New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Turo-Turo Philippine Cafe

by Heather M.
11th April 2013

I live overseas and come home to NZ every six months or so. Each time I come, I make sure I take the Eastern Train from Britomart to Glen Innes for my fix of Turo Turo. Each time I go, there is a new and delicious dish. This time I got stuck into the desserts… I tried the Egg Pie (YUM), Brazo de Mercedes (just like a pav without the crunch) and the Sans Rival with the meringue butter cream and cashews. I also had my all time faves – Beef Caldereta, chop suey and Adobo chicken, among others. It is a great place to bring the whole family, with a fun swing set and large open space outside to play. And the staff are just wonderful – they make you feel like you’re part of the family! Salamat Turo Turo!

by Jeanette N.
21st February 2013

Chose to have lunch here when in Glen Innes because it looked authentically Filipino and very hygienic. Set in a square closed to traffic makes it quiet and private. I loved everything about it – the welcome, the service, the setting, and above all the food. The light crispy spring roll entree was lovely but the piece de resistance was the crispy pork. If you love pork crackling (and I do!) then this is a must try. I have never seen so much crackling on one plate. Heaven!! I’ll be back.

by Lea C.
18th February 2013

Excellent service and the food was delicious. We enjoyed the crispy pata, a perfect dish for 2. We were served some lovely soup which was a nice palate cleanse before the main dish. I also liked the Puto or rice cakes (sweet and dense)and Lumpiang or spring roll (crispy with a flavorful filling).

by Philippa P.
8th January 2013

Great location to take kids as can eat outside at tables and they can play outside in GI’s main square and rock playground.
Friendly and obliging service. Tasty dishes.

by Olivia W.
31st October 2012

On my latest visit, I had beautiful, tender Chicken thigh fillets, in a very flavoursome coconut milk, with ginger and chilli. Spicy and delicious, it was just right for my tastes. The chicken was succulent and falling off the bone.

For dessert, I chose something called ‘sans rival’, which was like out-of-this-world amazing. Layers of desserty goodness mean it gets pretty rich by the last mouthful… but that first mouthful of sweetness was: oh my goodness … I’ve also really enjoyed their purple yam cake and loved it.

I usually zip in for lunch on my way to grab some stuff at Nosh, which is just down the road, and parking’s easy in the carpark beside McDonalds. The courtyard in central Glen Innes is surprisingly neat and tidy these days, so sometimes I’ll sit at an outside table on a sunny day.

The first time I came to Turo-Turo was a couple of years ago, and I didn’t have a great experience – I tried some empanadas, which were re-heated, and just not my style at all. But I’m happy that I returned to try other things, because these guys have really upped their game since then (I see no reheated empanadas on the menu now, phew!). All the mains seem to be freshly prepared.

There’s a range of adventurous Filipino things on the menu that I’m still to check out. I’m loving having this place so near the Eastern Bays that’s so unique, so I can surprise my tastebuds with new flavours.
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PS: I’ve since been back to check out the intriguing icecream flavours. The purple yam icecream is SO good. The cheese, I had to try out of curiosity – and it was intriguing – my partner liked it! Also tried the beef burger patties in mushroom sauce – AWESOMEly delicious.

by Jam M.
29th September 2012

Friendly staff that suggests a Pinoy dish to diners, especially Kiwis or non-Filipinos. Great atmosphere and makes you feel you are back home in the Philippines. The food tastes very Pinoy! My favorite dishes are crispy pata, ube ice cream (which I order every time), sansrival, and Joyful chicken. Worth the trip!

I check them out ever so often.

by Nathaniel F.
5th September 2011

There is no better Philippino food in Auckland that I know of than Turo Turo. I’m amazed by their dishes and I like to try different ones every time I go.

Love the Lomi soup (like chicken noodle soup) and Joyful Chicken but am not afraid to try any of the other dishes; they are well described right there on the chalkboard menu behind the front counter.

Lots of parking and you can even take the train to the GI station and walk across the street for a great meal.

Highly recommended!

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