Sandwich Emporium is just about good sandwiches, says co-owner Izzy Magill.
"We knew right off the bat we wanted to do something with smoked meats," she says.
"We're passionate about it, and we figured there's a lack of good quality sandwich shops in Wellington. If you want a good sandwich you go to Subway, right?
"So that was our line of thinking and it came about from there."
Magill has opened the emporium on Cuba St with longtime mate Ash Mayor.
The new spot revolves around the art of smoking foods, be it beef, pork, and chicken, or vegetarian options like portobello mushroom and aubergine. The pair have called in Scotty McConnochie, who runs local smoking business The Smoke Ring, to finesse their cuts for the sandwiches.
From pork banh mi, or a smoked aubergine "deconstructed remoulade", a Southern-style shredded chicken and slaw sandwich, to the Smoky Joe beef brisket, their menu is a solid lunch option. The menu will be changed seasonally depending on "what's available and looks good," says Magill.
282 Cuba Street
"We're passionate about it, and we figured there's a lack of good quality sandwich shops in Wellington," says Sandwich Emporium co-owner Izzy Magill.
Waste-free lunch delivery
Launching this week, Yum Jar NZ is the solution for people who need a more transportable lunch option that's all taste and zero waste.
The business delivers lunch in heartily-sized jars all around the Wellington CBD, with a different meal for each day ranging from pastas, noodles and risottos, to delicious salads and nachos.
"We take the stress out of buying lunch by delivering it to you at lunch time, fresh and ready to eat," says owner Ottilie Smith.
"We want to help our customers feel good about themselves, not just by eating delicious and nutrient dense meals but also by knowing they are reducing their environmental impact."
Lord of the Fries hits town
Melbourne-born vegetarian burger joint Lord of the Fries has made its way to Wellington, opening in Cuba Mall in late December.
In the midst of a Kiwi summer where post-beach chips are practically a national ritual, their timing could not have been better. Wellingtonians can swing past for the full swag of fries - classic hand cut, chunky, shoestring and sweet potato, perfect for one of these hot afternoons post-Oriental dip.
Lord of the Fries stemmed from a frustration at the level of processing in fries and fast food, while a lack of vegetarian options in the industry led to an expansion into meaty-looking (operative word: looking) mock beef and chicken burgers alongside vege patties.
The central location is already proving popular among Wellingtonians embracing vegan and vegetarian options, ideal for summer nights when cooking simply seems too hard.
117 Cuba Street
CAFE DISH OF THE WEEK
Bubble Waffle, Goldie Milk Bar and Eatery, 75 Taranaki St, Te Aro
The mighty bubble waffle.
The Bubble Waffle is something of a marvellous creation. Popular in Hong Kong, it is a chewy, butter-free take on a waffle.
Tear off bubbly chunks of dough, eat with a fork or just get into it face first. Wrap it into a cone, and fill it with anything you like - souvlaki-style.
At Goldie, there's a wealth of choices. Start with a seaweed and pork floss waffle, and chase it with a cookie waffle complete with soft serve ice cream, chocolate chips and marshmallows.
Co-owner Belle Wang says it's a taste of home for the family business.
"My family grew up eating it. When people see it, their eyes light up."
For the inside scoop, ask the staff for the traditional bubble waffle fillings that can't be found on the menu. Pair with a Goldie shake for maximum enjoyment.