Trader James is a pretty cool bulk foods/whole foods store, the main downsides being that it's not…read morereally near anywhere else you're going and it's not even a very big store. On the plus side, the lady I encountered who worked there was very knowledgeable about their products and about nutrition, and what she didn't know she was happy to look up on the internet for me. Which is cool because then you know she's not making up bullshit to get you to buy something. She did recommend a snack called Frooze Balls which she seemed to think were amazing but when I tried them I thought they were yuck. Personal tastes, I suppose. But aside from that she helped me find what I was looking for (chia seeds) and explain the nutritional difference between black and white chia seeds (none), as well as discuss some other foods suitable for tramping.

For 12 years I was happy to buy American food and things like toothpaste with peroxide and baking…read moresoda not otherwise available in NZ from Martha's. During those 12 years one of the owners frequently went to America to buy the stock. And for many years they got special orders for me. But ever since the pandemic they have lost the plot. They refused to accept special orders and their shelves rarely offer me what I want. I have repeatedly asked them to figure out a new method of getting their supplies which they refuse to do. How they stay in business is a mystery without desirable stuff to buy. They're old and no longer seem to give a damn. I find it remarkable that they stay in business. Not worth the trip.

Ever have the feeling of giddiness as an adult, that makes you say 'get ahold of yourself now?' But…read moreyou can't and your smile is ear to ear. Well that's what Martha's Backyard did to me. I was instantly hit with Americana as the doors spread open for me. No need to trouble yourself with pushing a door American, here let me automatically open for you. Star! Since the owner was clearly using her consumer... ahem marketing skills, the first sight upon entering was a stock pile of Stars & Stripes regalia. All that was needed was the Star Spangled Banner playing in the background. Independence Day is only a few days away, so stock up. Martha's Backyard which of course is a play on words, (think Martha's Vineyard) has many American culinary favorites from candies, seasonings, sauces, cereals, beverages and snacks. I walked out with Cholula, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt, a pack of Lawry's Taco seasoning, mini Butterfingers and 2 boxes of Cap'N Crunch cereal for under $40.00. Not a bad price for imported happiness.

A great Korean grocery store with a small food stall inside. The store is very well maintained by…read moretheir friendly staff and the food they serve at the stall is reasonably priced. I came for the first time about ten years ago and the store hasn't changed since then (in a good way, of course.) Every staff member I encountered at the store was friendly and made me want to come back. I ordered Kimbap (Korean sushi) with ham and dried pollock soup at the stall. Kimbap was very flavorful with a perfect amount of rice and it was absolutely delicious! The dried pollock soup really hit the spot as I wasn't feeling 100% and needed some comfort food. It's got some rehydrated dried fish (pollock), vegetables, eggs and tofu and drizzled with sesame oil. I'll definitely come back to have some more delicious food!

The shop owner Roenen went out of his way for me ! At the moment the shop is spilt in two due to…read morerenovations and when I asked if they had any co-yo he went to the other shop and opened up for me , how nice is that ! Top marks for service ! The whole Highland park complex is being upgraded so shops maybe shifted around . The range of supplements this shop had avaliable was extensive , so much to choose from ! And with a lot is not seen in the ranges . I recommend this health shop whole heartedly .

Great selection of health/organic food and environmentally-friendly shopping choices. They stock…read moreeco-store products, organic and natural shampoos and soaps, various food items, all kinds of vitamins and natural supplements, all that sort of stuff. This is where you can find organic cotton tampons, non-chemical chapsticks, Comvita throat lozenges. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who don't think you're weird when you don't want a bag, and they have a loyalty card system. Conveniently located near a supermarket, post office, florist... it's a very handy place to stop in and pick up your naturally derived products. There's also a fruit and vege store owned by - I believe - the same people, just around the corner so you can also pick up your produce and free range eggs all in the same trip. Tip: Access/closer parking is easier if you drive in from the Highland Park Drive side, between the two Countdowns. (Yes, two Countdowns. It's ridiculous I know.)

I didn't know this place existed - just happened to stumble upon it in the heavily South African…read morepopulated capital of Highland Park. The owner, Isak, was especially nice, offering to describe each of the delicious meats that were on offer - everything from boerewors (cheese, garlic, etc) to spare ribs. He handed us a sample of their shop made snack sausages, which were delicious and clearly fresh as you can get. My eyes landed on their rusks (also shop made - basically these guys must have a small carbon footprint! haha) and a few imported snacks, such as fizzers and ghost pops. Truly a good selection of the best South African goodies. There's another branch out in North Shore if you can't make it out East, and really if you appreciate this sort of ethnic food, you will appreciate them.

Cake Passion makes the best sacher torte I've ever tried- chocolatey, just moist enough and some…read moreincredible icing- and I highly recommend a visit on my opinion alone. But if that's not enough for you, and sacher torte isn't really your thing, Cake Passion is not a one trick pony. Their resume consists of gateaux, dessert pies, tarts and cheesecakes which you can order or try on-site. You can make enquiries with Cake Passion by phone, in person or e-mail. I've dealt with them in all mediums and the service has consistently exceptional. You can find them in a small cluster of stores on Te Irirangi Drive, one of the main roads in Botany Downs. I'd definitely suggest giving Cake Passion a call for your next birthday or special occasion cake. Or just pop in for the sacher torte, a perfect little piece of Vienna!

I purchased 3 cakes for my parents 60th wedding anniversary - a carrot cale a banana cake and a…read morechoc mud cake - AMAZING!! Each cake was decorated perfectly and then message was exactly as I wanted - this is definitely my "go to" bakery for a special occasion- thank you Cake Passion for great service and cakes - absolutely awesome

This is a destination health shop . I frequently walk past here and always pop just to look at all…read morethe products . It is a bit expensive but you can guarantee the products are at the top end . Staff are helpful and don't mind you just looking . There is a bargain table with items that have a dent or just on special. They also sell holistic books and CHOCOLATE ! .

I've been a Ceres faithful for a number of years - when I lived out in Howick it was the go-to shop…read morefor vegetarian goods, and now that I'm out in Western Springs, I'll still make sure I head out there from time to time, just to support Ceres and what they're doing. They've expanded over the years (and were recently lucky enough to be picked for Ponsonby Central) but the Ladies Mile store is still going strong, serving the sandal-wearing hippies and conscious hipsters alike. My main picks at Ceres are part of the Ceres Organics brand. I really like their beans and regularly use Ceres Adzuki and Borlotti beans. I'm also a recent convert to cooking with black beans, and Ceres' canned black beans are a great staple to have in the cupboard. While I do enjoy eating pre-prepared vegetarian meals a lot, I do like having Ceres products at home because they make me want to be a better cook; they make me want to make real whole foods in my kitchen and be conscious of what I eat. So a thanks for years of helping me eat better is definitely in order!