explosion, is that there are a range of seating options. Out the front in the sun (except the smokers sometimes linger there), inside in the cafe (but it can get a bit noisy), or inside the conservatory area out beyond the back of the cafe - which is my pick (where it's very peaceful, and you can catch some rays coming through from the high, clear sunroof).
They also make a vast range of great sandwich, bap, rolls, etc, options, which are heavily and deliciously seasoned with sauces and yummy ingredients. Again, surpringly good-value in their pricing.
Staff are really courteous and professional.
Also, the parking is SO easy in the car park, right out-front. Keep driving right around behind the shops, and loop back around until you see the Taste Explosion signs.
Visited the cafe at Howick while on holiday in Auckland. The chicken pie was really awesome!
Coupled with a cup of smooth, long black organic coffee...phew! Must admit it was really an excellent meal. Taste Explosion cafe seems busy most of the time but it was well worth the wait for the food and coffee. Chef Mel certainly has good culinary skills and the service staff are friendly and polite. Highly recommended.
When i revisited the cafe lately, I was told that the cafe was bought over by Jennifer (the new owner n her husband Brian). I was simply so amazed
with Jennifer's truly superb coffee and genuine smile! She is indeed the real Deal - unlike the previous barista! Great job Jennifer!
Will certainly visit again and bring my friends along too.
After a trip to Musick Point with some international visitors we found this place in Howick. For lunch we ordered Smoked Salmon bagels and the tasty Vege Grill for the vegetarian in the group. The café was busy but our wait for the order was most acceptable and gave us chance to view some of the snapshots from Musick Point.
The smoked salmon was I though, value for money. The presentation was pleasing; the avos were ripe, fresh and firm and tasty. I like pesto and enjoyed what was delivered.
The Vege Grill had a nice colourful variety of vegetables, cut to a decent size were not over-cooked or burnt. The meal finished off with some coffee. Despite being busy I was impressed with the well presented waitress and the time she took from us placing the order to her serving the meals. Well done guys. The visitors and I were duly impressed.
WOW what a great cafe, the best in Howick for sure! Never been disappointed with the service, quality of coffee is magic, always hot and perfectly served. The food is baked all on the premises and is always 100% great. There is a changing menu for those of us who frequent the cafe which is awesome. I have also had catering completed by Mel, which was top notch.
Would go no further for a cafe in Howick than Taste Explosion. Keep up the great work guys!!
Came in today for a quick coffee break, I ended up leaving with takeaway for dinner. Great variety of food to suit anyone's taste weather it be vegetarian, gluten free... sweets. The flat white was also so so smooth and served with a smile. Nothing was left behind! Definitely will be back tomorrow. (:D
The Coffee was consistent and fortifying, the Eggs Benedict was of good proportion and as a breakfast, set me up for the day.
The sauce was delicious, a pleasant tang which I could not quite identify, but will most definately be back for more!
Fabulous food, huge range, best coffee in Howick and lovely staff! Lots of gluten free foods to choose from. I often take friends there and they have become regulars too. Love their healthy cooking made fresh daily.
Best Ever!! Apart from the tastiest coffee, the variety and quality of food is superb. Has very good gluten free options. Mel is a fantastic chef and all food is made fresh on the premises. Each day there are different flavour scones and muffins. There are club sandwiches, a rarity these days. There is a blackboard menu for breakfasts and lunches. The salads are too numerous to mention and I often buy one for lunch or to add to eveing meal. Leanne at front of counter oversees the coffee and friedly service of staff. There is nowhere else like it in Howick.
First time visiting this little cafe in Howick. A really friendly and welcoming atmosphere when you walk in. Great food and even though they were really busy, the food was served quickly. Mel is a brilliant chef and I will definitely be paying Taste Explosion another visit.
Best coffee in town - we are dedicated to our daily morning brew and since Taste Explosion graced us with their exceptional presence, we now have scones for morning tea and enjoy their amazing salads for lunch. Mel and Leanna have done Howick proud!
Our business has just had some private catering done by you guys for a function we had offsite. The selection was just perfect and the quality amazing. Our guests raved about it - Thank you to the Team at Taste Explosion !
Awesome Variety of 'mouth watering"treats at realistic price's...Great Coffee and always severed with a ' smile'
These Guys have 'changed' the Howick Food scene...Mel is a great chef...started at Karch ...then moved onto The Apothercary and now running there own buisness at Taste Explosion...which has attracted a huge following.
My wife and I enjoy a "good coffee" and are pleased to say we have found one of the best cafes in Auckland.
Not only is the coffee great, the food presentation in the cabinets is visually spectacular (tastes great too!!)
The staff are all friendly and helpful, even when there are super busy.
We took some overseas guest here who are super fussy when it comes to coffee and food and they raved about it for weeks after.
I highly recommend a visit to Taste Explosion in Howick.
Breakfast is so good. I come here just for that. Biggest problem is to know what to choose - so much variety!
And without a doubt the best coffee in Howick - no competition from anywhere else in the village for sure. Tried the rest, but this is the best.
Recommended it to all my friends and now they rave about it as well.
D.J. Smith
Visited cafe for the first time this week, and was delighted with the menu, plenty of choice. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The coffee great. We were recommended it by a friend and will definately be regular customers. Looking forward to
trying one of their Breakfast menu's. It's certainly the best cafe in Howick. Well done to Mel (chef) and all the staff.
Wonderful little cafe. Service with a smile and some great food. I had a mince, bacon and cheese pie although I was sorely tempted by an equally looking Thai chicken dish, all very nice and very tasty, delicacy rather than bakery if you know what I mean. The wife had a chirizo pasta salad which looked good enough for a bloke to eat, and I don't say that very often about salads. All washed down with a good flat white for myself and a decaf, trim milk latte for the wife. The Mrs wanted me to mention that more often than not people screw up her decaf in many cafe's but she was all good at Taste Explosion. All in all, well worth a visit.
Lovely staff, delicious food and the coffee is fantastic. It's now the only place in Howick that I ever eat at.
Mel is a dedicated chef with an eye for detail and full of ideas for new and interesting dishes. He never seems to stop work.
Service is usually excellent, always with a smile. By the look of the number of customers, this is a very popular cafe.
I thoroughly recommend that you give it a try - you won't be disappointed.
We go to Taste Explosion pretty much every Saturday morning for breakfast, and often during the week for coffee or lunch. The very best coffee, food, and service Howick has to offer. The team are so accommodating, friendly and always smiling. We took a large group for breakfast one morning, they were really busy but took the time to make a place for us to sit and enjoy our morning together. This has become my very favourite "go to" place. Can't recommend it enough.
The staff go out of their way to make sure that each time I visit Taste Explosion it is memorable and I feel very special.
They have so many items that cater for customers with food allergies and are happy to make anything you want to eat.
WOW... Absolutely fantastic - Organic coffee the only one in town. - With exceptional service with a smile how could anyone forget Taste Explosion Cafe, "Thank you Anna".
With your service along with the team @ Taste Explosion Cafe in Howick my team and I will certainly be back.
I can not remember a time ever, when I have had such exceptional service, food, and not to mention organic coffee in Howick before.
Well done, and Anna thank you once again.
This is the best cafe in Howick by far...........Fantastic coffee, awesome scones & muffins, salads and meals are always fresh and appetizing. Very dedicated team who are passionate about what they do. Congratulations to Mel & Leanna you deserve every success
Mocha 9.5/10
The Strictly Scrumptious 9/10
The Gourmet Beef Burger 8.5/10
Very good start for Saturday. Thanks team 😊
Tasty food with gluten an d lactose free options. Major choice of delicious treats and organic coffee. Would return. Staff great.
Food is excellent and the coffee is made how I liked it...
I went here 4 or 5 times when I was visiting New Zealand and I loved it. Mochas were great, the pastries were excellent, and the staff were very friendly. I am jealous of locals who can go here all the time.
Food is good and very reasonably priced. The lasagna was very tasty and the portion size was perfect for a small lunch. Coffee was well made and well presented. The place was cozy and comfortable. Centrally situated near the market, it's in a handy spot for a quick coffee and a bite to eat.
My everyday, go to cafe.
Just the best way to start my day.
The staff treat you like family, gorgeous gluten free muffin, perfect coffee.
Its like coming downstairs for breakfast before you head off into the big grown up world.
Delish !
Best bacon and cheese scones ever...Will definitely be making a return journey there again. Son had bacon, eggs and tomato on toast and said he'd like a return visit as if was s substantial helping for a most reasonable price. Well done Taste Explosion.
Excellent food, coffee was also sublime! A lovely cafe with indoor outdoor seating. The indoor seating is a little too close together but if you don't mind being close to your neighbors then you will enjoy your time here.
Good friendly service and seating are spacious. Clean and tidy setting.
Food wise it is so so. Dishes we ordered were overcooked and very dry.
Probably one of the best Eggs Benedict I've had in my life, thus far and would definitely come back for. Nice and cozy ambient, with plenty of other healthy food options.
Great Cafe very friendly young lady on the counter. Coffee was really good and had a blueberry scone that was delicious.
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