FIND THE BEST CHEAP EATS IN AUCKLAND AROUND THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES! FRIED CHICKEN TO PASTA, OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS.
Whether you just moved to Auckland, are sick of university food, or running low on funds. Here is my curated list of the best food to buy on a budget.
Kebab on Queens
45 Custom St, 4 Fort St, 300 Queen St (Auckland CBD)
A franchise with 7 locations in Auckland alone, you can grab a $5 Kebab or add $4.50 for a combo. Perfect when you’re in a rush to get to class or catch a bus.
Joyce’s Choice: Chicken Kebab Combo ($9.50)
Got Pasta
21 Elliot St, Auckland CBD
Hello food truck heaven, for $5 this a quick & easy fix of your favourite Italian carb. Apart from the ability to choose your pasta type, sauce, and cheese. Portion size is also incredibly decent.
Joyce’s Choice: Small Pasta w/ Rigatoni, Tomato Sauce and Parmesan ($5)
*Discount available on the Niesh app
No.1 Pancake
Corner of Lorne St & Wellesley St, Auckland CBD
This was my go-to food in 1st year. Influenced by Korean street food, this small store serves savoury & sweet pancakes priced at $4.50 or below. However, beware of the lines during lunch.
Joyce’s Choice: Chicken n Cheese Pancake ($4.50)
Revive Cafe
33 Lorne St or 24 Wyndham St, Auckland CBD
The cheap but health conscious champion on this list belongs to Revive. With a 10+ year history of serving student meals around $10 (with Revive student discount). They have a revolving menu of salads, smoothies, hot pots, and desserts. Would not be one to miss if your 2018 resolutions include “getting fit”.
Joyce’s Choice: Regular box w/ Hot Pot & Salad ($8.50 w/ Revive student discount)
Sensational Chicken
11A Mount St, Auckland CBD
Were you even at university if you haven’t tried Sensational Chicken? Open from 10AM-4AM, it is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and post-town drunk food. Apart from fried chicken, they are famous for their halal snack packs. Priced at $10 or below (individual portion).
Joyce’s Choice: Lunch box w/ 1 Thigh, any other piece + Chips ($8)
Heat Pizza
8 Mount St, Auckland CBD
Right across from Sensational Chicken lies my favourite pizza joint. From classic flavours such as Hawaiian to my personal go-to Butter Chicken. You can also get a free drink or add a Small Garlic Pizza for $1.
Joyce’s Choice: 9″ Butter Chicken Pizza + Small Garlic Pizza ($12)
*Discount available on the Niesh app
Lord of the Fries
1 Queen Street & 183 K’Rd, Auckland CBD
Here is one for my vegan friends. With meals priced at around $10, you can get an animal friendly burger or hot dog. Add $1 and you can also get fries using the Niesh deal.
Joyce’s Choice: Chicago Hot Dog + Fries ($10.90)
*Discount available on the Niesh App
Bentto
290 Queen St, Auckland CBD (Shop 8)
Recommended by the Niesh team, Bentto serves donburi for as cheap as $9. Personal reviews from the team include the fact that Bentto serves yummy meals in big portions.
Joyce’s Choice: Crispy Chicken Donburi ($9)
Subway
Auckland CBD
Bread was my first word, and this is why I love ‘Sub of The Day’. Available at any Subway, you can grab a 6″ sub for just $4.90.
Joyce’s Choice: 6″ Pork Riblet Sub, Thursday ($4.90)
Japanese Dining You
223 Queen St, Auckland CBD (The Strand Arcade)
Last but not least, a city hidden gem more commonly known by students as ‘You Curry’. You can get your chosen curry for as cheap as $5. A must visit if you’re in town between 11AM-7PM.
Joyce’s Choice: YOU Curry on Rice, medium ($5)
Want more cheap eats? Check out the Niesh app where you can get free exclusive student discounts at places like Better Burger, Gongcha, Habitual Fix, and more! Get it here!
