Taste Explosion

Howick Village Mall Shop4, 21 Central Terrace, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
+64 21 972 574
$$$ Cafe
(127 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Taste Explosion sits quietly just off the main street in Howick Village Mall, making it a go-to spot for locals looking for a solid café experience without the bustle of busier streets. With a mix of indoor seating and outdoor undercover tables, it adapts well through the year, offering a comfortable spot whether you want a relaxed morning coffee or a casual lunch.

The café leans into its role as a community hub where familiarity and friendly service matter. Regulars appreciate the warm welcomes and attentive staff, who strike a good balance between quick service and making you feel at ease—whether you're popping in for a morning espresso or settling in for a bite to eat.

Coffee here holds a dependable place, with well-prepared classics like Flat Whites and Mochaccinos standing out. The menu also caters to those wanting something a little different — the Turmeric Latte, for example, adds a sweet and spicy twist to regular latte options. On warmer days, iced drinks such as the Peach Iced Tea or Iced Americano provide refreshing choices. For anyone keeping track, the coffee loyalty card is a nice touch for regular visitors.

When it comes to food, Taste Explosion offers more than just your typical café fare. Dishes like the Poached Egg on Garden Sourdough and the Scrumptious Breakfast Grill ensure a hearty start, while the Gourmet Burger and other cooked meals suit a casual lunch crowd looking for generous portions without fuss. The presence of cabinet food options alongside cooked meals gives the place a flexible rhythm: suitable for quick stops or lingering chats over a shared platter.

Visitors report reliable quality across the menu, with items like Egg Benedict and Mushroom Quiche well executed. Portions tend toward the generous side, which fits well with the friendly, unpretentious feel of the space.

Overall, Taste Explosion is best experienced on a quiet weekday morning or early afternoon when the light filters in comfortably through the mall’s central terrace. It suits locals who value good coffee paired with approachable, home-style meals and appreciate staff who remember your name. While it may not be the flashiest café in Howick, it carves out a steady niche as a practical, welcoming spot that fits smoothly into daily routines.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 04:00 PM

127 Reviews
Vicky Williamson

22 Dec 2025

Always a warm welcome. Very quick service. Great coffee. Good range of food.

Rafaela Caze

13 Dec 2025

Taste Explosion is a very welcoming restaurant. The staff are incredibly kind and attentive, making you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. I ordered a chicken burger with fries, and the food was delicious and very well served. The portions are generous, and everything was flavorful. I highly recommend!!!

Laura Sousa

10 Dec 2025

I visited Taste Explosion and had an amazing experience! The owner is very welcoming, the staff are extremely friendly and attentive, and the food… simply excellent! Everything is very well prepared and generously served. Definitely a place worth visiting and coming back to many times.

Harry Low

04 Dec 2025

A cozy casual cafe serving cakes, pies, quiches, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, etc & drinks Good standard of food. The Egg Benedict, Mushroom Quiche and Beef Lasagne are done well. Good value meals vis-a-vis the quality & portions.

William Lin

15 Nov 2025

Simple cafe tucked out the back and off the main street by the car park. They have indoor and outdoor undercover seating. Cabinet food choices or cooked meals. It wouldn't be a first choice option for a cafe in Howick, but not a bad second option. They do coffee stamp cards if you are a regular, so there is a discount after a number of coffee purchases

Steven

18 Oct 2025

I really like the food at this restaurant, and I come four times a week to taste the delicious food! The service and environment are excellent , Full score!

Wayne Huang

25 Sep 2025

Really enjoyed the food, portion size and price was good. The owner was super friendly as well. Went on Monday for lunch and was pretty busy for the lunch rush!

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